The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania has reached critical levels. According to the 2023 Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis, about 9,500 teachers left the profession in 2022-2023 and another 8,300 in 2023-2024.
 
In order to address our teacher shortage, the House Education Committee will be considering a package of bills intended to reduce barriers to employment, create flexibility for employers, and expand the pool of those eligible to become professional educators.
 
GPA is still a factor in getting into teacher preparation programs and getting a teaching job, and some programs may require a higher GPA in the teacher education program than the cumulative GPA. 
 
Currently, teacher preparation programs have an undergraduate GPA requirement of a 3.0. 
My legislation will reduce the GPA requirement from a 3.0 to a 2.8.
 
While some states and teacher preparation programs are exploring alternative pathways for teacher certification, there is some emerging evidence that teacher education programs nationally are actively but ‘reasonably’ lowering GPA requirements for admission. 
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that will modernize our teacher certification system and expand educational and employment opportunities within this Commonwealth.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1600 (May 05, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 1683 (May 12, 2025): P.L.30, No.14