We Have the Tools to End the Teacher Shortage — Let’s Put Them to Work

Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage crisis continues to threaten our students’ futures, along with the future wellbeing and prosperity of our commonwealth. If we want our kids to be equipped to achieve their dreams and our economy to thrive, it’s simple: PA needs teachers.

Governor Shapiro recently unveiled his 2025-26 state budget proposal and proposed doubling funding for the student teacher stipend program to $40 million.

#PANeedsTeachers applauds this increased investment and continues to call for full funding of the student teacher stipend program at $50 to 55 million. We also continue to seek improved access to educator workforce data and analysis, funding for high-quality grow-your-own teacher apprenticeships, and a pilot program for advanced teaching roles.

You can help!

Take two minutes today to email your elected officials in Harrisburg and encourage them to support bold, comprehensive investments in the educator workforce in next year’s budget proposal and final budget.

Our children can’t wait: together, we can address the root causes of teacher shortages in our commonwealth and build the excellent and diverse teacher workforce that every Pennsylvania student deserves.