Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods

The Georgia House has passed HB 310, known as the Student Teacher Promotion Act, a measure designed to support future educators and strengthen Georgia’s teacher pipeline.

The legislation would create a needs-based student-teacher grant program for student teachers who are eligible to receive the federal Pell Grant. Under the proposal, participating student teachers could receive up to $5,000 to help offset the costs associated with student teaching — a requirement that often prevents education majors from working full-time while completing their training.

In addition to the grant funding, the bill would provide an incentive for graduates to remain in Georgia classrooms. Those who accept employment in a Georgia public school would be eligible to receive a $2,500 signing bonus after completing 30 days on the job.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised the measure, stating:

“HB 310, the Student Teacher Promotion Act, passed the Georgia House this week. The bill would create a needs-based student-teacher grant program for student teachers eligible to receive the Pell Grant. Participating student teachers would receive up to $5,000 to help offset the costs of student teaching, and would be eligible to receive a $2,500 signing bonus after 30 days of employment as a teacher in a Georgia public school.”

Supporters say the bill addresses financial barriers many aspiring teachers face during their required student teaching semester, when they are typically working full-time in classrooms without pay. Lawmakers say the program is aimed at increasing recruitment and retention of teachers across Georgia, particularly in high-need areas.

The bill now moves forward in the legislative process for further consideration.