As the new school year approaches, Pennsylvania is facing a growing teacher shortage crisis. With a 66% decline in the number of certificates issued to new teachers since 2012, the state is in dire need of educators to fill the gaps in the education system. However, a new statewide program called Educators Rising is working to build a pipeline into the education system and inspire the next generation of teachers.
One school that has embraced the Educators Rising program is Phoenixville Area High School. Sixteen-year-old Christine Analraj, a senior at the school, is already teaching STEM lessons to younger students and preparing for a future career as a college professor. Through the program, she has been able to expand her network and gain valuable experience by working with children in the classroom.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association coordinates the Educators Rising program, with Vice President Jeff Ney leading the charge. Ney hopes that the program will not only address the teacher shortage crisis but also build a more diverse workforce in education. By providing students with the opportunity to explore teaching as a career path, Educators Rising aims to inspire a new generation of educators who can connect with and mentor students from all backgrounds.
Brittney Ehrenzeller, the Educators Rising leader at Phoenixville, has seen the impact of the program firsthand. What started as a club has now evolved into a formal class, with students eager to learn and grow as future educators. Ehrenzeller is proud to see students like Analraj taking the initiative to pursue a career in teaching and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Thanks to a generous $750,000 grant from the National Education Association, program coordinators are hopeful that Educators Rising classes will continue to expand across the state. By investing in the next generation of teachers and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed, Pennsylvania is taking a proactive approach to addressing the teacher shortage crisis and ensuring a bright future for education in the state.
In conclusion, the Educators Rising program in Pennsylvania is not only addressing the teacher shortage crisis but also inspiring students like Christine Analraj to pursue a career in education. By providing young people with the opportunity to explore teaching as a profession and gain valuable experience in the classroom, the program is shaping the future of education in the state. With continued support and investment, Educators Rising has the potential to make a lasting impact on the education system and empower a new generation of teachers to lead and inspire future generations.