Delaware County is expanding a free program that helps high school students work toward teaching careers, writes Madeleine Wright for CBS News Philadelphia.
The students can earn up to 38 college credits toward a teaching degree while they are still in high school.
The Future Educators Certificate of Competency Dual Enrollment Program is offered at Delaware County Community College.
It is a response to a worsening teacher shortage in Pennsylvania. About 432 additional teachers are needed in Delaware County, according to the Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis.
“I was reluctant to join it because I didn’t know if I could handle it, but I decided to give it a shot, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Ridley High School junior Taylor Fraim, 16.
By the time Fraim graduates from high school, she will only need two full years of college to earn a teaching degree.
The program’s been around since 2023.
Delaware County has invested $230,000 into the program, which has been around since 2023. It uses funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The county covers tuition, books, and fees at the college.
Read more reactions from high school students in the program at CBS News Philadelphia.
