Support for Schools and Student Teachers

The PA Student Teacher Support Program is designed to address the financial strain caused by student teaching requirements, incentivize completion at Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and non-public schools that struggle to attract educators, and to reduce teacher shortages in Pennsylvania.

Student Teacher Eligibility

To be considered for the PA Student Teacher Support Program, you must:

• Be currently enrolled in an institution of higher education located in Pennsylvania.
• Be currently enrolled in a PA Department of Education approved educator preparation program.
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.
• Be placed in a position as a student teacher at an approved location. Placement is not required at the time of your application, but it is required by the placement deadline.
  • Locations include: School districts, intermediate units, non-public schools, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, or cyber charter schools.
• Have obtained the required clearances for employment in public or private schools in Pennsylvania.
• Agree to work as a teacher at an LEA or non-public school within Pennsylvania for a period of no less than 3 years.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • A permanent resident is defined as a non-citizen who is legally permitted to live and work in the United States permanently.

What to Expect When You Apply

The 2024-25 PA Student Teacher Support Program Student Application is currently available. Not sure how the process works? Check out the application process flow below.

Role of LEAs and Non-Public Schools

In addition to working with the educator preparation programs to place student teachers, LEAs and non-public schools must assign a cooperating teacher for each student teacher placed at the location.