Meeting the Next Great Need
The demand for educators – across all levels – is at a critical juncture. According to the Pennsylvania State Education Association( PSEA), enrollment in teacher preparation programs has dropped by 50 %, and newly certified teachers have decreased by 73 % over the past 10 years.
GMercyU is meeting this need by following in the footsteps of the Sisters of Mercy, whose“ get it done” mentality has propelled the institution and its Distinctive Mercy Graduates forward for more than 75 years.
A NEW DEGREE OPTION TO SAVE TIME, EARN MORE
GMercyU is launching a threeyear Bachelor of Science degree program with certification in either Early Education or Special Education starting in Fall 2025.
This innovative option will save future teachers an estimated $ 26,000 in tuition by shortening the traditional path to just three years( with two summers). When combined with an added year earning an average starting teacher ' s salary in PA, graduates can see up to $ 75,000 in savings and earnings with this option.
“ The teacher shortage is a pressing challenge that demands bold solutions, and we’ re answering that call. Aspiring teachers now have access to a flexible, affordable path that meets their needs while preparing them to address the critical challenges facing today’ s schools,” said Dr. Deb Schadler, Coordinator of Undergraduate Education at GMercyU.
Left: President Deanne D ' Emilio with future Griffin Jordyn Sweat and her parents.
Right: Distinguished Student-Teacher award winner Melissa Walter with M. E. R. V. the Griffin and students at Salford Hills Elementary School
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
GMercyU continues to build on its established reputation for excellence in educator preparation through enduring partnerships with local school districts and organizations.
Recognizing the importance of teachers who are representative of their student body, GMercyU and the Wissahickon School District partnered with an anonymous donor to annually provide one deserving student a four-year, full tuition scholarship to attend GMercyU as a PreK-4 Education major who will then return to Wissahickon School District as a K-4 teacher. There have been four recipients so far.
To help bridge the gap for certified teachers, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit launched Pennsylvania’ s first undergraduate apprenticeship program aimed at developing Pre-K to 12 Special Education teachers.
Selected Bucks IU participants will continue to work full-time as paraprofessionals while completing required coursework, which will be funded by the Bucks IU.
The first 60 credits will be completed through Bucks County Community College
6 TODAY