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Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) FAQ

• What is the Student Teacher Stipend Program?

  The Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) provides a one-time $10,000 stipend to eligible aspiring teachers completing student teaching, also known as clinical practice.

• Why is California offering this stipend?

  California is investing in future educators by helping reduce financial barriers associated with student teaching and supporting more individuals as they pursue a teaching career.

• Who is eligible?

  You may qualify if you:

  • Are enrolled in a Commission-approved preliminary teaching credential program.
  • Are completing at least 500 of the required 600 hours of clinical practice.
  • Begin or continue clinical practice on or after July 1, 2026.

   

  Hold the required credentialing clearances.

• Who is not eligible?

  The stipend is not available to:

  • Any student teacher completing student teaching as a full-time teacher of record earning a salary. This applies to student teachers on Intern credentials, Short-Term Staff Permits, Provisional Intern Permits, and any other Commission document that allows a student teacher to be full-time teacher of record during their student teaching.
  • Candidates in Pupil Personnel Services, Speech-Language Pathology Services, or Career Technical Education credential programs.
  • Teachers adding an additional credential where the student teacher is not in a credential program of 500 or more hours and/or serving as a full-time teacher of record.
  • Candidates receiving support through a Commission-administered Teacher Residency Grant.
• How much money will I receive?

  Eligible candidates receive a one-time stipend of $10,000.

• Do I have to pay the stipend back?

  No. The STSP is a stipend, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid.

• Who submits the application?

  Once you begin your clinical practice coursework, your student teaching placement, and have shown evidence of a valid professional fitness review your credential program and participating school district will work together to submit the application on your behalf. Candidates do not apply directly.

• Why don’t I apply for the stipend myself?

  The Student Teacher Stipend Program is funded through Proposition 98 funds, and these state funds can only be distributed to local education agencies. Because of this and because eligibility must be verified by both the credential program and the local education agency where the student teacher will student teach, the applications are submitted in partnership by these two agencies on behalf of the student teachers.

• When will I receive the stipend?

  Payment is issued after the participating district receives grant funding from the state. Payments are not immediate and typically occur 50 or more days after the grant award agreement is finalized.

• What should I do next?

  Talk with your credential program advisor, confirm your student teaching placement, verify that your program and district are participating, and ensure all required clearances and documents are complete.

  For additional information, contact your credential program advisor or email STSP@ctc.ca.gov.