Georgia State University Student Teachers Meet with Rep. Phil Olaleye and PAGE

Students in the College of Education at Georgia State University (GSU) joined Rep. Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta), PAGE staff, and GSU faculty for an in-depth discussion of challenges students face during their student teaching.

Major themes frequently mentioned during the meeting echoed PAGE member survey findings, including teacher preparation affordability and access to health insurance and mental health services. Several students shared they have had to scale back hours or quit jobs that help pay their bills due to the time commitment of their unpaid student teaching positions. Others shared that they are able to work in addition to student teaching, but often late into the night, even when required to student teach the following day.

Other students described the mental health toll of student teaching, often due to financial hardship or excessive workload. Some students benefit from living with their parents or other loved ones to save expenses, but many do not. Several other students whose parents are first-generation US immigrants shared that their parents are hesitant to encourage their children to pursue careers in education due to perceived stereotypes of teachers, including lower pay and the perception that teachers are not respected.

Despite the challenges they face, the students emphasized they persevere towards their goals to becoming teachers because it allows them to positively impact the lives of students.

Webinar Focused on RtW Bills Posted on PAGE Legislative Website



Rep. Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta) was presented the 2025 Torchbearer for Education Award at the event by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) for sponsoring House Bill 310, the Student Teacher Promotion Act.

The award is intended to highlight policymakers whose work benefits and supports Georgia students, educators, and public education. HB 310 would provide public schools with grants to be used for stipends of up to $7,500 for student teachers. Student teachers would have to apply for these stipend funds, and all grants would be subject to appropriation by the Georgia General Assembly. 

PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper, Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli, Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock, and Legislative Services Specialist Josh Stephens presented the award to Olaleye after his meeting with GSU student teachers. Also pictured is Dr. Carla Tanguay with GSU College of Education. Thank you to Rep. Olaleye for all he does for students and educators in Georgia!

PAGE Resources for College Students and Student Teachers

Craig Harper and PAGE College Services Representative Mary Ruth Ray provided an overview of the benefits of PAGE membership to the students. For only $15 per year, college membership in PAGE gives students $1 million liability insurance and free access to Georgia’s most knowledgeable education attorneys. PAGE College Services offers a variety of additional benefits to college students:

• Ethics training

• Professional learning

• Student scholarships

• Affordable membership

Click the button below for more information about PAGE College Services.

More Information about PAGE College Services

PAGE to Advocate for HB 310's Passage as Part of 2025 Legislative Priorities

PAGE supports HB 310 and intends to work with Rep. Olaleye and other members of the Georgia General Assembly to advocate for its passage in 2026. PAGE also strongly supports the work being led by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission pursuant to SR 237, which aims to strengthen the educator workforce. PAGE urges policymakers to act on the recommendations developed by the SR 237 working group.

In addition to advocating for a need-based stipend for student teachers in high-need subject areas, PAGE highlights other policies that educators say will improve recruitment and retention:   

• Reauthorizing the return-to-work program for retired teachers in high-need subject areas 

• Extending the state teacher salary schedule steps past 20 years of experience  

• Reauthorizing the Teacher Tax Credit for educators in high-need subject areas in rural or low-performing schools 

• Increasing salaries for paraprofessionals 

• Exploring educator workforce housing solutions 

• Increasing state funding for substitute teachers funding 

Legislators can also improve educator working conditions and enhance instruction by:   

• Protecting educator planning time and duty-free lunch 

• Evaluating Georgia’s strategic waiver and charter district flexibility programs to ensure flexibility waivers contribute to student and educator success