BETHLEHEM, PA — Lehigh University’s College of Education will host two key events to support and celebrate educators in the Lehigh Valley and beyond: an Educator Job Fair on February 3 and an Educator Recognition Ceremony on February 4, prior to the Lehigh Women’s Basketball game against Loyola.
These events come at a critical time for Pennsylvania schools, which face ongoing teacher shortages in special education, STEM fields, and other high-need areas. Districts in the Lehigh Valley, the greater Philadelphia region, and statewide continue to report vacancies and rely on emergency-certified staff to fill classrooms.
The February 3 Educator Job Fair will connect school districts from across eastern Pennsylvania with aspiring and experienced educators seeking positions where they can thrive and make a lasting impact. The event offers schools a direct pipeline to well-prepared candidates while giving teachers-to-be access to opportunities in communities that value their skills and passion.
The following day, February 4, Lehigh will honor local educators with a special pregame ceremony before the Lehigh Women’s Basketball game. This recognition celebrates the daily commitment of teachers, counselors, and administrators whose work shapes young lives and strengthens communities across the region.
“High-quality educators change lives—not just academically, but by building confidence and opportunity that echo across generations,” said Dr. Brook Sawyer, professor and associate dean for graduate studies at Lehigh’s College of Education. “These events reflect our commitment to supporting current educators and welcoming new ones to a profession that remains deeply meaningful and rewarding.”
These initiatives build on Lehigh’s Joy in Education campaign, a year-long effort to spotlight the purpose and passion that sustain educators through challenges. Launched with the “What’s Your Why?” project, the campaign invites teachers to share the joy they find in their work. Responses have been powerful:
Nichole Corsi, counselor at Lehigh’s Centennial School: “I believe every student should have the opportunity to be happy, healthy, and safe. It’s our job to help students gain the skills to maintain this balance.”
Scott Toonder, reading specialist, Bethlehem Area School District: “A handful of amazing teachers turned me from a dark future, quite literally saving my life. So my ‘why’ is simple: I want to pay them back by helping others. I want to change people’s lives, the way that they changed mine.”
Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage stems from declining enrollment in preparation programs and early-career attrition, leaving schools scrambling to staff classrooms effectively. Lehigh addresses these challenges head-on through innovative programs that equip educators for today’s classrooms. A prime example is the College’s graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics (ed.lehigh.edu/academics/certificates/certificate-artificial-intelligence-and-learning-analytics), which trains teachers to harness emerging technologies responsibly while deepening their impact on student learning.
“Teaching offers unmatched rewards: the chance to shape the next generation, serve your community and country, and witness your students’ growth,” Sawyer added. “Whether you’re an educator seeking new opportunities or someone considering this calling, Lehigh stands ready to support your journey.”
The College of Education prepares teachers through practice-embedded programs like Centennial School and builds partnerships with local districts to create stable pipelines of talent. Together, these efforts ensure students have access to skilled, passionate educators who can help them thrive.
For details on the Joy in Education campaign, the Educator Job Fair (February 3), the Educator Recognition Ceremony (February 4), or Lehigh’s teacher preparation programs, visit ed.lehigh.edu.
About Lehigh University College of Education
Lehigh University’s College of Education offers top graduate programs that focus on impactful research, transformative learning, and community partnerships, both locally and globally.
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