New report offers solutions to the 'dire' teacher shortage crisis in Pennsylvania
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2023/02/13/pennsylvania-report-highlights-dire-teacher-shortage-offers-solutions-to-worsening-crisis/stories/202302100095
Pennsylvania is facing a dire and worsening teacher shortage crisis, according to a new report that details sweeping recommendations to address short-term challenges while also looking into the root cause of the systemic problem.
The 36-page (link below) PA Needs Teachers report delves into how educators are prepared for their roles, paid and retained while also outlining guidance for specific policy changes. The recommendations range from offering free schooling for prospective teachers to creating avenues for advancement within a teaching position.
The guidance was a compilation of suggestions presented at a September PA Needs Teachers Summit in Harrisburg by Teach Plus and the National Center on Education and the Economy, two national nonprofits. The summit which included 150 participants including K-12 educators, higher education leaders, policymakers and public education and nonprofit advocates launched a new coalition effort to address hiring and retainment challenges facing school districts across the state.
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The state is also facing a declining number of issued teacher certifications. In 2010, there were about 15,000 new in-state teacher certifications issued. That number dropped to more than just 5,000 for the 2020-21 school year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. During the 2020-21 school year, Pennsylvania issued more emergency permits people with a bachelors degree can become certified to temporarily fill open teaching positions than teacher certifications.
PDF version of the report "PA Needs Teachers" can be downloaded here:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/625efa338ff616655e317829/t/63d2bb6cbb01ef36e58ebe6e/1674754988415/%23PNT%3A+Addressing+Pennsylvania%27s+Teacher+Shortage+Crisis+Through+Systemic+Solutions
- more at link -