How many teachers are certified in PA? A look at educator trends from 2013-2020

Amid a nationwide teacher shortage, emergency certification permits are on the rise in Pennsylvania as districts look to fill the gaps.

Emergency certification permits allow anyone with a bachelor’s degree to teach for one year while they work toward certification. Districts can apply for the permit if unable to find a qualified professional to fill a vacant position.

State data through 2020 also show downward trends in teaching certifications issued across the state and at Penn State.

The following charts are from data released by each Pennsylvania school district under Act 82 of 2018. The act was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018 and includes data on teacher certifications by subject and year.

The tables show teacher certification trends in Pennsylvania from 2013 onward.