Wilson College Director Speaks on Behalf of Student Teacher Educators

Beth Byers, director of teacher certification pathways at Wilson College, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro, state lawmakers, and other distinguished guests at a news conference in Harrisburg, Pa., on Wednesday April 10, to celebrate the announcement of the state's first-ever student teacher stipend. The program, which launched April 11, compensates eligible student teachers up to $15,000 while going through their apprenticeship, and offers an additional $5,000 for working in a high-needs district.

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“We are optimistic that this is a pivotal moment for educators across the state,” said Byers. She explained that 45% of all students seeking teacher certification in Pennsylvania attend one of the state’s 90 independent nonprofit colleges and universities, like Wilson. These students are required to report for 60 days without any compensation to complete their certification. 

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With the addition of this stipend, Byers explained how several barriers to teacher education will be removed. She said, “One, it’s going to help attract and retain students who may not have considered a teaching profession due to that unpaid student teaching semester. Two, it will alleviate the financial burden of unpaid student teaching for twelve weeks, especially for adults completing a certification program. Three, it will encourage student teachers to consider high-need districts for their student teaching experience. And four, it will increase the willingness of excellent educators to serve as cooperating teachers in the classroom.”

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Lynn Newman, Associate Professor of Education and Division Chair of Education & Business; Amy Watson, Placement Coordinator; Beth Byers, Teacher Certification Pathways Director

This program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and selection for the stipend is competitive. Student teachers must apply to the program, demonstrate they are student teaching in Pennsylvania in an approved education program, maintain a 3.0 minimum grade point average, and promise to teach in Pennsylvania three years after graduation. Visit pheaa.org/studentteacher for more information.