Fostering Future Educators Amid Teacher Shortages
At Daniel J. Flood Elementary School, a group of fourth graders gathered around a table, guided by Tess Welles, a senior at Wilkes-Barre Area High School. While observing and assisting the children with their reading, Tess found her passion for teaching reaffirmed through the Wilkes-Barre Area School District’s Education Experience program.
“It’s truly a gift that I get to come into different classrooms and just observe and see what’s going on. I love it so much,” Tess expressed, highlighting her satisfaction with the program, which allows her to spend afternoons in a special education classroom.
Sarah Hofius Hall
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WVIA News
Initiated three years ago amid a national teacher shortage, the Luzerne County District’s program allows high school seniors to balance their day between core classes and practical experience in various district classrooms. “There is a shortage of teachers. So having that in mind, we wanted to promote the thought of being an educator … and then bringing them back in as student teachers, and then hiring them,” noted Rochelle Koury-Speier, assistant to the superintendent.
Addressing the Educator Gap
Efforts have intensified across educational institutions to draw individuals into teaching careers. Data from Pennsylvania reveals a 62% drop in certified teachers since 2010, prompting initiatives like Luzerne County Community College and Commonwealth University’s new four-year degree program and East Stroudsburg University’s Aspiring Educator Pathway Program.
Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Education unveiled an updated Teach in PA website to support those exploring a teaching career. Currently, the most significant shortages in Pennsylvania are seen in certification areas such as Grades 4-8, Special Education PK-12, and Mathematics 7-12.
Students in the program experience diverse educational environments, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers. “We make sure that they get all different experiences to see before they go to college, before they elect a major,” Koury-Speier explained.
The district’s ties with local colleges allow students to earn college credits and explore scholarships, with some gaining employment opportunities at Building Blocks Learning Center. The program, supported by a United Way of Wyoming Valley grant, also helps students acquire professional attire for classroom settings.
Determining a ‘Calling’
In Lisa Giovannini’s fifth-grade English Language Arts class at Solomon-Plains Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre senior Paige Radjavitch observed a lesson on historical nonfiction. “I feel like I’m going to be better prepared for maybe observations or student teaching rather than just going in blind,” said Paige, who aspires to study early childhood and special education at Kutztown University.
Giovannini remarked on the program’s ability to confirm students’ passion for teaching. “It lets you see if this is what you truly want to do. It’s not easy to be with children all day, to have them need you… Is this your calling or not?” she said.
In the fourth-grade learning support classroom, Tess Welles is actively involved in assisting students with their reading, guided by teacher Annette Delasandro. The experience has solidified Tess’s desire to pursue a teaching career, and she plans to study early childhood education at King’s College.
“The kids are so, so sweet. They really motivate me to keep going every day with this program. And I feel just so fulfilled being able to help other people, and the learning experience has been phenomenal,” Tess shared.
Sarah Hofius Hall
/
WVIA News
