For Nevaeh Robinson, Advocacy Day is more than an event. Held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, the day gave her a chance to stand up for future teachers and push for change that will affect generations of students. “I may be just one voice,” Robinson said, “but that voice matters when it’s fighting for something bigger than myself.”
Robinson is pursuing a +1 accelerated master’s dual-degree program in adult learning, training and organizational development through Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). She currently serves as community outreach and book distribution coordinator at Tree House Books. Both her studies and her work have deepened her understanding of education systems and strengthened her commitment to advocating for equitable policies and supporting future educators.
Last spring, members of the CEHD community joined more than 120 advocates from the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium, the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators, and the Pennsylvania Council for Administrators of Special Education for a special Advocacy Day focused on fully funding student teacher stipends. The initiative gave future educators and supporters a chance to meet lawmakers, share personal stories and push for policies that better support student teaching programs. The main goal was to urge legislators to include $50-55 million in this year’s state budget so eligible 2025-2026 student teachers could receive a $10,000 stipend in exchange for committing to teach in Pennsylvania for at least three years.
The Capitol was filled with passionate voices advocating for education. Among them was Robinson, who knows firsthand how critical funding is for student teachers. Student teaching requires many hours in classrooms with little or no compensation, creating a significant barrier for students, especially those from low-income or diverse backgrounds. Robinson said this obstacle discourages many aspiring educators from entering the field.
During Advocacy Day, Robinson highlighted the urgent need for fully-funded stipends. “If we expect students to complete 40 hours of service as part of their curriculum and pay for their college credits, then they deserve to be compensated for that work,” she said. “It’s about respect and fairness.” She emphasized that stipends not only support student teachers financially but also help maintain diversity and sustainability in the teaching workforce. “Supporting stipends means we can attract a wider, more diverse group of future teachers, people who truly represent the communities they will serve,” she said.
Robinson and her fellow advocates met with state representatives, including Representative Carol Doherty, sharing stories and data demonstrating how current funding falls short. While many students are eligible for stipends, not enough funds are available to support everyone in need. Robinson described the moment lawmakers recognized the gap between funding and need. “There was a moment in one of our meetings where I saw it click for them,” she recalled. “They started to really get that this isn’t just about money. It’s about giving every student an equal chance to succeed.”
For Robinson, Advocacy Day was personal. She understands the struggles student teachers face and how challenging it can be to balance unpaid work with financial obligations. “Without stipends, many student teachers juggle multiple jobs or family responsibilities, which takes away from their learning and growth,” she said. “Fully funding stipends is an investment in the future of education.”
The benefits of fully-funded stipends extend beyond individual teachers. Robinson explained that it creates stronger classrooms filled with passionate educators who can focus on teaching rather than financial stress. “It doesn’t just help teachers, it helps schools. It means more students see themselves reflected in their teachers. It means a better education system for everyone.”
Robinson hopes Advocacy Day inspires more people to understand why student teaching stipends matter and to join the effort to secure full funding. “We need lawmakers to see this as a priority because supporting student teachers supports our children’s futures,” she said.
Her message to other advocates is clear: keep pushing forward. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every voice counts. We must speak up for what’s right and keep fighting for equity in education.”
For Robinson and many others, Advocacy Day is a reminder that when people come together with purpose and passion, they can create real change. She also hopes lawmakers continue listening, not just on Advocacy Day, but every day. “This shouldn’t be a one-time thing,” she said. “We have to keep pushing, keep talking about it, and keep showing why it matters.”
Looking back, Robinson said she is proud she took part in something bigger than herself. She knows the fight for fully-funded student teaching stipends isn’t over, but she is ready to keep going. “This is more than just me,” she said. “It’s about every future teacher who deserves to be seen, heard and supported.”
Even if her voice started small, her message has been far-reaching. For the next generation of educators, that could make all the difference.