GMercyU Student-Teachers Receive PA Stipend
Addressing the needs of the current teacher shortage, 15 GMercyU Education students (undergraduate and graduate) have received student-teaching stipends as part of the PA Student Teacher Support Program so far this year. In 2024-25, the first year of the program, 31 GMercyU students received the stipend.
Created by Governor Josh Shapiro, the student-teacher stipend program pays student-teachers up to $15,000 during their student-teaching semester, in exchange for a commitment to work in Pennsylvania for three years as a teacher at an LEA (Local Education Agency) or non-public school, typically ones that have had difficulty recruiting teachers.
“It’s a testament to the preparation GMercyU students receive through our Teacher Apprenticeship Program that so many have been selected for this opportunity in the first two years of the state program,” said Patrick McAleer, EdD, GMercyU Certification and Placement Specialist/Adjunct Professor, who supports students in the stipend application process. “Our focus is on preparing students to be amazing teachers. Helping them tap into the benefits of the PA Student Teacher Support Program is one way we do that.”
Without the stipend, students often face challenges like purchasing gas and covering basic needs since they are going from class to student-teaching every day. The stipend allows GMercyU students to place 100% of their focus on student teaching, such as lesson preparation and planning, without the worry of working a part-time job.
The stipend program also provides a small stipend to cooperating or host teachers, incentivizing them to accept GMercyU student-teachers. This small stipend is a way to combat teacher burnout.
"Returning to college to earn my degree and teaching certification so I could help make a better life for my family has been financially tricky," recent GMercyU Education alum Melissa Walter '24 said. "The stipend allowed us a little breathing room while I worked full-time as a student teacher...allowing me to focus my energy on learning and caring for my family without worrying about making ends meet."
The demand for educators is at a critical juncture, especially in Pennsylvania. 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.
In addition to the PA Student Teacher Support Program, GMercyU is meeting the urgent need for more teachers through several initiatives.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage
In fall 2025, GMercyU launched a three-year Bachelor of Science degree program with certification in either Early Education or Special Education. This innovative option saves future teachers an estimated $26,000 in tuition by shortening the traditional four-year path to just three years (with two summers). When combined with an added year of 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, Chair of the Undergraduate Education Department at GMercyU.
GMercyU also 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, with the first student set to graduate in May and return to Wissahickon as a teacher next fall.
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 are completed through Bucks County Community College and the remaining credits are completed at GMercyU, where students will prepare for their PA Special Education Teaching Certification and earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition to earning their salary, participants will receive pay increases at specific milestones as they complete their college coursework. Upon completion, graduates will continue to work for the Bucks IU as Special Education Teachers.
Since 2019, GMercyU students have earned 857 Pennsylvania education-related certificates, including PA teaching certificates, Administrative certificates, and School Counseling certificates.
Learn more about GMercyU’s Education programs here.