SPRINGFIELD — Student teachers in Illinois may soon have new opportunities for fair compensation, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson that passed the Senate.

“Student teachers are not volunteers — they’re future educators doing real, meaningful work in classrooms every single day,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation breaks down outdated barriers that prevented them from being paid and opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to offer compensation.”

House Bill 3528 would prohibit public universities from enforcing policies that require student teachers to work without the possibility of pay. While the bill does not mandate payment, it removes language that explicitly prohibits compensation — allowing local innovation and partnership in addressing the teacher shortage.

Many student teachers currently work full-time in classrooms without pay for an entire semester, placing financial strain on aspiring educators and disproportionately affecting students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds.

“This is a commonsense, equity-driven solution,” said Johnson. “By clearing the path for stipends and wages, we’re supporting the next generation of teachers and helping build a more diverse, sustainable workforce.”

House Bill 3528 passed the Senate Thursday.