More than 3,000 apply for Pa. student teacher stipends in one day.

by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
March 7, 2025

In only 24 hours, more than 3,000 Pennsylvanians studying to become educators applied for a stipend of up to $15,000 to fund their required semester of in-classroom training. But unless lawmakers act, many will not receive them – essentially meaning they will work for free. 

“Student teacher stipends are life-changing for the aspiring educators who receive them,” Aaron Chapin, President of the state’s largest teachers’ union, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said in a statement. “Over the past year, I have met student teachers who are sole providers for their families and could never have completed their student teaching without the financial security that comes with receiving a stipend.”

The student teacher stipend program, aimed at increasing the number of educators in the commonwealth, began last year with $10 million in funding. While thousands applied, only hundreds were able to receive funding. Later, during budget negotiations, the program received an additional $20 million, though it was still not enough to cover many applicants.

This year, Gov. Josh Shapiro is proposing $40 million for stipend funding. Lawmakers, however, will have to agree to the figure during budget negotiations. 

The Pennsylvania State Education Association says to fully fund the program and provide stipends for all eligible student teachers, the state will need to provide at least $50 million. That’s based on the roughly 4,000 applicants who applied for the 2024-2025 school year.

Applications are still open on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s website. The funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying, full-time student teachers who are enrolled in an approved program and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0. 

Though it’s unclear whether lawmakers will appropriate enough money to fund additional applicants, the teachers’ union is still encouraging prospective student-teachers to apply.

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