Shapiro Administration announces investment to address education workforce shortage 

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A $4.2 million grant opportunity to expand the Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) program has been announced by the Shapiro Administration. 

An initiative designed to address Pennsylvania‘s critical teacher shortage, the program provides pathway for aspiring educators, paraprofessionals, and emergency-certified teachers to gain full certification and creating an education workforce that addresses staffing shortages in schools. 

“This program is an innovative Pennsylvania solution to the teacher shortages affecting schools and students nationwide,” Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said in a statement. “By combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction, we’re creating pathways to family-sustaining careers while helping our schools and students thrive. Fewer people have pursued teacher certification in Pennsylvania in recent years, and that’s created staffing challenges in schools throughout the commonwealth. 

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to reversing this trend through targeted investments in our workforce. The Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program moves us closer to big-picture solutions while providing real career opportunities for individuals dedicated to the education of our children,” added Walker. 

The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in seeking applications from organizations to support CTRA programs. Individual grants of up to $400,000 will support single school district initiatives, while grants of up to $600,000 will fund efforts serving multiple districts or regions. 

The plan for this teacher apprenticeship program partnership between L&I and PDE to fill critical teacher shortages in Pennsylvania schools was announced by the Shapiro Administration in April 2023. The projects awarded funding through this $4.2 million grant opportunity must build and register their own programs which will be customized to local needs.  

According to a release, Pennsylvania’s educator workforce shows a 67% decrease in certified teachers over the past decade and a reliance on emergency permits to fill critical roles. These shortages disproportionately affect schools serving high-poverty areas and students of color. 

This new program builds on the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to recruit and retain teachers in Pennsylvania, working with leaders in the education field to ensure there is a pipeline of educators in place to provide a quality education to students of all ages across the state. 

CTRA program objectives include the following: 

• Recruitment of underrepresented populations: Prioritizing candidates from low- and moderate-income communities to ensure equitable access. 

• High-need subject focus: Addressing shortages in areas such as special education, STEM, and English Language Learner instruction. 

• Sustainability and scalability: Creating frameworks that can be replicated statewide, ensuring long-term impact. 

“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 PDE Interim Acting Secretary Angela Fitterer. “Apprenticeships are an especially accessible option for paraprofessionals and emergency-certified teachers to earn the credentials they need to become a certified teacher. 

“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.”