State representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) announced Tuesday, April 8 that her legislation, HB 1375, to lower costs for college students who are pursuing careers in education passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1375 tasks the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois State Board of Education with creating a stipend program for students pursuing a specialized educator curriculum and teachers administering that program. The measure will help to lower financial barriers to students who want to pursue careers in education in Illinois.
“I would not be where I am without the dedication of countless public school teachers who guided me and set me up for success,” said Representative Barbara Hernadez. “Illinois, like states throughout the county, has a teacher shortage that is harming our ability to provide young people with the high quality education they deserve.
“This bipartisan legislation will allow us to address the teacher shortage by offering low-income students a stipend while they pursue their education degrees.
“Kids in Illinois deserve the best possible education that will set them up for success in their lives, and that means making sure they have teachers at every step of their educational journey. Affordability should not be a barrier to people who want to devote themselves to a career in teaching and help our young people reach their goals. I am proud that this legislation passed the House and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take it up quickly.”
Under the legislation, eligible students would receive a stipend of $10,000, and cooperating teachers would receive a stipend of $2,000. More information about the legislation is available here.