Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced today that $1.5 million in grant funding is available to Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) that partner with school districts to accelerate the process of becoming a special education teacher.
The Acting Minister of Education, Dr. Khaled N. “This grant funding will enable schools to meet their unique staffing needs and provide more opportunities for flexible and accelerated certification for potential teachers.”
Pennsylvania faces a significant teacher shortage across the Commonwealth. A decade ago, nearly 20,000 teacher certifications were issued each year, while only about 6,000 are issued in 2021. The Shapiro administration is taking action to address the shortage of the educational workforce and make it easier for Pennsylvanians to become teachers, because creating real opportunity for our children It starts with having enough well-qualified, well-paid teachers in our classrooms.
In his budget speech, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for three years to anyone who earns a new license or certification in education, nursing or law enforcement, to help more Pennsylvanians become teachers and combat education shortages. Pennsylvania professionals. Governor Shapiro’s budget also includes an additional $103.8 million in funding for private education in Pennsylvania. This funding will support school districts as they provide quality educational services to students with disabilities and special needs.
Through the Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification, grants are available to colleges and universities with accredited PK-12 Special Education Certification programs to partner with at least one school district, an accredited private school, a career and technology center, a charter school, an internet charter school, or a unit Medium To provide individuals currently holding a bachelor’s degree with summer field experiences, mentoring by experienced special educators during the school year, and offer a post-baccalaureate program toward PK-12 Special Education Teacher certification within 18 months. Programs must offer most coursework during summer 2023 and summer 2024; Provide a range of in-person and virtual options for flexibility and support to full-time accelerated program participants; and ensuring a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching.
The maximum scholarship for IHEs is $100,000 and funds are available through December 31, 2024. IHEs must apply through Attract-Prepare-Retain (APR) warehouse By April 7, 2023. a Webinar On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the session will be recorded and made available in the APR repository.
This program builds on the department’s efforts to recruit and retain teachers in Pennsylvania. PDE’s Teacher workforce strategy It works to ensure a strong pool of teachers are in place to provide high quality education to learners of all ages across the Commonwealth.
Governor Shapiro believes that the foundation for building strong and safe communities begins with an adequate and equitable public education system. His 2023-24 budget is the first step toward a comprehensive solution to improve our public schools, drive education money abroad equitably, support our teachers, and invest in targeted solutions that meet the needs of students at every level.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Please visit the website Or follow the PDE on InstagramAnd FacebookAnd TwitterAnd Youtubeor pinterest.
Media contact: Casesmith, [email protected] –
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