Paving the Way for Future Educators: Pennsylvania's Legislative Efforts to Address Teacher Certification Fees
Reducing Financial Barriers for Aspiring Teachers Through Crucial Legislative Changes
Representative Peter Schweyer is addressing Pennsylvania's critical teacher shortage by proposing legislation to reduce teacher certification fees, which currently exceed $250. His bill aims to cap these fees at $50, thereby alleviating financial barriers for prospective educators seeking to enter the profession.
Professional Development for Teachers
Representative Lisa Borowski and Representative Robert Merski are addressing Pennsylvania's critical teacher shortage by proposing legislation that aims to reduce barriers for educators wishing to return to teaching.
Teacher Certification GPA Requirement
Representative Regina G. Young is proposing legislation to reduce the GPA requirement for teacher preparation programs in Pennsylvania from 3.0 to 2.8, in response to a critical teacher shortage that saw thousands of educators leaving the profession in recent years.
Representative Jacob Banta plans to introduce legislation aimed at promoting firearm safety education for children in Pennsylvania, believing that enhanced education can reduce crime rates and help prevent youth involvement in firearm-related crimes.
Limiting Student Use of Mobile Devices in K-12 Classrooms
Representatives Barbara Gleim and Valerie Gaydos are advancing a proposed bill in Pennsylvania that seeks to limit the use of personal mobile devices during instructional time in K-12 classrooms. This legislation requires school governing bodies to adopt mobile device use policies that aim to minimize distractions and create a more focused learning environment for students.
Display of the POW/MIA Flag at Schools
Senators Tracy Pennycuick and Steven Santarsiero have proposed new legislation aimed at honoring the sacrifices of armed forces members by requiring the display of the POW/MIA flag in public schools across Pennsylvania.
Promoting Hearing Health Education in Pennsylvania’s Schools
Senator Katie Muth plans to introduce legislation in Pennsylvania that mandates the creation of a model hearing health education curriculum for students, addressing the significant issue of hearing loss, particularly among youth.
In The Headlines
Gasoline-soaked folder given to Mifflin County elementary school teacher, charges filed
A father, Manuel Gaetan, is facing multiple charges after allegedly instructing his child to bring a gasoline-soaked folder to a teacher at Kistler Elementary School in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred when the student handed the folder to the teacher, claiming that his father wanted her to smell it. The folder was reported to be dripping with gasoline, raising concerns about toxic vapors and potential fire hazards in the classroom. Gaetan is charged with felony counts including risking catastrophe, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.
2 Beaver County school districts considering sharing superintendent
The New Brighton and Rochester school districts are in discussions to share a superintendent in response to declining student enrollments and budget constraints. With Rochester’s current superintendent, Jane Bovalino, planning to retire in 2026, both districts aim to save money and improve educational opportunities by combining resources. The proposal includes significant projected savings and the potential for enhanced educational experiences for students.
Windber Area School District ends hard lockdown, ‘no remaining threat’
The Windber Area School District implemented a hard lockdown on Monday due to an unspecified threat, ensuring the safety of students and staff. The school district communicated the situation promptly, instructing all buildings to remain locked and emphasizing that there was no immediate danger.
Lancaster County Catholic school to close, multiple parishes combining resources
A Catholic school in Lancaster County is set to close as part of a broader restructuring strategy involving the consolidation of multiple parishes. The decision aims to address declining enrollment and financial challenges, ultimately intending to enhance the educational experience for students by pooling resources.
Shots fired near Harrisburg elementary school prompts lockdown
An incident involving gunfire near an elementary school in Harrisburg led to a lockdown at the school as precautionary measures were implemented to ensure the safety of students and staff. The situation arose on Monday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
Police: Former Central Dauphin teacher kicked 12-year-old nonverbal student
A former teacher from Central Dauphin School District has been charged with physical assault after allegedly kicking a 12-year-old nonverbal student during an incident at a local middle school. The teacher has since been dismissed from her position, and the district is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.
Erin Hines, the principal of Hanover Elementary School, has been placed on a leave of absence following an unspecified incident that occurred over the weekend, confirmed to be off school grounds. Eric Fontanez has taken over administrative duties at Hanover amid this situation. Additionally, the Bethlehem Area School District is also investigating a separate physical altercation incident involving a staff member and a student at Northeast Middle School, as shown in a viral video. The district has stated that it is taking both matters seriously.
Interest in online learning, cyber charters increase in wake of covid pandemic
The rising interest in online learning and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. With many families experiencing the flexibility and personalized learning options provided by online education, there has been a notable increase in enrollment in cyber charter schools.
Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education tapped to lead Reading School District
Khalid Mumin, the former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Reading School District, marking his return to a position he previously held from 2014 to 2021. His reappointment is aimed at continuing the district's progress in education and student achievemen
Local student accepted into enterprise program
Paige Jenkins, a junior at Reach Cyber Charter School, has been accepted into the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) program, providing her with a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills in business and economics. This program is designed for high school students in Pennsylvania and is aimed at fostering understanding of the American free enterprise system.
Student-teacher altercation at Bethlehem middle school under review
The Bethlehem Area School District is currently investigating an incident involving a staff member at Northeast Middle School, which was captured on video and circulated on social media. The footage shows a staff member attempting to confiscate a student’s phone, leading to a physical altercation that has raised concerns about student safety and staff conduct.
Here’s how Pittsburgh-area schools are preparing for Pa.'s standardized tests moving online
Pennsylvania's transition to online testing for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), highlighting the state's preparation efforts, the benefits of digital assessments, and concerns regarding accessibility and technological readiness among students and schools.