1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "Eligible student teacher" means a student teacher who:

      1. (i) is enrolled in an educator preparation program that leads to a professional level educator license, regardless of whether the student teacher is enrolled at an institution described in Section 53H-1-102, or another public or private institution within the state or another state;
      2. (ii) works at an LEA within the state as a full-time student teacher to meet the educator preparation program requirements; and
      3. (iii) signs an affidavit demonstrating the student teacher's intent to work in Utah and pursue a Utah professional level educator license.
   2. (b) "License" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53E-6-102.
   3. (c) "Program" means the Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program described in Subsection (2).
2. (2) This section creates the Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program.

3. (3) Subject to legislative appropriations, the state board shall award a grant to an eligible student teacher who:

   1. (a) submits an application to the state board;
   2. (b) is enrolled and in good standing in an educator preparation program leading to a Utah professional level educator license;
   3. (c) seeks to obtain the student teacher's first Utah professional level educator license;
   4. (d) has not received a grant award under the program or funding from another state program regarding the student teaching; and

   5. (e) does not receive compensation during the student teaching experience from:

      1. (i) an LEA, unless the eligible student teacher works as a substitute teacher or in an extracurricular activity;
      2. (ii) a work service program offered through the Department of Workforce Services; or
      3. (iii) the Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program as described in Section 53F-5-218.
4. (4) The state board shall determine the amount of the grant award.

5. (5) The state board may, subject to legislative appropriations and the number of applicants:

   1. (a) reduce the amount of the grant award; and
   2. (b) distribute grant awards on a pro rata basis.

Amended by Chapter 9, 2025 Special Session 1