From Kutztown University
Pictured above: PASSHE student representatives, who shared their perspectives on choosing teaching and the challenges they face in learning to teach. Podium speaker: Dr. Desha Williams, dean, College of Education and Social Work, West Chester University.
Kutztown University and the education deans from across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education hosted the inaugural UPrepared Summit, from Sunday, Oct. 19, to Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Kutztown University, to address the critical need to expand the teacher workforce in Pennsylvania.
The UPrepared Summit provided a platform for engaging meaningful discussions, sharing research-based practices, and collaborating on actionable plans to address the state’s teacher shortage. Innovative strategies and solutions to attract, prepare, and retain high-quality educators in the commonwealth were also explored. The summit was driven by PASSHE education deans, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, and supported by the PASSHE Foundation.
UPrepared is more than a name — it’s a message. It says, “You are prepared,” and it underscores the critical role of university-based preparation in shaping the future of education. This summit celebrated the depth, rigor, and quality that universities bring to teacher preparation. It also recognized that university-based preparation is not done in isolation — it thrives through strong and robust school-university partnerships, ensuring that aspiring teachers gain real-world experience while grounded in research-based practice. UPrepared reflects the shared commitment to preparing educators who are ready to lead, inspire, and transform classrooms across Pennsylvania.
“Every child deserves a UPrepared teacher — an educator whose preparation is grounded in rigorous university-based programs and enriched by authentic, collaborative experiences in schools,” said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education, Kutztown University. “At PASSHE universities, we make that promise real through strong school-university partnerships that prepare educators to thrive. Research suggests these partnerships produce teachers who are ready day one — and who stay. Together, we’re building the future of education for Pennsylvania’s schools and communities. That is the power of PASSHE.”
Facing a critical shortage of qualified K-12 teachers, especially in STEM and rural schools, universities in PASSHE are using partnerships and programs to address the need. From early college pathways and dual enrollment to immersive residencies and career mentorships, these initiatives are preparing the next generation of educators to meet school districts’ urgent hiring needs.
In-state teacher certifications in Pennsylvania have dropped more than 60% since 2010-11, leaving many school districts struggling to staff classrooms. In 2023-24, only 6,612 new teachers were certified overall, down from a recent peak of 18,954 in 2012-13.
PASSHE universities, founded as schools for teachers, are critical to addressing this gap. Nearly one in four people in Pennsylvania’s education workforce (23%) are graduates of a PASSHE university.
“PASSHE universities have long been the backbone of Pennsylvania’s educator workforce, a remarkable legacy and responsibility,” said PASSHE Chancellor Dr. Christopher Fiorentino. “I commend our universities and education partners for coming together to find lasting solutions to the teacher shortage. Pennsylvania’s children deserve classrooms led by skilled, innovative educators, trained through rigorous university preparation to transform lives, communities, and futures.”
Another goal was developing a mechanism for data collection and ongoing information sharing. This initiative aims to build on existing cooperation among PASSHE education deans while designing and implementing innovation and improved educator diversity outcomes. This is achieved through a robust practice programming framework that leverages scale, captures consistent data across PASSHE, and allows universities to customize based on their assets and regional needs.
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Source: bctv