Pennsylvania Offers $10,000 Stipends for Student Teachers

Applications open this week for the popular program aimed at addressing the teacher shortage.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of textbooks and an apple, representing the tools of the teaching profession, rendered in a bold, pop art style.Pennsylvania's new $10,000 stipend program aims to attract and retain more student teachers through financial incentives.Philadelphia Today

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering $10,000 stipends to student teachers in the state. To qualify, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college and commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years. The program has been popular, with demand outpacing the available funding in its first two years.

Why it matters

The stipend program is part of the state's efforts to address the ongoing teacher shortage by providing financial support to aspiring educators. Retaining teachers is a key challenge, and this initiative aims to incentivize student teachers to stay in Pennsylvania after graduation.

The details

The PHEAA stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications open on April 16. In his budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro has recommended increasing the program's funding from $30 million to $35 million to meet the high demand.

  • Applications for the PHEAA stipends open on April 16, 2026.
  • The program has been running for the past two years.

The players

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

The state agency administering the $10,000 stipend program for student teachers.

Governor Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania who has proposed increasing funding for the stipend program in his budget.

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What’s next

The PHEAA will begin accepting applications for the $10,000 stipends on April 16, 2026, and the funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The takeaway

The Pennsylvania stipend program is a proactive step to support aspiring teachers and address the state's teacher shortage. By providing financial assistance to student teachers, the state aims to attract and retain more educators to work in Pennsylvania schools.