LINCOLN- If passed, LB953 introduced by Sen. Kathleen Kauth could give student teachers 100% tuition waivers beginning in 2025. "Encouraging and supporting prospective teachers will help us rebuild our teacher population," Kauth told the Education Committee last week during a public hearing over LB953.

The proposed program would run for six consecutive school years, ending during the 2030-31 school year, and is estimated to cost roughly $15 million in lost tuition revenue. However, this would be offset by annual appropriations of up to $3 million, argued Kristen Hassebrook, a lobbyist for the University of Nebraska System.

Paul Turman, chancellor of the state college system of Peru, Chadron, and Wayne State Colleges, said some school districts, such as Omaha Public Schools, provide stipends to student teachers, but that the practice is not widespread, especially in rural Nebraska. "Any type of legislation that begins to address ways to help incentivize students teachers in their final year of experiences is very warranted," Turman told the Education Committee.

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