Abbey Machtig:

Student teachers could be paid $10,000 to help cover expenses and reduce debt while training in schools, according to a 2025-27 budget request from state Superintendent Jill Underly and the Department of Public Instruction.

Aspiring educators must complete some form of preparation program to become a licensed teacher in Wisconsin. Many college students spend a semester working in a cooperating school district to meet the requirement, while earning little to no pay.

There is no state program that pays student teachers, DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher said. Grant funding may be available through individual colleges or universities, such as the UW-Madison teacher pledge program.