Pennsylvania distributes approximately $8 million in grants to extend apprenticeship initiatives, aiming to combat the teacher shortage.
👋 Polyglott here, dishing out the deets on the newest phase of Pennsylvania's teacher apprenticeship program! This ain't your usual classroom grind; it's an earn-as-you-learn pathway that helps eager educators, paraprofessionals, and those with emergency certifications secure full teacher certification while chugging away in schools.
The $7.76 million investment in this bad boy is all about pinpointing high-need schools—shouting out to districts in urban jungles like Philadelphia, as well as rural and suburban areas feeling the squeeze. Collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is key to its success, fostering a more sustainable educator workforce.
In the Philly scene, grants have been handed out to:
- Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22 (BCIU) for training paraprofessionals to become certified special education teachers, with a mix of online and on-the-job learning.
- Chester County Intermediate Unit 24, which is expanding its post-baccalaureate special education apprenticeship program in high-need districts, including certification and mentorship for student teachers.
- Esperanza Academy Charter School in Philly, for partnering with Eastern University to help paraprofessionals earn special education degrees and teaching certifications.
Over the years, Pennsylvania has been hit hard by a 67% drop in certified teachers, with high-poverty schools and those serving students of color feeling the pain. But don't worry, mate. This initiative is a crucial part of Governor Shapiro's plan to create a stronger, more inclusive education workforce, ensuring every learner in Pennsylvania receives quality education from passionate teachers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pennsylvania's teaching scene! 📚😉🧑🔬🏫🤗
- The investment in Pennsylvania's teacher apprenticeship program is not just about education-and-self-development for educators, but also personal-growth, as it aids in career-development by securing full teacher certification.
- This collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is essential for policy-and-legislation, as it fosters a more sustainable educator workforce and supports lifelong-learning.
- The grants awarded to BCIU, Chester County Intermediate Unit 24, and Esperanza Academy Charter School are examples of online-education and skills-training, providing opportunities for paraprofessionals to upgrade their qualifications.
- The drop in certified teachers in Pennsylvania, particularly in high-poverty schools and those serving students of color, is a significant general-news issue, but initiatives like this one are part of the solution for creating a stronger, more inclusive education workforce.
- Keeping up with the latest developments in Pennsylvania's teaching scene is important for job-search purposes, as it provides insights into current policy-and-legislation and offers opportunities for lifelong-learning and professional growth.
