Aspiring teachers in California may soon receive financial support during their training, thanks to a new bill introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. The bill, AB 1128, aims to provide financial compensation to student teachers, helping to alleviate the financial burden that often deters individuals from pursuing a teaching career.
To earn a teaching credential in California, candidates must complete a one-year program that includes coursework and 600 hours of classroom experience. During this time, they typically work without pay, which can be a significant hardship. The new bill proposes to pay student teachers the same rate as substitute teachers, approximately $140 a day, potentially costing up to $300 million annually. Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $100 million for this initiative in his revised budget.
The bill seeks to address the ongoing teacher shortage in California by making the profession more accessible to lower-income individuals. As reported by CalMatters, Muratsuchi stated, “Nothing makes a bigger difference in improving the quality of public education than getting highly qualified teachers in the classroom.”
The financial strain of becoming a teacher is significant. Teacher credential programs can cost between $20,000 and $40,000, and many aspiring teachers accumulate substantial debt. According to a study by the Learning Policy Institute, about 60% of teachers borrow money to complete their degrees, with loans averaging $30,000.
Christopher Carr, executive director of Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles, called the bill a potential “game changer” that could attract more diverse candidates to the profession. The bill has passed the Assembly and is awaiting a Senate vote. It has no formal opposition and is supported by the California Teachers Association.
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