This brief from Prepared to Teach addresses the economic challenges faced by aspiring teachers, emphasizing that financial barriers limit access to the teaching profession, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds. With a significant percentage of students working full time while attending school, financial support becomes crucial to reduce the debt burden. The document argues that investing in paid teacher residencies, such as in successful models in medicine, can address these challenges. Highlighting the success and impact of paid teacher residencies in producing diverse, effective, and long-term educators, the brief advocates for a feasible investment of approximately $3.9 billion a year to support aspiring teachers, ultimately enhancing student outcomes, diversifying the teaching force, and contributing to the national economy.