New Delco Program Aims To Boost Students Interest In Education Careers

MARPLE, PA — Delaware County is looking to help high school juniors pursue careers in education.

The Delaware County Council unanimously voted to approve funding for a new Teacher Education
Program during its July 5 public meeting.

The pilot program is a partnership between the County of Delaware and Delaware County
Community College.

The program offers Delaware County high school students in their junior year the opportunity to attend Delaware County Community College to pursue a degree in education.

Students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program will attend classes at the Marple Campus of Delaware County Community College in their junior and senior years, at no cost to the students or their families.

Students who complete the two-year program will earn 38 college credits from Delaware County Community College.

These credits can be transferred into an associate degree program at the College or used to transfer into a four-year institution such as West Chester University.

The program was created to address the critical shortage of teachers in the county.

Local school Superintendents voiced their concern to Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor last fall.

Taylor worked with the County’s Office of Workforce Development and school Superintendents to brainstorm about ways to address the shortage of teachers.

"Teachers play a vital role in shaping our future generations," Taylor said. "The goal of the program is to train bright young students to become our future education leaders in Delaware County. The hope is that once they graduate with their bachelor’s degree in education that they will begin a career teaching in Delaware County."

Council’s vote approved the tuition funding for the first 70 students who go through the program, which is the first of its kind in the state.

The first group of students in the Teacher Education Program Cohort begins this fall.

"In response to the current state-wide and regional teacher shortage, Delaware County Community College has created a new, two-year Teacher Preparation Program for high school juniors and seniors through funding by the Delaware County Council," said Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President of Delaware County Community College. "At no cost to students, their families, or the school districts, candidates can complete 38 credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree in education. This program hopes to shorten the time to prepare up to 70 students as qualified teaching professionals."

High school students and their families who are interested in the program can apply online here.

For additional information or questions, call 610-359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu.

Students should also consult with their high schools if looking to participate in this program.