The Utah Education Association (UEA) attended the ceremonial signing of House Bill 221, Stipends for Future Educators, on April 10, 2024, at the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
The new legislation addresses the urgent need to support student teachers during their critical training period by providing a $6,000 stipend during their time in the classroom. Approximately 1,400 student teachers are expected to benefit from the stipend per year.
UEA President Renée Pinkney expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "Our very own Dr. Sara Jones, from UEA, attended the signing of HB 221 Stipends for Future Educators at the invitation of Representative Karen Peterson. Thank you, Dr. Jones, for all your efforts in getting this bill introduced and passed to help our Aspiring Educators!"
This move comes in response to 42% of new teachers in Utah leaving the profession within their first five years. The new law underscores UEA’s long-standing commitment to valuing educators but acknowledges the need for enhanced efforts in recruitment and retention.
The stipend aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by student teachers, who are currently unpaid. This lack of compensation often leads them to take additional jobs or incur debt.
The stipend will be available on July 1, 2024.
