Student teachers in Kentucky may be eligible for up to a $5,000 stipend starting this academic year.
The Kentucky legislature passed Statute 164.773 this past spring that allows for student teachers to receive a stipend during their final semester of college. Student teachers previously did not receive any assistance from the state, and this is a trend that is being seen nationally.
Other states that currently compensate their student teachers include Michigan, Colorado and Maryland. Kentucky’s stipend currently caps at $5,000 and requires the student teacher to be a Kentucky resident, approved for student teaching, not to have previously received a stipend for student teaching, enrolled in an approved educator preparation program and meets any other requirements set by the institution.
Madisyn Ransey, senior elementary education major, is wrapping up her student teaching journey this fall as she prepares to graduate. Ransey received the stipend from the state last month and said it helped out tremendously.
“One of the most difficult parts of student teaching for many years is working a full-time internship without being paid,” she said. “We are highly recommended by the University to not work during student teaching. You must be at school all day, all five days a week. Although, many still have bills and rent to pay and not having an income for at least five months is extremely difficult.”
The stipend currently goes to Kentucky residents for the 70-day training period. Ransey said the requirement to be a Kentucky resident could possibly cause a drop in enrollment from out of state students.
“I believe this stipend is based on the amount of students enrolled in the program,” she said. “For many of my friends in student teaching, it was kind of a disappointment. Because (some of my friends) are originally from a different state, they were ineligible. I believe this could decrease the number of out of state students that come to major in education at Murray State.”
The Kentucky Education Association (KEA) played a major role in advocacy for this stipend.
Matthew Callahan, senior English education major and president of KEA’s Aspiring Educators’ program, said with more advocating, the chance for change is greater.
“All of the information I have received about this has come through KEA Aspiring Educators, so I have been very involved in the advocacy work for getting this stipend,” he said. “I am expecting other states to follow suit. This stipend is meant to ensure that student teachers are able to pay for and afford everything they have to, without the stress of having to work two full time positions.”
Student teachers have a lengthy process to gain a student teacher position and even gain a position in the career field after graduation. Certification in Kentucky requires student teachers to pass the Praxis Subject Assessment and the appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching test, completed the student teaching program, completed all the computer literacy requirements, earned a bachelor’s degree and apply for the certificate via the Kentucky Educator Credentialing System.
For more information about the requirements for the student teaching program at Murray State, visit https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfEducationandHumanServices/coecenters/TeacherEducationServices/StudentTeachingProgram.aspx
