The Oklahoma State Department of Education is sending nearly $13 million of COVID-19 relief money to pay student teachers.

The goal is to add teachers who are still in college or teaching as a second career and encourage them to stay in Oklahoma after they are certified.

Student teachers will get a $1,625 dollar stipend at the beginning of their internship and the other half if they get a teaching job in the state.

Shelbie Witte, Head of Oklahoma State University's School of Teaching said, "Ultimately, it comes down to respect and compensation for teachers, and the more that we can provide them as far as support and compensation, that problem I think will solve itself."

The program seeks to boost the careers of 1,300 teachers over the next three school years.