Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Jason Ortitay plans to present a legislative package aimed at improving the process of teacher certification in Pennsylvania. The package, comprising six bills, seeks to tackle recruitment and retention issues faced by educators in the state.

"Last month, the House Education Committee held a hearing on teacher certification," Ortitay remarked. He continued, "Testifiers spoke about how the current system creates unnecessary barriers that discourage talented individuals from entering the teaching profession, making it harder for schools to fill vacancies. When schools struggle to hire and retain certified teachers, students experience larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and disruptions in their learning. My bills incorporate recommendations to address this critical issue."

The proposed bills offer solutions such as waiving retest fees for candidates narrowly missing Praxis exam passes and providing stipends to those who agree to teach in rural or underprivileged areas, particularly in high-demand STEM subjects. These measures aim to reduce obstacles and incentivize teaching positions in areas with urgent needs.

Additionally, the package seeks to simplify the transition for military veterans into the teaching profession and proposes automatic waivers of testing requirements for out-of-state applicants who have passed recognized national licensure exams. Proposed changes also include new certification paths for industry professionals and the option for them to teach STEM courses while fulfilling educational requirements on the job.

"Many of these proposals are based on successful initiatives in other states that have strengthened teacher recruitment and retention," Ortitay noted. He added, "By adopting these reforms, Pennsylvania can build a stronger educator workforce, expand access to quality instruction and uphold the high standards our students deserve."

The bills are expected to be submitted to the House Education Committee once introduced.

The 46th Legislative District, represented by Ortitay, includes several townships and boroughs in Allegheny and Washington counties.

For additional information, contact Tracy Polovick at 717.260.6358 or tpolovick@pahousegop.com. Further details can be accessed via RepOrtitay.com and Facebook.com/RepOrtitay.