Rep. Brennan Announces Bipartisan "Future Educators Support Act" Advances from House Education Committee

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today announced that Substitute House Bill (HB) 523, the bipartisan “Future Educators Support Act” jointly sponsored with State Rep. Gayle Manning (R-Avon), passed the Ohio House Education Committee.

The legislation is designed to provide financial support and relief for Ohio student teachers while helping address the state’s ongoing educator shortage.

The bill would allow public schools to provide stipends to student teachers, permit state colleges and universities to reduce or waive tuition and fees for student teachers during their field placements, and require the creation of statewide and regional lists of in-demand teaching jobs to better connect workforce needs with educator preparation programs.

“For far too long, student teachers have essentially been expected to work full-time jobs without pay while continuing to pay tuition and manage the rising costs of housing, transportation, food, and other basic necessities,” said Rep. Brennan. “As a former educator and someone who has consistently fought to strengthen public education and expand opportunity, I believe we must do more to support the next generation of teachers entering the profession.”

Rep. Brennan has long advocated for policies aimed at improving educator recruitment and retention and reducing financial barriers for aspiring teachers. He noted that while the legislation does not include every provision he originally sought, the bill represents meaningful progress achieved through bipartisan collaboration.

“This bill is not everything I wanted, and I have been very open about that,” continued Rep. Brennan. “However, in the Ohio General Assembly, we cannot let perfect be the enemy of good. This legislation moves the conversation forward and creates real opportunities to provide student teachers with financial relief and additional support while they complete the demanding requirements of their preparation programs.”

“I appreciate Representative and Speaker Pro-Tempore Manning working with me on this bipartisan effort because supporting future educators should not be a partisan issue,” added Rep. Brennan. “I remain committed to continuing this work and building on this legislation until we fully address the financial burdens many student teachers face.”

Under the legislation:

• Public schools may provide stipends to student teachers;
• State institutions of higher education may offer reduced tuition or fee waivers for student teachers during required field experiences; and
• The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would create and publish lists of in-demand teaching jobs statewide and regionally.

Rep. Brennan said the legislation reflects the importance of ensuring talented Ohioans from all backgrounds are able to pursue careers in education without unnecessary financial hardship.

“At a time when many schools across Ohio are struggling to recruit and retain teachers, we should be doing everything possible to encourage talented people to enter the profession—not creating additional financial obstacles,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “Our future educators deserve support, respect, and the resources necessary to succeed.”

Substitute HB 523, the “Future Educators Support Act”, now awaits further consideration before the full Ohio House of Representatives.