Why Are So Many Pennsylvania Teachers Quitting?
As students return to school, Pennsylvania is still facing a dire teacher shortage, and experts say there aren’t enough qualified candidates to replace everyone who’s quit or moved away. We teamed up with City Cast Philly to unpack the problem, causes, and consequences — plus, share our take on a few potential solutions.
**This episode originally published August 28, 2023.
We always cite our sources:
- Check out PA’s teacher retention data for yourself, courtesy of Penn State’s Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis.
- Chalkbeat did a great two-part breakdown on the problems and potential solutions.
- The Learning Policy Institute shared suggestions for how to improve teachers’ first years.
- The Hechinger Report wrote about a couple PR campaigns trying to change public opinion about teaching.
- The Center for Black Educator Development is based in Philly and does a lot of great work around recruiting teachers of color.
- Ten years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see 3,000 to 4,000 applicants pop up for a single job listing on PA-educator.net, the PA’s main jobs board.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode:
Airport Corridor Transportation Association
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara I...
What's On Your Primary Ballot?
It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, shou...
Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates
Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing re...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more...
Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...
Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...
Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas
Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The...
What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park
Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpa...
7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA
Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actua...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking numbe...