CT HB05216

Department of Education establishes the "Student Teacher Investment and Professional Educator Network for Development" (STIPEND) program, effective July 1, 2026, providing $1,000 per week to student teachers completing teaching experiences at Connecticut public schools

Teacher preparation programs must report estimated student teacher numbers by August 1 and December 1 each year, and report any incomplete experiences by January 1 and July 1, with pro rata reimbursement required for uncompleted weeks

Student teachers who do not work as certified teachers in Connecticut public schools for at least two years after graduation must reimburse at least 50% of total stipends received

Department of Education must track employment status of stipend recipients for at least three years after graduation from their teacher preparation program

Annual reporting to the General Assembly's education committee required starting January 1, 2028, with disaggregated data on public school employment rates of stipend recipients