POTTSTOWN, Pa.- A statewide group called PA Needs Teachers brought together lawmakers, educators, and future teachers for a roundtable discussion at Pottstown High School.<\/p>\n
The focus: Pennsylvania\u2019s growing teacher shortage and how to fix it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur teachers have lost respect over time, they are not valued,\u201d said State Senator Tracy Pennycuick.<\/p>\n
Across the state, fewer people are entering the teaching profession, and more teachers are leaving. Over the past decade, the number of certified teachers in Pennsylvania has dropped significantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to know that they\u2019re valued. Their salaries have to be competitive to local industries. And also, there has to be a pipeline in education where the cost isn\u2019t through the roof to become an educator,\u201d said State Representative Joe Ciresi.<\/p>\n
Leaders say there are several reasons why: the cost of becoming a teacher, burnout in the classroom, and a profession many say no longer feels supported.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is almost a bit discouraging\u2026 people keep saying teaching can be a hard job to get into, it\u2019s exhausting,\u201d said Gianna Marchese.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why discussions like this matter, says Marchese, who is studying to become a teacher and already working inside classrooms. She says despite the challenges, she\u2019s staying committed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that teachers feel inspired by this and feel the ability to speak up for their school and push forward for this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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