SPRINGFIELD — Future educators  may soon see new opportunities for fair compensation thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson. House Bill 3528, which recently passed the House, would change the Illinois School Code to ensure that institutions of higher education cannot require student teachers to work without pay.

“Student teachers are doing real work in real classrooms, and they deserve the chance to be compensated,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This measure doesn’t require payment, but it removes outdated policies that flat-out prohibit it. That opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, or other partners to offer stipends or wages if they choose.”

While the measure will not mandate that universities or school districts pay student teachers, it explicitly prohibits any policy that bars such payment. By doing so, it creates legal space for compensation models to emerge and evolve—particularly in high-need areas.

Currently, many preservice teachers spend months in classrooms fulfilling student teaching requirements—often full time—without receiving any compensation. This creates significant financial strain and has been identified as a barrier that discourages many talented individuals from pursuing a career in education.

“This bill is about equity and common sense,” Johnson adds. “We want to support future educators, not saddle them with impossible choices between teaching and making ends meet.”

House Bill 3528 has been assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee for further consideration.