Lehighton Area School District’s board of directors approved the district’s participation in the Pennsylvania Student Teacher Program, a new initiative aimed at addressing the teacher shortage across the state.

During Monday night’s board meeting, Lehighton’s directors and administration discussed the program, which is part of the $10 million Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program established by Act 33 in 2023. The program offers financial assistance to student teachers in Pennsylvania.

“The Pennsylvania Student Teacher Support Program actually is a new program,” Mary Figura, assistant to the superintendent, said. “The state has given $20 million, and it’s for schools to attract educators and address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania. So, what they’re actually doing is providing $10,000 to student teachers who meet the program requirements.”

In announcing the program, Pennsylvania education officials highlighted a growing concern over the teacher shortage, with the state now certifying significantly fewer new teachers compared to a decade ago.

According to a news release from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office, “schools are facing growing teacher shortages in classrooms. Compared to ten years ago when Pennsylvania certified approximately 20,000 new teachers every year, in 2023, Pennsylvania certified just over 5,000 new teachers.”

The Pennsylvania Student Teacher Program seeks to alleviate the financial strain associated with student teaching by offering $10,000 to eligible student teachers, with an additional amount available to those working in high-need areas.

“If you are considered a school district that is a high-need area, they have an extra $5,000,” Figura said.

To qualify for the stipend, student teachers must commit to working in Pennsylvania for a minimum of three years after completing their education.

The program also offers $2,500 to cooperating teachers who mentor these student teachers, adding further incentives for districts to participate.

Lehighton’s decision to participate ensures that any student teachers within the district will be eligible for these financial benefits.

Although the district has not experienced the same level of teacher shortages as other areas, directors said Monday recognized the value in joining the program.

“I’m glad to say we haven’t experienced the teacher shortage problem,” Board President Jeremy Glaush said. “We had a great number of qualified applicants to all of our open teaching positions and we hired the best.

“So, I’m glad right now we’re not experiencing that, but we know its coming.”

The program, administered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2024-25 academic year.