Enact the Future Educators Support Act

HB 563, known as the Future Educators Support Act, introduces three main changes to support school staff and future teachers in Ohio. First, it requires school districts to conduct annual surveys to track staffing shortages, including vacancies and the use of substitutes or alternative licenses, with results published online. Second, the bill allows student teachers to receive a cost-of-living stipend or test fee waivers while completing their required teaching placements. Finally, it mandates that teaching be classified as an in-demand job and permits districts to pay student teachers a wage rate comparable to that of regular teachers or offer them health benefits. These provisions aim to improve data on educator staffing and provide financial support to individuals entering the teaching profession.