Student Teacher Stipend Program Guidance Regarding Student Teacher Paid Placements

June 19, 2026

Background: During the April 9, 2026, Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) webinar, and in the regional learning sessions, guidance was provided regarding the eligibility of candidates serving under a Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP) or Provisional Internship Permit (PIP). Following additional review of the authorizing legislation and program intent, the Commission has updated its guidance.

Previous Guidance: The April 9^th, 2026 Q&A indicated that because authorizing legislation was silent on candidates serving in paid teaching assignments under a STSP or PIP, guidance indicated these student teachers would be eligible for STSP funding.

Updated Guidance: Though Education Code 44400 through 44400.03 is silent on student teachers completing their student teaching as teacher of record on a PIP or STSP credential, the intent of the Student Teacher Stipend Program and authorizing legislation (AB 121) is to compensate student teachers who are not teacher of record and are not earning a salary, referenced as “unpaid student teaching.” As such, student teachers completing student teaching as a full-time teacher of record earning a salary are not eligible to participate in the Student Teacher Stipend Program. This update applies to student teachers on Intern credentials, Short-Term Staff Permit, Provisional Intern Permit, and any other Commission document that allows a student teacher to be full-time teacher of record during their student teaching.