Rep. Brennan Introduces Bipartisan Bill Supporting Aspiring Educators in Ohio

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) and Don Jones (R-Freeport), both former teachers, have recently introduced House Bill (HB) 205 which would address an issue of great importance to the future of education: investing in student teachers.

The path to becoming an educator is riddled with financial challenges, especially during the student-teaching phase. We must address the burdens they face if we want to attract a talented teaching workforce.

“I can attest to the financial challenges student teaching presented to me in the early 90s. When you are student teaching, you are paying full tuition while working full time during the school day, as well as nights and weekends – planning, grading, preparing for evaluations, among many other requirements all while not getting paid and not having time to hold down another job. With rising tuition, room and board, and other costs, the teaching career is becoming a non-starter for many students,” said Rep. Brennan.

This legislation would permit school districts to pay a student teacher an hourly wage and offer healthcare benefits. Additionally, it allows for the Department of Education and Workforce to provide either a cost-of-living stipend or test fee waivers or reimbursements based on financial need.

Finally, it authorizes a state university or college to waive tuition for the individual enrolled in a teacher preparation program. 

“The permissiveness of this legislation allows for school districts, the Department of Education and Workforce, and institutions of higher learning the flexibility to incentivize young Ohioans to pursue the admirable career of teaching,” said Rep. Brennan. 

This investment not only will attract the best and brightest to the profession but also acknowledges the value of their contributions.

HB 205 awaits assignment to the House Education Committee and an opportunity for sponsor testimony.