Attract-Prepare-Retain
Attract - Prepare - Retain (APR) Repository
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is committed to supporting local education agencies (LEAs) across three key focus areas:
Attract
Skilled, compassionate, and diverse individuals to special education career options
Prepare
Special education personnel through professional development and supports
Retain
Special education personnel long-term
Current Opportunities
PA Student Teacher Support Program
Application available March 6, 2025
The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance to student teachers to help offset costs associated with their student teaching experience.
Learn More & ApplyGrow PA Scholarship Grant Program
Application opens late February/early March 2025
- Grants up to $5,000 per year
- Maximum of 4 academic years of support
- For students pursuing teaching careers in Pennsylvania
Special Education Teacher Pipeline Research
In collaboration with the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (Calder), PaTTAN has supported comprehensive research on Pennsylvania's special education teacher pipeline.
Year 3 Report
July 2025Latest findings on special education teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention in Pennsylvania
Year 2 Report
July 2024Continuation of longitudinal study on special education workforce
Year 1 Report
July 2023Initial analysis of special education teacher pipeline in Pennsylvania
Certification Pathways
Pennsylvania offers multiple pathways to special education certification. Explore the options that best fit your situation:
Traditional Certification
Complete guide to obtaining a Bachelor's Degree and Special Education Teacher Certification through traditional preparation programs.
- 4-year degree programs
- Student teaching requirements
- Praxis exam preparation
Alternative Certification
Guide to Emergency Permit Type 01 and Intern Certification for career changers and those already working in schools.
- Emergency permits
- Intern certification
- On-the-job training
Staffing Solutions for Schools
Innovative Staffing Strategies
Explore creative solutions to address special education staffing challenges in your LEA
Hiring Retired Teachers
Leverage the experience and expertise of retired educators to fill immediate staffing needs.
Recruiting from Other States
Interstate certification pathways to bring qualified educators from other states.
Temporary Certificates for Substitutes
Short-term certification solutions for immediate coverage needs.
Paraprofessionals as Classroom Monitors
Effectively utilizing support staff in classroom settings.
Emergency Permits
Emergency certification options for urgent staffing situations.
Prospective Teachers as Substitutes
Creating pathways for teacher candidates to gain experience.
Additional Resources
PANeedsTeachers
Visit the #PANeedsTeachers website for comprehensive resources and information about teaching opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Visit WebsiteTeacher Shortage in PA
Research report on the current state of teacher shortage in Pennsylvania special education.
View ReportNeed Help?
Contact your regional PaTTAN office for assistance:
East Office
(610) 265-7321(800) 441-3215
Central Office
(717) 541-4960(800) 360-7282
West Office
(412) 826-2336(800) 446-5607
Resources
Helpful resources for educators and families:
Did You Know?
PaTTAN offers free professional development and technical assistance to Pennsylvania school districts and families.
Learn More