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.

Career and technical Education (CTE) programs are an essential part of preparing students for high-demand fields, offering practical, real-world learning experiences. Many of the skills required in these fields—ranging from manufacturing to information technology—are areas where veterans already possess significant and specific work experience.
 
My legislation will allow veterans’ service experience in a specific occupational area to count toward the credits necessary for a CTE Instructional 1 certification. This will open new pathways for veterans to become educators and share their valuable hands-on skills and expertise with students.
 
This legislation eliminates unnecessary barriers for those who have served our country, providing them with the opportunity to complete certification requirements and contribute their invaluable occupational expertise to the classroom.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that will address the teacher shortage while honoring the skills and dedication of our veterans.