Education

Improve Teacher Retention and Pay

Started:
A teacher reads to a group of students at Andrew Hamilton school. A new report found that teachers in their first three years of teaching and teachers of color leave their jobs at higher rates than others. (Carly Sitrin/Chalkbeat)

Progress Updates

8 of 8

Philadelphia City Council allocates $500,000 to help CTE teachers earn certification

(WHYY) Philadelphia City Council is allocating $500,000 from the school district’s budget to pay for teacher certifications for the Philadelphia School District’s Career Technical Education program.

“I think it’s an incredible incentive to not just lighten the burden for current teachers, but to entice more industry professionals to … make that transition into education,” said Jessica Lawyer, who teaches culinary arts at Thomas Edison High School.

 

 

Mayor Cherelle Parker wants to lower teacher attrition, in part to uphold educational quality and consistency for students in the Philadelphia School District. Here's some of what she's done so far on this front:

Related News

1 of 2
City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas raising his hand as he engages with audience at a recent panel about education funding and school closures in Philadelphia.
The Lenfest Institute

As Philadelphia weighs school closures, civic leaders advise heeding lessons from past

City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas speaks at a March 24, 2026, Every Voice, Every Vote Community Conversation about education funding and school...
Image of Phila School District Superintendent Tony Watlington
The Philadelphia Tribune Company

Philadelphia State of the Schools report shows significant progress on many levels

“Before COVID, our students ranked in the middle or near the bottom among large urban districts,” said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent...

Explore Other Issues Areas

Philadelphia Skyline with Greenery in Foreground From Drexel Park

Clean & Green

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown skyline from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Public Safety

An aerial view from a rooftop on Magee Avenue in the Cheltenham neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States February 22, 2025

Economic Opportunity

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.

Solutions Progress Report

The Solutions Progress Report tracks updates on the key issues and initiatives of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration.

Explore the Solutions Progress Report