EAST STROUDSBURG, PA — Pennsylvania will invest nearly $1 million to accelerate the certification of special education teachers, aiming to address ongoing staffing shortages and expand support for students with disabilities across the state.
What This Means for You
- More Special Education Teachers: Grants will help train about 175 additional teachers.
- Faster Certification Pathways: Eligible candidates can earn certification in about 18 months.
- Expanded Classroom Support: The program targets staffing gaps affecting students with disabilities.
State Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe announced the funding this week, awarding grants to 11 colleges and universities to expand an accelerated certification program for special education teachers.
The program is designed for individuals already working in schools — such as paraprofessionals or those on emergency permits — allowing them to earn full teaching certification while continuing to work.
Program Designed to Address Teacher Shortage
The accelerated certification pathway enables participants to complete required training and classroom experience on an expedited timeline.
Participants receive mentoring, coursework, and hands-on teaching experience, leading to full PK-12 special education certification within approximately 18 months.
With the latest round of funding, officials said the program will support about 175 new trainees, bringing the total number of teachers trained through the initiative to more than 450.
“By partnering with institutions like East Stroudsburg University, we’re helping dedicated Pennsylvanians move into the classrooms where they’re needed most,” Rowe said.
Grants Awarded to Colleges and Universities
The grants, ranging from $35,000 to $100,000, were awarded to 11 institutions, including Penn State University, Temple University, Kutztown University, and West Chester-area partner institutions.
These schools partner with local districts, intermediate units, and other education providers to deliver training and classroom experience.
Additional Funding and Policy Support
The accelerated certification program is part of a broader effort by the Shapiro administration to increase the number of qualified teachers in Pennsylvania.
Since 2023, the state has invested about $3.5 million in the program across three funding rounds.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget also includes an additional $50 million in special education funding, bringing the total to $1.58 billion.
Additional Pathways for Educators
Officials said the state has implemented several initiatives to address teacher shortages, including reducing certification processing times, expanding alternative certification pathways, and offering stipends for student teachers.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has issued more than 25,000 teaching certifications since the 2021-22 school year, according to the administration.
New Grants Support Paraeducator Advancement
In addition to the certification grants, the state announced funding for paraeducator advancement programs.
These grants will allow current school staff to earn bachelor’s degrees and teaching certification at no cost while continuing to work in schools.
Officials said about 150 participants are expected to complete the program by 2028.
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