The State System of Higher Education’s plan to provide up to $6,500 to students studying education at its 10 universities (“State System universities propose $56.5M in scholarships to ease Pa. teacher shortage,” Feb. 28, TribLIVE) is only a starting point to try to fill the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.
In order to entice more high school students into the education field, the working conditions must be improved: long hours, parent harassment — i.e., parents not doing their part in taking an interest unto their child’s education until they feel they have been wronged. This is not the majority of the parents, but the few who complain disturb the education process and leave a foul taste in educators’ mouths.
Some may argue that the pay is not low, but, with a little investigation, you will see that, for all that is required to educate, the payout is not enough.
The teachers’ union and teachers need to give a little, as well. Buy into an evaluation system beneficial to all that either helps improve or weeds out poor performers. Another slippery slope.
There is much work to be done on all sides of this issue. Just throwing money at it will not fix it, but it could be the start of a dialogue to improve our education system.
Ron Giuliana
North Huntingdon