Legislative Updates

2025 Legislative Agenda:

Expanding Paid Student Teaching:

Student teaching is vital for preparing future educators, yet unlike paid internships in other professions, it remains unpaid in Minnesota. This creates financial strain, forcing student teachers to juggle part-time jobs alongside their teaching responsibilities, diminishing their effectiveness and well-being. Research shows that paid internships improve retention and performance, ensuring greater focus and inclusivity by allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate. Compensating student teachers reflects their contributions, strengthens the profession, and enhances the education system. Advocating for expanding Minnesota's paid student teaching pilot program will help create a more equitable future for educators.

Dissolution of the EdTPA:

The EdTPA is a costly and outdated assessment tool that detracts from the primary goal of student teaching—developing the skills to connect with and educate students. By prioritizing standardized evaluations over personalized mentoring, the EdTPA imposes unnecessary stress and financial burdens, failing to accurately measure teaching readiness. Universities, with their expertise in tailoring assessments, are better equipped to evaluate future educators effectively. Eliminating the EdTPA as a licensure requirement and adopting alternative methods will allow student teachers to focus on meaningful classroom experiences, fostering growth and success in their teaching careers.

Limiting Placement Distance for Student Teaching:

Excessive commute distances for student teachers create significant financial, physical, and emotional stress, undermining their ability to excel in the classroom. Long commutes reduce time for lesson planning and self-care, leading to diminished performance and well-being. Research highlights the negative impacts of extended travel on productivity and mental health, making it crucial to establish reasonable placement distances. Limiting these commutes ensures student teachers can concentrate on their students and responsibilities, creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for aspiring educators.