This article was originally published in the Reading Eagle:
https://www.readingeagle.com/2024/03/28/superintendents-forum-addressing-the-teacher-shortage-in-berks/
By: Dr. Greg Miller, Fleetwood Area School District
Thursday, March 28, 2024
In recent years, the issue of teacher shortages has become increasingly prevalent across the United States, and Berks County is no exception. Concerns about the dwindling number of educators have prompted action from local school administrators, who have formed an Educator Staffing Committee to tackle the issue head-on.
One of the key initiatives emerging from this committee is a concerted effort to promote the occupation of teaching in Berks. Recognizing the need for actionable steps, administrators are working diligently to establish pathways that will attract and retain aspiring teachers.
Central to this effort is the collaboration between schools and local higher education institutions. Berks school districts are forging partnerships with Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks and Reading Area Community College to create innovative programs aimed at nurturing future educators.
One such program in development by Kutztown University is an Early College Academy for Education targeted at high school seniors. This pioneering initiative would integrate college coursework with classroom internships, offering students the opportunity to earn 12 college credits toward a teaching degree before even graduating high school.
By providing this early exposure and experience, the program aims to empower students to jumpstart their careers in education, setting them on a path toward success from an early age.
However, to fully understand the urgency of these initiatives, it is essential to recognize the root causes of the teacher shortage. Over the past decade, there has been a significant decline in the number of individuals pursuing teaching degrees.
According to the state Department of Education, the number of teaching certificates issued in 2020-21 was just under 6,000 compared with a high of more than 16,000 in 2012-13. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including negative media coverage of the teaching profession, perceptions of low wages, high workloads and challenging working conditions.
In response to these challenges, the Educator Staffing Committee has outlined three primary pathways to achieve their education goals:
1. Encouraging interest in the teaching profession: By highlighting the rewards and opportunities of a career in education, the committee aims to inspire individuals, including those seeking a second career, to consider teaching as a viable and fulfilling path.
2. Providing pathways for entry into education: Through programs like the Early College Academy for Education, the committee is creating accessible pathways for aspiring teachers, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in education.
3. Changing societal perceptions about educators: Central to addressing the teacher shortage is shifting societal attitudes toward the importance and value of educators. By advocating for greater recognition and support for teachers, the committee hopes to elevate the status of the teaching profession and attract more individuals to the field.
In conclusion, the efforts underway in Berks County to address the teacher shortage are both commendable and crucial. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and a commitment to changing perceptions, local schools, in partnership with the Berks County Intermediate Unit, are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for education in the county.
By investing in the next generation of educators, Berks school districts are not only ensuring the success of its schools but the prosperity of its communities for years to come.