IL HB4652

Amends Illinois Pension Code to include stipends paid to eligible cooperating teachers under Section 9.44 of the Board of Higher Education Act in the definition of "salary" for pension purposes.

Creates a new student teaching stipend program under the Board of Higher Education Act providing up to $10,000 per semester (up to 2 consecutive semesters) to eligible students enrolled in educator preparation programs.

Establishes a cooperating teacher stipend of up to $2,000 per semester (up to 2 consecutive semesters per academic year) distributed through school districts and early childhood education providers.

Requires eligible cooperating teachers receiving stipends to complete State-approved, evidence-based training covering cooperating teacher responsibilities, student teacher support, and assessment aligned with State educator performance evaluation requirements.

Directs the Board of Higher Education to report on the stipend program's impact on educator preparation enrollment, completion, hiring, and retention rates by June 30 following the third consecutive fiscal year of funding at least $2,000,000.