North Dakota Officials Proposed Teacher Stipend Bill

The proposed legislation seeks to address the state's teacher shortage through annual bonuses.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Aid

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass school bell on a wooden surface, representing North Dakota's teacher recruitment efforts. — North Dakota lawmakers have introduced the STAYS stipend bill, a financial incentive program aimed at improving teacher recruitment and retention statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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North Dakota officials have proposed a new legislation called the Support Teachers and Youth Succeed (STAYS) stipend. This plan aims to boost teacher recruitment and retention by providing annual payments to licensed educators.

Why it matters

The bill was designed to combat a statewide teacher shortage by providing financial incentives to qualified professionals. By utilizing the Common Schools Trust Fund, the state hopes to make the teaching profession more sustainable for educators.

The proposed stipends are funded by 10% of the biennial distribution from the Common Schools Trust Fund. Bonus payments for eligible teachers are capped at 25% of the average teacher base salary.

The players

Education Standards and Practices Board

This body is responsible for issuing professional licenses to educators in North Dakota.

70th Legislative Assembly

This governing body is the entity tasked with reviewing and approving the proposed STAYS stipend bill.

The details

The stipend is available to individuals who hold an active teaching license from the Education Standards and Practices Board, excluding administrators. Payments will be distributed based on the total count of eligible teachers in the state.

September 28, 2026: The proposal was announced at a press conference.
January 2027: The 70th Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene.

Culture Shift

The proposal reflects a broader move among state governments to address educational staffing crises through dedicated trust fund allocations. It marks a significant departure from traditional funding models that typically prioritize facilities and equipment over direct payroll bonuses.

If passed, teachers in the state could see an immediate impact on their annual income through the new stipend program. The legislation may influence the career decisions of educators currently navigating the state's teacher shortage.

The takeaway

The proposed STAYS stipend highlights an attempt to stabilize the educational workforce by tying compensation to existing trust fund distributions. Teachers should monitor the upcoming legislative session to see if the bill receives approval for implementation.