Harrisburg,Pa. – Pennsylvania is grappling with a critically important teacher shortage, leaving school districts with unfilled vacancies, larger class sizes, and limited access to education for students. PA Needs Teachers, a statewide coalition, is urging lawmakers to take immediate action to address the crisis.
the coalition points to a lack of practical experience among new teachers as a key factor in long-term retention challenges,alongside concerns about working conditions and compensation. Emily Sagor, a representative from PA Needs Teachers, stated that Dauphin County alone faces a shortfall of over 500 teachers.
“And so, what PA Needs Teachers is calling for is that we’re urging lawmakers to act now by funding stipends for student teachers and expanding apprenticeship programs. So, getting more folks into the pipeline and to fill those positions,” Sagor said.
PA Needs Teachers advocates for full funding of the student teacher stipend program, requesting $50 million to $55 million, which would include a $5,000 bonus for student teachers. The group is encouraging parents to contact their legislators to support increased funding for the program.
Legislators have begun to address the shortage, but the coalition believes further investment is crucial to effectively recruit and retain qualified educators.