Shapiro: New Teacher apprenticeship program partnership plan to fill shortages in schools

Unveiled on April 4th, 2023, the Shapiro administration has introduced a new plan to fix the shortages of Pennsylvania's certified elementary and secondary teachers.

What is it?

The apprenticeship program will be an opportunity for those willing to get into the educational field and gain in-demand skills while earning a paycheck.

This is essential as an apprenticeship is an opportunity to build the educational workforce instead of the constant searching for it.

The departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Education (PDE) hope to rebuild Pennsylvania's teacher shortage by expanding the apprenticeship model in the education sector to include training for individuals like paraprofessionals and teachers' aides who want to become certified elementary and secondary teachers.

"Building opportunity for our kids starts in our classrooms, but students can't succeed if we don't have enough well-qualified, well-paid teachers helping them learn and grow," said Governor Josh Shapiro.

L&I is soliciting applications for up to $500,000 in grant funding from organizations capable of building a registered apprenticeship program that school districts across Pennsylvania could use as a template for teacher career pathways. 

The deadline to apply for grant funding is June 1, 2023. 

More information about the Building and Supporting a Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program grant availability is available on L&I's website.

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