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Teachers

Delaware County Expands Program to Address Teacher Shortage

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Delaware County Council is encouraging high school juniors to apply for the Future Educators Certificate of Competency Dual Enrollment Program at Delaware County Community College (DCCC). The program allows students to earn up to 38 college credits toward a teaching degree while still in high school, free of charge. The program was launched in 2023 in response to the regional and statewide teacher shortage, with the goal of removing financial barriers for students and building a pipeline of future educators.

Key Takeaways:

  • The program is a free dual-enrollment program that allows high school juniors to earn up to 38 college credits toward a teaching degree.
  • The program has expanded to accommodate additional students, with a limited number of seats available for the 2025-2026 academic year.
  • The application deadline has been extended to Sunday, August 3, to accommodate students who may still be exploring their post-high school path.
  • The program was launched in 2023 after school superintendents in Delaware County raised concerns about the regional and statewide teacher shortage.
  • The program is designed to address the teacher shortage, which has seen a 10% teacher attrition rate between 2022 and 2023, with 99 teacher vacancies and 519 emergency teaching permits required during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • The program has flourished since its inception, offering students a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on experience.
  • Credits earned through the program can be applied toward an associate degree at DCCC or transferred to select four-year institutions.
  • The program has been praised by local officials, including Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, who said "We're excited to see how popular this new program has become."
  • The program is a partnership between Delaware County, DCCC, and local education leaders, with funding provided by the county to cover tuition and materials.
  • Students interested in the program should email admiss@dccc.edu to apply.

Statistics:

  • 10% teacher attrition rate in Delaware County between 2022 and 2023 (Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis, reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer).
  • 99 teacher vacancies in Delaware County during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • 519 emergency teaching permits issued in Delaware County during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • 38 college credits can be earned through the program toward a teaching degree.
  • The program has expanded to accommodate additional students, with a limited number of seats available for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Sources:

  • Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis
  • Delaware County Community College (DCCC)

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