HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is taking bold action to combat its teacher shortage crisis, unveiling a $4.2 million grant opportunity to expand its Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) program. Announced by the Shapiro Administration, this groundbreaking initiative offers a lifeline to schools struggling with staffing challenges, while creating an innovative pathway for aspiring educators to gain certification and serve their communities.
“This program is an innovative Pennsylvania solution to the teacher shortages affecting schools and students nationwide,” said Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker. “By combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction, we’re creating pathways to family-sustaining careers while helping our schools and students thrive.”
With public schools across the Commonwealth facing a 67% decline in certified teachers over the past decade, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Teacher shortages are particularly acute in high-poverty districts and schools serving large populations of students of color. The urgency of the challenge requires more than traditional solutions, and the Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship program is designed to meet that demand head-on.
A New Pathway to Certification
The CTRA program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in schools, giving paraprofessionals, emergency-certified teachers, and other aspiring educators a chance to earn their full certification while they work. This “earn-as-you-learn” model not only lowers financial barriers to entering the teaching profession but also ensures schools are staffed with educators who reflect the diversity of their communities.
Grants of up to $400,000 will be provided for single school district initiatives, while regional or multi-district programs can apply for up to $600,000. The funding will help expand apprenticeship opportunities, with programs tailored to local needs and built on successful frameworks developed by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in 2024.
“Pennsylvania needs more high-quality teachers in our classrooms, and this program creates a new pathway for aspiring educators to achieve their dreams and career goals,” said Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer. “These individuals are already committed to the education of Pennsylvania’s next generation of learners, and this program offers an opportunity to take their leadership to the next level.”
Targeting High-Need Areas
The CTRA program prioritizes candidates from underrepresented populations, particularly those from low- and moderate-income communities, to ensure equitable access to teaching careers. It also focuses on filling shortages in critical areas such as special education, STEM subjects, and English Language Learner instruction—fields where qualified educators are especially scarce.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Shapiro Administration to recruit and retain teachers statewide. Since taking office, the administration has introduced measures to streamline teacher certification processing by more than ten weeks, made intern certificates free for aspiring educators, and provided $10,000 stipends to over 2,000 student teachers through the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program.
Investing in Education’s Future
Teacher shortages don’t just hinder schools—they compromise the education of students and the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce. That’s why Governor Shapiro has made funding workforce development a top priority. Over the past two years, his administration has increased funding for workforce development initiatives, including apprenticeships, vocational-technical programs, and career and technical education (CTE), by more than 50%.
The larger mission is clear: to equip Pennsylvania with a robust, highly trained educator workforce capable of meeting the needs of all students. “By investing in programs like CTRA and ensuring accessible routes to certifications, we’re not only addressing the immediate staffing issues but also laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable education system,” Shapiro has stated in previous remarks.
The scope of the impact extends far beyond schools. A well-educated student population translates to a more competitive state economy, a more informed citizenry, and a brighter future for everyone in the Commonwealth.
Building on a Solid Foundation
Part of CTRA’s strength lies in its collaboration with organizations and the Department of Labor & Industry’s (L&I) Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO). Since its establishment in 2016, the ATO has supported more than 1,500 registered apprenticeship programs across Pennsylvania, involving 16,003 active apprentices. This infrastructure ensures that the CTRA program is built on a strong foundation capable of sustained growth and success.
Applications for this new grant opportunity will be accepted until February 14, 2025, with programs expected to begin in July. The work is 100% federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), ensuring long-term viability for future expansions.
The Broader Implications
The expansion of the Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship program holds significant implications for the future of Pennsylvania’s education system. It signifies a shift toward innovative, inclusive solutions that prioritize workforce development as a means to address systemic challenges in education.
By bridging the gap between those passionate about teaching and the certification they need to succeed, CTRA offers a way forward for the countless schools struggling to staff their classrooms—and for the students who deserve a quality education, no matter their ZIP code.
With teacher shortages showing no signs of abating and the demand for skilled educators growing, Pennsylvania’s efforts could become a model for other states grappling with similar issues. For now, the Shapiro Administration continues to pave the way, proving that bold initiatives and targeted investments can deliver meaningful change.
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