The shortage of well-qualified teachers in Pennsylvania has been a long-standing issue, but the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is taking action to address it. Recently, PDE awarded more than $1.4 million to 77 school entities to support the development of future special educators. The funding is intended to help cultivate the next generation of teachers who will be equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality education to students with special needs. This initiative is a step towards ensuring that every student in Pennsylvania has access to the education they deserve.
According to Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, the Secretary of Education, the key to building a better future for our learners is to ensure that we have an adequate number of highly qualified and well-compensated teachers in our classrooms. He further added that the grant funding will help reinforce their efforts to develop a strong and competent workforce of educators in the Commonwealth. By motivating current students to become future teachers and investing in practical learning and career exploration opportunities, we are setting the groundwork to support the students of Pennsylvania for years to come.
The focus of the grants is on Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), with the aim of encouraging them to create or enhance experiential learning programs. The objective is to promote the participation of secondary and postsecondary students in activities that involve learning and collaborating with students who have disabilities.
Students will learn how to support their peers with disabilities through hands-on experiences and structured programs. Educators will guide the activities to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
As a part of PDE’s comprehensive strategy to attract and retain teachers throughout Pennsylvania, this initiative is a crucial step. PDE is working closely with educational influencers to ensure a consistent flow of competent educators, who are well-prepared to impart valuable knowledge to students of all levels, as the ultimate goal.
This move to award grants is a major stride in tackling the issue of teacher shortage and guaranteeing that students with disabilities get the necessary assistance.
