Legislation that would allow student teachers working in pre-schools to receive pay has been approved by the Michigan Senate Education Committee and headed for a vote in the full Senate.

Detroit state Senator Stephanie Chang sponsored the legislation that she says would mean thousands of dollars for students.

“So that means that those student teachers are missing out on a $9,600 stipend that could impact their decision to continue their instruction at the university’s early childhood education center or potentially seek out other programs,” Chang said.

Chang says student teachers at pre-school centers at Wayne State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ferris State, and U of M Dearborn and Flint would be helped. She says it’s a way to keep new teachers in the state. Currently, student teachers in school districts receive the money.