The Philadelphia House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill that promotes the recruitment of new educators, offering a stipend to students who are preparing to practice the profession. This project arises after having an increase in teachers who leave the profession.
The legislation seeks to remove barriers for future teachers, whose work in the classroom is generally not properly paid when they finish their academic preparation.
The proposal was approved 141-62 and now goes to the Senate.
The program would award a minimum grant of $10,000 to new professionals in teaching in Pennsylvania. Those who choose to work in schools where few professionals choose to work or simply have a large number of open positions could also receive another $5,000 grant.
A teacher supervising a student teacher would also be eligible for $2,500 under the program.
Students who receive the grant will also agree to work as teachers in Pennsylvania for at least three years.
“The prospect of giving up that income, while incurring additional expenses associated with things like travel and buying new work uniforms, is a significant barrier for prospective teachers in Pennsylvania who are already potentially struggling to pay the cost of a college education. and work to cover your living expenses,” said the bill’s lead proponent, Danielle Friel Otten, a Chester County Democrat.
In Pennsylvania, teachers are leaving the classroom at a very rapid rate, which is reflecting fears about this exodus. This as a result of the implementations imposed by the coronavirus health emergency, the increasing workloads, little autonomy and the increase in a hostile work environment.
