Insight Into Academia

Amid a persistent statewide shortage of special education teachers, a pioneering apprenticeship program aims to change the game in Pennsylvania. Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU), the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU), and Bucks County Community College have launched the Commonwealth’s first undergraduate pathway focused on training and certifying PK–12 special education teachers. Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Department of Education, the initiative combines college coursework, on-the-job experience, and teacher certification—all while participants remain employed full time. “This apprenticeship creates a sustainable pipeline for special education teachers by making certification more attainable for individuals already working in our schools,” said Deborah E. Schadler, PhD, PRSE, coordinator of undergraduate education at GMercyU.