Student FAQ

Eligibility

I AM COMPLETING MY STUDENT TEACHING DURING THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE PA STUDENT TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAM AWARD?

No. The PA Student Teacher Support Program will be available to student teachers beginning with the 2024-25 academic year (fall and spring terms).

What happens if I withdraw or fail student teaching?

Student teachers who do not complete their student teaching after receiving an award will be required to return the award.

I will start student teaching in Pennsylvania in fall 2024 and intend to teach in Pennsylvania after graduation. However, my postsecondary institution is not located in Pennsylvania. Will I be eligible for an award?

No. One of the eligibility requirements for the PA Student Teacher Support Program is that student teachers must be currently enrolled in an institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

I will begin student teaching in spring 2025. Should I apply in April 2024 when the application becomes available?

Yes! All student teachers for the 2024-25 academic year are encouraged to apply as soon as the application becomes available in April 2024. This program is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis by term.

Apply

What information will I need on my application?

You will need to share basic demographic information, your postsecondary school of attendance, what term you plan to student teach, and if available, your Professional Personnel Identification Number (PPID).

Contact information provided on the application must be legible and valid. We will email you at the address provided on the application or to an updated address provided to us by the student teacher.

What is a PPID and how do I get one?

Your PPID is a number unique to you assigned through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) with PA Department of Education (PDE). You can find more information on TIMS at the PDE support site.

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Awards

How much money does the program provide?

The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides the following:

  • $10,000 to student teachers who meet program requirements.
  • An additional $5,000 is available to student teachers working in high-need areas which attract few student teachers or have a high rate of open positions.
  • A grant payment of $2,500 may also be available to the student teacher's cooperating teacher.

Awardees that fail to meet the 3-year commitment may be required to repay the awarded funds.

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