Grants to school districts to pay student teachers an hourly wage, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
By requiring school boards to compensate student teachers, AB522 is intended to provide financial support that could attract more candidates to the teaching profession. It alleviates some of the financial burdens associated with the student teaching component of degree programs. The reimbursement from the DPI aims to lessen potential disruptions for school districts' budgets, making it easier for them to implement this necessary change.
Summary
Assembly Bill 522 aims to enhance the financial compensation for student teachers in Wisconsin by mandating that school boards pay them a minimum hourly wage of $15 starting from the 2024-25 school year. The bill also establishes a reimbursement mechanism whereby the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will cover the costs incurred by school boards for this hourly wage. This initiative is part of an effort to support the teaching workforce and encourage student participation in teacher preparation programs.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the adequacy of the allocated funds for reimbursements and how this could impact existing school budgets. Some stakeholders may express concerns about whether the $15 hourly wage is sufficient for student teachers considering the overall cost of living and education. Furthermore, the bill's implementation could raise discussions about the quality and structure of teacher preparation programs, especially if additional resources are needed to support student teachers effectively.
Grants to encourage individuals to pursue a career in teaching or to facilitate teacher licensure, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Grants to encourage individuals to pursue a career in teaching or to facilitate teacher licensure, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)