PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The first students to complete the School District of Philadelphia's new early childhood education program went from graduates to employees as they signed full-time contracts with Blue Bell-based educational services company KenCrest.
The city partnered with KenCrest to help high school graduates get their early childhood career and technical education (CTE) certification and find full time jobs.
Shytina Jones thanked her teachers and said she’s looking forward to the work. “I get to tell them and show them. You’re listened to. You’re human. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise,” she said.
She, along with Miyon Jones (no relation) and Mikai’l Grant earned nine college credits each which they can use toward advancing their education. Grant says he wants to be a teacher who children can look up to.
“A lot of people don’t have positive male role models in their lives. And I think it’s important to have that one male role model,” he said.
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In his congratulations, Schools Superintendent Tony Watlington pointed out that the nation is facing a shortage of teachers. He said it’s crucial to develop new ways to get into the field.
“When we think about how this country became the world’s largest economy and strongest military, it’s because of great teachers that helped build all that stuff,” he told the graduates, calling them pioneers. “You are setting the standard for a lot of other young people.”
According to Watlington, the number of Pennsylvania high school seniors deciding to go into teaching is down by 66%, while 50% of seniors nationwide want to pursue teaching.
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