Philadelphia, PA – September 2, 2025 – Dean Monika Williams Shealey represented Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School during a statewide roundtable focused on strengthening career and technical education (CTE) in Pennsylvania.
During the discussion, Dean Shealey addressed the challenges of recruiting and retaining CTE teachers, noting that many enter classrooms directly from industry with limited formal preparation. “These educators are asked to teach, engage students and complete certification all at once, which makes retention one of the greatest challenges we face,” she said.
Shealey highlighted the CEHD’s CTE Teacher Tuition Assistance Program, developed in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, which provides short-cycle, high-quality training for new and lateral-entry teachers. Every new teacher in the program is paired with a Field Resource Associate who delivers in-classroom coaching and support toward certification, a model designed to ensure both teacher success and student learning.
She also highlighted the impact of the Center for Professional Development in CTE, Temple’s regional hub for advancing teacher preparation and professional growth. Over the past year, the Center has supported hundreds of educators across eastern Pennsylvania, including a large number of new CTE teachers pursuing certification. In addition to recommending candidates for multiple certification levels, the Center provides every new teacher with wraparound support such as academic tutoring and individualized coaching from Field Resource Associates. This targeted guidance helps teachers navigate their first courses, develop classroom confidence, and progress successfully through Level 1 certification and beyond.
“The evidence is clear,” Shealey said. “Sustained coaching and financial support are essential to retaining teachers and ensuring that career-bound youth across our city receive the high-quality preparation they deserve.”
The roundtable featured a wide range of voices from education, labor and government, including Governor Josh Shapiro; Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Center for American Progress President and CEO Neera Tanden, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, AFT Pennsylvania President Wendy Coleman, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg, Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School Principal Shervon Thompson, Dobbins CTE Senior Savannah Black, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cherelle Moore, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe.
The roundtable underscored a shared commitment among education leaders, policymakers and community partners to build and sustain a strong pipeline of CTE teachers, ensuring that students in Pennsylvania are prepared with the skills, training and opportunities needed to thrive in their futures.