GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA — Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) has announced an innovative three-year Bachelor of Science degree program with certification in Early Education or Special Education. Set to launch in the fall of 2025, the program aims to address Pennsylvania’s critical teacher shortage while saving future educators time and money.
Students enrolled in the program will complete their degrees in just three years, cutting a year off the traditional path and saving an estimated $26,000 in tuition. With federal financial aid available for summer courses, graduates can enter the workforce sooner with reduced debt. Pennsylvania teachers currently earn an average starting salary of $49,539, giving these graduates an economic advantage as they begin their careers.
“The teacher shortage is a pressing challenge that demands bold solutions, and at GMercyU, we’re answering that call,” said Dr. Deb Schadler, Coordinator of Undergraduate Education at GMercyU. “Our new three-year program reimagines educator preparation by balancing efficiency with quality. Aspiring teachers now have access to a flexible, affordable path that meets their needs while preparing them to address the critical challenges facing today’s schools.”
The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania is severe. The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) reports a 96% increase in emergency teaching certifications over the past decade. Enrollment in teacher preparation programs has dropped by 50%, and the number of newly certified teachers has declined by 73% over the same period.
GMercyU has played a significant role in addressing this challenge. Over the past five years, the university has awarded more than 725 education-related degrees and certifications, equipping graduates to serve as teachers, special education professionals, school counselors, and administrators. The institution’s commitment to advancing the field is also evident in its partnerships and initiatives.
Notably, GMercyU collaborates with Wissahickon School District and an anonymous donor to provide a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for aspiring PreK-4 education majors. The scholarship recipients commit to returning to the Wissahickon district to teach, ensuring graduates contribute directly to local schools. Additionally, GMercyU recently secured a $20,000 Developing Future Special Educators grant aimed at inspiring high school students to pursue special education careers.
With its new program, GMercyU continues to lead the charge in preparing high-quality educators. By reducing barriers to entering the workforce, this initiative is poised to have a meaningful impact on Pennsylvania’s teaching landscape, offering both aspiring educators and schools a path forward to meet growing demands.
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