HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced the recent graduation of 142 students from the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program, designed to address the state’s critical shortage of special education teachers. This initiative, supported by $1.5 million in state funding, aims to recruit and train special educators more efficiently, preparing them to meet the diverse needs of Pennsylvania’s learners.
“Like many other states across the nation, Pennsylvania has been facing an educator workforce shortage—with a particularly critical need to fill thousands of special educator vacancies,” said Interim Acting Secretary Angela Fitterer. “Special educators play an essential role in the lives of their students and families, and this cohort of new teachers will make a lasting impact in classrooms across the Commonwealth for years to come.”
The program provided accelerated pathways for bachelor’s degree holders through partnerships between institutions of higher education and local schools. Participants received focused mentoring, summer field experiences, and specialized coursework that combined in-person and virtual formats for flexibility. Graduates also completed a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching, ensuring they were well-prepared for their classrooms.
Participants highlighted the program’s accessibility and impact. Nisa Jabbar-Bey of Lincoln University praised the learning environment, saying, “I learned so much and I’m so grateful.” At Gannon University, Nicolina Barbero lauded the program for opening new career opportunities and equipping her with tools that immediately benefited her students.
This program builds upon Governor Josh Shapiro’s initiatives to strengthen Pennsylvania’s teacher pipeline, including faster teacher certification processing, free intern certificates, and financial support for student teachers. The success of these future educators stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, high-quality education for all students.
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