Grant Money Going to Local University to Address Commonwealth’s Teacher Shortage, Bonner Says

June 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Mercer/Butler) today announced Slippery Rock University (SRU) is receiving nearly $600,000 from the Support Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (CTRA). The CTRA program, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, offers an earn-as-you-learn pathway to boost the teacher workforce. 

“This is a tremendous investment as we look to provide on-the-job training with classroom instruction as a way to address the teacher shortage we are experiencing in the Commonwealth,” said Bonner. 

With the grant money, SRU plans to implement a post-baccalaureate apprenticeship program addressing teacher shortages in science, math and special education.

“By supporting the program at SRU, we are investing in both the future of our educators and the long-term success of the Commonwealth,” Bonner said.

Over the past decade Pennsylvania has seen a significant decrease in the number of certified teachers and an increase in relying on emergency permits to fill critical roles.

“I look forward to seeing the impact of this funding as it’s more than just filling job openings,” Bonner said. “It also goes to ensure that every student has a teacher who is well-prepared and ready to equip them for future success.”


Representative Tim Bonner
17th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch 
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
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