MEMO: #PANeedsTeachers Highlights Ongoing Teacher Shortages and Important Budget Solutions

Flat Funding the Student Teacher Stipend Program is an Effective Cut

Overview

As the Pennsylvania legislature and administration continue negotiations over the budget, the commonwealth's teacher shortage crisis remains urgent and unresolved, threatening not only the education system but also the workforce and economy as a whole. 

According to a recent report from #PANeedsTeachers, which measured teacher shortages both by county and by Senatorial district, found that shortages are at least "moderate" in 97% of all counties and "severe" or "extremely" severe in 63% of all districts.

Budget Must Fully Fund Student Teacher Stipends 

#PANeedsTeachers urges the 2025–26 state budget to include $50–55 million to fully fund the student-teacher stipend program, so aspiring educators can afford to complete their degrees and enter the classroom where they belong. 

Flat Funding the Student Teacher Stipend Program is a Cut

The Student Teacher Stipend Program was originally created through the bipartisan Act 33 of 2023, with $10 million allocated in the FY24 budget. An additional $20 million was appropriated in the FY25 budget. 

Because the FY24 budget was delayed, the initial $10 million appropriation, along with the $20 million from FY25, was applied to the 2024-25 school year. Approximately 4,000 students applied for stipends for the 2024-2025 school year, but the combined $30 million available only covered about half of the students who needed support. Thousands were left without help, despite being ready and willing to enter the profession.

When the Pennsylvania Senate passed a flat-funded budget on August 12, 2025, it included just $20 million towards student-teacher stipends. With $10 million less in funds, this cut means that approximately 700 fewer stipends would be available for the 2025-26 school year as compared to the 2024-25 school year, leaving schools, teachers, and students with fewer resources at a time when the need has never been greater.

"Flat funding is a cut, and cuts now will have consequences for years to come," said Emily Sagor, Pennsylvania Policy Manager of Teach Plus and a leader with #PANeedsTeachers. "We have solutions on the table, and Pennsylvanians are ready to step up and teach. The legislature must act to ensure every student has access to excellent, diverse, and well-prepared teachers."

The Student Teacher Stipend Program Supports Aspiring Teachers and Rebuilds the Student Teacher Pipeline

The student teacher stipend program is a critical first step toward improving the financial value proposition for prospective teachers. This program offers student teachers who commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years after graduation a $10,000 stipend during student teaching (with an additional $5,000 for those student teaching in hard-to-staff schools) to help cover the costs of tuition, rent, food, commuting to their school site, and other necessities that allow them to persist in their teaching. 

"Pennsylvania cannot afford to underfund student teacher stipends and leave aspiring teachers behind," said Sagor. "Every year without full investment in student teacher stipends deepens shortages, disrupts learning, and limits opportunities for students. Our children can't wait. Now is the time to invest in Pennsylvania's teacher workforce."

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