HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has awarded over $1.4 million to 77 school entities to help cultivate the next generation of special educators. This funding aims to address the ongoing shortage of well-qualified teachers in the state.
“Creating a future for our learners starts with having enough well-qualified, well-paid teachers in our classrooms, and this grant funding will bolster our efforts to generate a robust educator workforce in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “By inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s teachers—and by investing in hands-on learning and career exploration opportunities—we are laying the foundation to support Pennsylvania’s students for decades to come.”
The grants are targeted at Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). These entities are encouraged to develop or expand experiential learning opportunities. The goal is to engage secondary and postsecondary students in learning about and working with students with disabilities.
Through these hands-on experiences, students will participate in structured activities and programs designed to teach them how to support students with disabilities. The activities will be guided by current educators to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
This initiative is part of PDE’s broader efforts to recruit and retain teachers across Pennsylvania. By collaborating with educational leaders, PDE aims to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified educators ready to provide high-quality education to students of all ages.
The awarded grants are a significant step toward addressing the teacher shortage and ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need.
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