PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes, union leaders and administrators gathered at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber Monday to discuss ways to ease the state’s teacher shortage.
The Philadelphia School District started the current year short of more than 200 teachers. Superintendent Tony Watlington says it’s a reflection of the fact that between 2011 and 2022, there’s been a huge drop — about 71% — in people seeking teaching careers.
Recognizing the decline, Science Leadership Academy started a course for students seeking teaching careers.
“The pipeline program is doing what it has set out to do: To spark that interest,” said Instructor Njemele Anderson.
But beyond interest there are financial obstacles, said Melody Dorsainvil, a Temple University senior majoring in early childhood education.
“From tuition to books to transportation, there were very few days where I wasn’t anxious about how I’d be able to keep going,” she said. “During a majority of my college career, I’ve had to work two or three jobs to try and stay afloat.”
One strategy promoted by Hughes is to pay student-teachers for their time.
Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin endorsed the idea.
“Paying our student-teachers a modest stipend will remove a significant barrier in becoming an educator and help ease the staff shortages in the years ahead,” he said.
Last year, lawmakers approved $10 million to pay student-teachers up to $10,000 each. Gov. Josh Shapiro is looking to expand the program in his current budget proposal.