This bill establishes a new system for providing stipends to student teachers in Minnesota, as outlined in the proposed new law under section [122A.78] PAID STUDENT TEACHING. The commissioner of education is tasked with developing this system, which will offer stipends to teacher candidates completing their student teaching requirements. Student teachers will be classified as temporary employees and will not have access to local bargaining units or benefits. The bill mandates that school districts and charter schools hosting student teachers must pay these stipends, with half disbursed at the start and the remainder at the conclusion of the student teaching period. The Department of Education will reimburse host schools for these stipends. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation section that allocates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for the purpose of providing stipends to student teachers. The base amount for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is set at $18,526,000. The commissioner of education is required to establish a stipend amount based on the projected number of student teachers and available funds, ensuring that host schools are reimbursed for the stipends they pay. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.