PA Teaching Jobs Created by STEM Initiative
A new initiative could help create a slew of PA teaching jobs in important fields.
Gov. Edward G. Rendell recently announced a proposal to increase student achievement, address teacher shortages and prepare the state’s future workforce for high-demand fields. The proposal would allow skilled professionals in the science, technology, engineering and math fields to share their expertise.
The proposal would institute residency teaching certificates to attract mid-career professionals to teaching positions. The proposal is a response to President Barack Obama’s call for “innovative work” at the state level to promote math and science education. Pennsylvania also is one of only six states that received a National Governors Association grant to establish a STEM Center.
“The most sought-after jobs in the workforce are those in the technology and engineering fields - jobs that require a solid background in math and science,” Rendell said. “Yet, at the same time we are vying for those jobs, Pennsylvania also is struggling with a shortage of educators in those fields.”
If passed, the proposal would allow the Secretary of Education to issue a residency teaching certificate in subject areas where there is a statewide or regional shortage of teachers. Applicants would be required to have a bachelor’s degree in the subject area and at least five years of relevant work experience; a master’s degree and at least two years of work experience or a doctoral degree in the subject.
If accepted, candidates would have to complete an intensive, four-month program that focuses on instructional strategies, child development, emotional support, assessment skills and the standards aligned systems for student achievement. Candidates also would receive personal mentoring throughout the school year. Residency certificates would be valid for three years, but after that teachers would have to convert the certificate to an instructional certificate to continue teaching.
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