Image Credit: Speaker Cameron Sexton / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton is proposing legislation to treat student teachers as paid interns during their required semester of currently unpaid classroom experiences in hopes of addressing the teacher shortage and broadening the field of teaching candidates.
The state has reportedly faced more than 7,000 teaching vacancies statewide in recent years, resulting in larger class sizes and the issuance of emergency licenses to those without full teaching qualifications. To address these shortcomings, Sexton has discussed introducing a bill for the 2026 legislative session that would provide stipends to student teachers during their mandatory semester of classroom experience.
“There should be a stipend in there for them as they do their student teaching,” Sexton said. “We want them to be successful but also making sure they don’t have to go work a second or third job to make ends meet.”
He believes the legislation could ease significant financial barriers that inhibit many potential teachers from entering the profession as aspiring educators must work full-time in classrooms while still covering their living expenses during their student teaching period.
According to a 2022 state report, more than two-thirds of surveyed teachers reported having debt due to state education preparation programs. Sexton noted that some are taking out loans to make ends meet.
“When I talk to teacher and new teachers, they’re frustrated that when they do their internships, they do it for free. They’re teaching, but they’re still trying to survive. That’s a barrier for them,” he stated.
Though the proposal appears to be in the early stages of development with few solidified details, the Speaker also said the amount could mean a $1,500 or $2,000 monthly stipend which would be funded through the state so as not to add undue burden to local districts to find the funding for such a program.
He believes the proposal could move forward through the new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding formula despite an advisory from TN Comptroller Jason Mumpower that he anticipates a difficult budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
“You try to find what you think is really important and you try to find the funding or have the funding that does it. So, I think this is something that I would consider to be a priority in education,” Sexton commented.
But Gov. Bill Lee’s office, which is currently drafting the governor’s proposed budget for review by the legislature, was entirely noncommittal about the proposal.
“Gov. Lee is grateful for Speaker Sexton’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to quality education and looks forward to working in partnership with the General Assembly to further innovate Tennessee’s education system and support teachers, parents, and students,” was the response from a spokesperson for the governor’s office.
Regarding education, it is likely much of Lee’s proposed budged will center on the expansion of his Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program, with the number of applicants anticipated to far exceed the 5,000-scholarship extension the legislature is authorized to make without taking additional action.
Republican leadership has spoken highly of the program and many have expressed their desire to see it grow exponentially.
Sexton is also floating another more controversial proposal which came a few weeks ago when he discussed lowering the education requirements for teachers. He said the proposal is also intended to address the aforementioned teacher shortage, potentially encouraging those to enter the profession who otherwise may not due to the qualification standards or coax some retirees back into the classroom.
The General Assembly is set to reconvene January 13, 2026, where both of Sexton’s proposals will be considered should he fully realize them into filed legislation.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
