PRINTER'S NO. 3133
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
205
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY HOWARD, HILL-EVANS, MADDEN, LONGIETTI,
D. WILLIAMS, GUZMAN, KINSEY, SAPPEY, SANCHEZ, SCHLOSSBERG,
DELLOSO, PARKER AND CIRESI, MAY 23, 2022
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 23, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
comprehensive study on the feasibility of paying student
teachers and student social workers for field placements,
internships and student teaching.
WHEREAS, There is a nationwide shortage of teachers and
social workers; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the shortage
and amplified burnout; and
WHEREAS, Teachers who earn less than $45,000 have a median
salary that is nearly 13% lower than other Pennsylvanians who
have a bachelor's degree, and teachers with a master's degree
who earn less than $45,000 have a median salary 33% lower than
other Pennsylvanians with a master's degree; and
WHEREAS, To obtain a license in the field of social work, an
individual must obtain a master's degree while the median annual
wage for a social worker is $50,000; and
WHEREAS, There are many barriers to entering the teaching and
social work professions such as the high cost of education, low
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pay, stress of the job which leads to burnout and field
placement requirements; and
WHEREAS, Prospective teachers and social workers are required
to do field placements, internships and student teaching in
order to enter the profession, but are often not compensated for
this work; and
WHEREAS, The requirement to complete field placements,
internships and student teaching without adequate compensation
can cause students to choose not to pursue a career in teaching
or social work or to delay their career; and
WHEREAS, It is important to have sufficient staffing of
teachers and social workers as they fill vital roles in society
and are responsible for the education, safety and well-being of
our children; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on
the feasibility of compensating student teachers and student
social workers for field placements, internships and student
teaching; and be it further
RESOLVED, That, at a minimum, the study include:
(1) The current need for teachers and social workers.
(2) The difficulties prospective teachers and social
workers face by having to complete required field placements,
internships and student teaching without being adequately
compensated.
(3) The issues around, and feasibility of, adequately
compensating students for required field placements,
internships and student teaching through direct and indirect
compensation, including, but not limited to, cash payments,
tuition waivers and tuition reimbursements;
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and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission submit a
report of the study's findings with legislative recommendations
to the following within a year of the adoption of this
resolution:
(1) The chair and minority chair of the Education
Committee of the House of Representatives.
(2) The chair and minority chair of the Human Services
Committee of the House of Representatives.
(3) The chair and minority chair of the Professional
Licensure Committee of the House of Representatives.
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