New online Early Childhood Education program helps address teacher shortages
最新91制片厂 has partnered with the to offer the for students enrolled in its Bachelor鈥檚 in Early Childhood Education with PK-4 Certification program. The partnership features a special tuition agreement, allowing child care professionals across Pennsylvania to pursue higher education while continuing to work full-time.
鈥淎s part of Alvernia鈥檚 ongoing commitment to providing affordable and accessible academic programs for working adults, this partnership offers a flexible pathway for child care professionals to advance their education and careers,鈥 said Alvernia Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan T. Giannini, Ed.D. 鈥淏y aligning our tuition with the state rate, we are helping to alleviate financial burdens and support the continued development of highly qualified educators across the state.鈥
Qualified T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood庐 Pennsylvania Scholarship recipients will benefit from a reduced tuition rate of $322 per credit hour, aligned with Pennsylvania鈥檚 current state rate. This ensures that as the state rate evolves, Alvernia鈥檚 tuition will remain responsive to those changes, further increasing access to higher education for child care professionals. The scholarship covers up to six credits per semester, allowing recipients to progress steadily toward their degree without financial barriers.
鈥淎s Pennsylvania faces a growing teacher shortage, it鈥檚 critical that we respond by equipping our educators with the tools and qualifications necessary to meet this challenge,鈥 said Alvernia Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D. 鈥淭his partnership with PACCA ensures child care professionals can access a high-quality education while continuing to make an impact in their communities.鈥
The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania continues to be a significant issue, with many districts struggling to fill critical roles. Alvernia鈥檚 fully online program offers working professionals the opportunity to complete their degrees without disrupting their employment, making it easier for them to remain in the workforce while they pursue further education.
The agreement between Alvernia and PACCA is effective from August 15, 2024, to August 14, 2025, and applies to all scholarship recipients enrolled in Alvernia鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program during this period.