HB3379 is a short amendment to the Illinois School Code that directs the State Board of Education to use available state and federal programs, grants, and subsidies to help pay for student teachers, as appropriate funds become available. The bill does not create a specific new funding source or mandate a fixed appropriation; instead, it instructs the State Board to make use of existing or future funding opportunities for this purpose.
In practical terms, the bill would add a new section to the State Board of Education Article of the School Code and would tie the Board’s responsibility to the availability of funds. The measure is focused on reducing the financial burden on student teachers, who often complete required clinical placements with limited or no pay, by encouraging the State Board to identify and apply relevant funding streams.
Impact
HB3379 would amend the Illinois School Code by adding Section 2-3.206, creating a statutory directive for the State Board of Education to seek out and use state and federal grants, programs, and subsidies that can support payment for student teachers. Because the bill is framed as an instruction to use funds as they become available, it would not by itself guarantee compensation or establish a dedicated appropriation, but it could influence how education funding is prioritized and administered for teacher preparation programs and student teachers.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as its purpose is to support aspiring teachers and reduce barriers to entering the profession. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the record supplied. The bill’s caption and text indicate a straightforward workforce-support measure rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if the bill were discussed, could include whether the State Board should be required to use existing funds for student teacher pay, how much discretion the Board should have in identifying eligible programs, and whether the measure should include a dedicated funding source rather than relying on available grants and subsidies. However, none of these concerns are reflected in the supplied transcripts or voting history.