BSP! Monthly is Building a Stronger PA’s online publication that keeps Pennsylvanians up to date with the latest news in the Commonwealth. BSP! Monthly highlights policies, elected officials, and community members who are fighting for a stronger Pennsylvania.

PA NEWS

ADDRESSING THE TEACHER SHORTAGE

Teachers are a fundamental part of our society. They’re tasked with helping our children learn and grow—both academically and socially. Unfortunately, the number of teaching licenses issued in Pennsylvania over the past decade has decreased by more than 75%. When we take a deeper look, it’s no wonder that students are staying away from the profession altogether. Current requirements call for 12 weeks of unpaid training as a student teacher. This is unsustainable in today’s economy, and it hurts our children because it deters people from pursuing a teaching career. Fortunately, Senators Ryan Aument (R-36) and Vincent Hughes (D-7) introduced House Bill 1331, which would offer student teachers the following:

– A $10,000 stipend to student teachers who complete their required student teaching in the state

– An additional $5,000 for those who take an assignment in a school that attracts few student teachers or has a lot of teacher openings

– $2,500 for the mentoring teacher as a reward for working with a student teacher

This is something that should have been done a long time ago. Teachers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, and if we do nothing, our children will suffer the consequences. We look forward to seeing lawmakers on both sides of the aisle work to address this issue.

→ Learn more: Days of working for no pay may soon end for student teachers in Pa. (PennLive)

→ Learn more: Bipartisan proposal seeks to establish student teacher stipend program (City & State Pennsylvania)

 PA SPOTLIGHT

ADVOCATING FOR LIFELINE SCHOLARSHIPS

Pennsylvania conservatives have always been in favor of expanding educational opportunities like education savings accounts (ESA) and the Lifeline Scholarship Program. On the other hand, Democrats have historically touted support only to make it through Election Day.

Six months ago, we said that Governor Josh Shapiro had a real chance to go against the grain and advocate for school choice. Today, we are pleased to stand behind his decision to back lifeline scholarships. As he said on Fox News, “We’ve got to invest more in our children, not less.”

Childhood education is the foundation of success in adulthood. Pennsylvania families should have the option to pursue different educational opportunities to improve academic performance. What’s more, they shouldn’t be forced to stay in a school that has challenges.

Let’s continue to work together to chart a better path forward for our children.

→ Read more: Opinion: Gov. Shapiro and Pa. lawmakers can address absenteeism, violence by giving kids a lifeline (The Philadelphia Inquirer)