Pennsylvania's teacher shortage worsens as state reaches 'lowest level' in new certifications

[FakeNoose]

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2023/04/19/pennsylvania-teacher-shortage-certifications/stories/202304190042

Pennsylvania’s decade-long teacher shortage is worsening. For the first time in the state’s history, the amount of emergency teaching permits outpaced newly certified teachers, causing Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage to reach its “lowest level” since 2010, according to a new report.

During the 2021-22 school year, 6,366 people received emergency permits — or when people with a bachelor’s degree can become certified to temporarily fill open teaching positions — compared to 4,220 students who received teaching certificates. The data was analyzed in a report by Ed Fuller, an associate professor in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Penn State’s College of Education.

“It’s affecting student achievement, which everyone in Pennsylvania should be concerned about,” Mr. Fuller said.

The report attributed the shortage to three possible causes: increasing costs of higher education, stagnant and declining wages and benefits, and worsening working conditions.

- more at link -

This news is devastating for the future of our schools. I believe that state scholarships should be awarded to any Pennsylvania high school graduate who decides to earn a degree in education.

[jimfields33]

1. Pennsylvania pays well too. At least they used too.

It’s been awhile since I spoke to a teacher from Pennsylvania.

[Freddie]

2. We do

I’m a payroll admin for a suburban PA school district. Top of the scale (Master’s plus 30, 15 years) is a little north of 100k. Plus good health insurance and a real pension. I’m
surprised PA isn’t recruiting more from teacher-unfriendly states.

[jimfields33]

3. Thanks for that. Very surprised

Good idea for them to recruit from nasty states like Florida.