Innovative Apprenticeship Program Aims to Address Pennsylvania’s Teacher Shortage

Classroom© Arthur Krijgsman / Pexels / Canva

HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a pioneering effort to combat the ongoing staffing shortages in Pennsylvania schools. A $379,000 grant has been awarded to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit to develop an apprenticeship program for teachers, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.

The Departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Education (PDE) joined forces in early 2023 to address the teacher shortage by expanding the apprenticeship model in the education sector. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program in Pennsylvania (TAP.PA). The program aims to provide training for individuals such as paraprofessionals and teachers’ aides who aspire to become certified elementary and secondary teachers.

The Shapiro Administration handpicked Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit to design a registered apprenticeship program that could serve as a blueprint for teacher career pathways across the state. The unit is tasked with building a sustainable model for teacher training that incorporates robust partnerships with community colleges, higher education institutions, workforce development organizations, government agencies, and local education agencies. These partnerships are critical to addressing the distinct needs of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

TAP.PA’s key components include curriculum development in alignment with Pennsylvania’s educational standards and teacher certification requirements, and the creation of diverse pathways tailored for both paraprofessionals and emergency-certified teachers. The program also emphasizes mentorship and diversity training to enhance inclusivity and equity within the educator workforce.

Pennsylvania schools face considerable challenges in maintaining adequate levels of well-qualified teachers. According to a study conducted by the Penn State College of Education’s Center for Evaluation and Education Policy, the number of teaching positions filled by individuals on an emergency permit has seen a significant rise compared to the number of newly certified teachers who participated in state teacher preparation programs.

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While there are currently over 30 registered apprenticeship programs in the education sector throughout Pennsylvania, most focus on the early childhood education workforce. This new initiative represents a shift in focus towards elementary and secondary teachers, and it could be a game-changer for the state’s education sector.

Established in 2016, L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) is tasked with guiding and promoting the expansion of all registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth. The ATO currently supports 880 unique program sponsors and 1,648 occupation-specific registered apprenticeship programs, with 17,007 registered apprentices currently active.

This innovative apprenticeship program is a significant step forward in addressing the teacher shortage crisis in Pennsylvania. By providing earn-as-you-learn opportunities for aspiring educators, the program aims to transform the landscape of teacher training and ensure that every student in the state has access to well-qualified and dedicated teachers.

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