Released: June 24, 2025
Delaware County Council celebrates the first students to complete the coursework of the County-supported program designed to fast-track high schoolers into critically needed teaching roles
Delaware County, PA — Delaware County Council is delighted to see the first students complete the coursework of Delaware County Community College’s ‘Teacher Education Program. This program allows high school students, free of charge, to acquire up to 38 credits from DCCC towards an associate’s degree in Education. The program itself helps address the severe teacher shortage facing Delaware County and Pennsylvania as a whole.
“No one who works to become an educator should have to get there under a mountain of debt,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “I’m proud to see the ‘Teacher Education Program’ providing affordable pathways to aspiring teachers.”
As the first cohort completed the program this spring/summer, students in Delaware County are already being accelerated into the education field. Upon graduating high school, students can continue at DCCC or transfer the credits to be applied at a participating four-year college.
“This program doesn’t just benefit the students themselves; it benefits all of us,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack. “We all benefit when more Delaware County students become our next generation of great teachers, and when they stay here in PA to do it.”
The free courses taken during high school have the potential to dramatically lower the cost and timeline for students to receive their degrees. The program aims to create a pipeline for future teachers at a time when they are sorely needed as Pennsylvania alone looks to fill over 2,000 teaching jobs.
“Delaware County Council is proud to support the Teacher Education Program, because our students have the talent and are worth the investment in this valuable public service,” said Delaware County Council Member Kevin Madden. “As a third generation Delaware County resident I want the generations to come to have access to tremendous teachers and pathways to teaching.”
“I want to thank Delaware County Community College and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges for following through with our support by delivering results on a spectacular program,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Shaefer. “We all had a teacher that made us a better person and this program is assisting even more people who can do that for our community in the years to come.”
“With staffing levels in crisis across most of Pennsylvania, there has never been a more crucial time to invest in our pipeline of new educators,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “Good teachers lead students to more thoughtful and empathetic perspectives and help build a better Delaware County.”
The program is growing with 36 students already expressing interest in joining for the 2025-2026 cohort. Students interested in the program can call 610-359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu