HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), Rep. Pat Harkins (D-1) and Rep. Shelby Labs (R-143) – the co-chairs of Pennsylvania’s bipartisan, bi-cameral Early Childhood Education Caucus – will highlight Pennsylvania’s growing teacher shortage and how it’s affecting early learning on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.
Speakers will underscore how a growing teacher shortage, fueled by low compensation, is closing child care and pre-K classrooms and driving up waitlists for working families. They will share updated survey data detailing the impact of this crisis. Early learning students, teachers, parents and other advocates will be present.
The event’s speakers include:
- Early Childhood Education Caucus co-chairs
- Tim Fallon, chief executive officer emeritus, Lehigh Valley Public Media; commissioner, PA Early Learning Investment Commission
- Dr. Leah Spangler, founding president and chief executive officer, The Learning Lamp
- Retired Lt. Gen. Dennis Benchoff, U.S. Army; member, Mission: Readiness – Council for a Strong America
- Indiana County Sheriff Robert Fyock, member, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids – Council for a Strong America
Partnering organizations for the caucus include Pre-K for PA, Start Strong PA and the PA Early Learning Investment Commission.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri, (Sen. Stefano’s office), 717-787-7175
Spencer Thornburg, (Sen. Schwank’s office), 610-929-2151