Pennsylvania is facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining educators, particularly in certain geographical areas and high-demand subject areas. To ensure every student receives a high-quality education, we must modernize our teacher certification process. The current system creates unnecessary barriers that discourage talented individuals from entering the profession, making it harder for schools to fill critical vacancies.
These staffing challenges have serious consequences for our students. When schools struggle to hire and retain certified teachers, students experience larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, and disruptions in their learning. Rural and low-income districts are particularly affected, as well as specialized fields like STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE), where shortages limit students’ access to essential skills and training for future careers.
To address these issues, I will soon introduce a six-bill package aimed at modernizing and streamlining the teacher certification process. Many of these proposals are based on successful initiatives in other states that have strengthened teacher recruitment and retention. By adopting these reforms, Pennsylvania can build a stronger educator workforce, expand access to quality instruction, and uphold the high standards our students deserve.