In a tangible commitment to addressing the teacher shortage crisis, West Chester University's College of Education & Social Work celebrated a group of high school seniors ready to take up the mantle of educators through the PRIZE Program. On June 26, four students will sign declarations of intent to pursue teaching careers and return to serve in PRIZE-affiliated school districts, as reported by a recent university announcement.
The ceremony will feature unique personal and virtual components, with Faith Bullen and Faith Constein committing in person, while Immani Barrett and Marissa Herring ink their pledges through a video connection. The 18 participants of the PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy, a program designed to foster interest in teaching among future generations, will be there to witness the signings. These rising seniors themselves are looking to embark on the same journey as the one-credit education technology course they're taking may eventually lead them back to their own school districts as educators.
Significant figures from the academic community will contribute to the event, with WCU President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky and interim Superintendent of Coatesville Area School District Dr. Anthony Rybarczyk slated to speak. Ariel Hudson, a current WCU education major and PRIZE Ambassador, is also expected to share insights from her experience in working toward becoming an educator herself.
With a focus on practical results and community engagement, this initiative, founded by Dr. Desha Williams, has ushered 69 high school students into its dual-enrollment fold since January 2023, with more admissions on a rolling basis. The PRIZE Program, as detailed by Dr. Williams, not only champions the concept of "grow-your-own" educators but actively reinforces this network of support and commitment from both the students and the partnered school districts.
