SHIPPENSBURG- Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin visited Shippensburg University to emphasize the critical role that future educators play in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and how the Shapiro Administration is working to create more opportunities for growth and success, keeping more alumni in the state and addressing the educator workforce shortage.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage
Across the country, schools are facing growing teacher shortages in classrooms. Compared to ten years ago when Pennsylvania certified approximately 20,000 new teachers every year, in 2023 the state certified just over 5,000 new teachers. Currently, there are 5,500 teacher vacancies in schools across Pennsylvania.
Shapiro Administration’s Higher Education Blueprint
The Shapiro Administration has made improving postsecondary education a priority, creating a plan focused on competitiveness, workforce development, access, and affordability. After decades of disinvestment that have put higher education out of reach for many Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro announced his blueprint for higher education, which dramatically increases state funding for colleges and universities, unites them under a new governance structure, and makes college more affordable. The blueprint ensures that no student making up to the median income will pay more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at PASSHE institutions and community colleges, and increases PHEAA state grants by $1,000 for students making up to the median income. Additionally, the governor’s 2024-25 budget calls for a $15 million increase in support for the Student Teacher Support Program, which will provide up to $15,000 stipends to eligible student teachers.
Shippensburg University’s Commitment to Teacher Preparation
Shippensburg University has long been committed to quality teacher preparation and providing opportunities for growth for its students and the community. One example is the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School (GBLUES), the only on-campus public elementary lab school in the Commonwealth, which gives students in a variety of majors the opportunity to observe and participate in elementary school activities. “It is always a pleasure to host Secretary Mumin at Shippensburg University,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. “Ship serves as an engine of innovation, education, talent cultivation, and workforce training that is essential for advancing the socioeconomic landscape of our communities in the Commonwealth.” The Shapiro Administration’s higher education blueprint is the result of research, lessons learned from leading states, and input from vested partners. The administration is continuing to engage in a collaborative process to build out the details of this plan, delivering tangible results for students, the workforce, and the future of the Commonwealth.
