Utah Implements $6,000 Stipend for Student-Teachers

A recent bill passed in Utah is providing significant financial support for student-teachers, aimed at addressing issues related to educational workforce retention in the state. The program, which emerged this spring, offers a $6,000 stipend to student-teachers across Utah, a considerable change from the previous norm where such positions were typically unpaid.

Layne Horgesheimer, a student-teacher at Boulton Elementary School and an attendee of Utah State University, is one of over 450 teacher students who applied for and received the stipend. Reflecting on the financial relief this provides, Horgesheimer stated, “It helps you not worry about those daily stressors in life — paying bills, eating, food.”

The initiator of the bill, State Representative Karen Peterson (R-Clinton), discussed the critical retention issue it seeks to address. “If someone goes through a teaching experience, they’re more likely to stay in the profession,” Peterson noted, comparing a 65% retention rate for those who complete student teaching to a 50% retention rate for those who do not.

The legislation received wide support following poignant testimonies from student-teachers about the personal and professional challenges they faced. Peterson shared the impactful stories that informed her colleagues’ support, such as a student who resorted to camping all semester due to unaffordable rent and another surviving on string cheese for lunches.

This initiative is funded with $8.4 million, with plans to reassess the program during the upcoming legislative session in relation to student-teacher participation and program sustainability.

Horgesheimer highlighted the positive impact of the stipend, emphasizing, “To have a burden lifted a bit with that semester is amazing.” The funding reprieve allows her and her husband, who is also pursuing education, to continue their studies without having to defer one path in favor of financial stability.