In this issue:
- Teach in PA Website Relaunched
- House Committee Advances Teacher Pipeline Bills
- Senate Committee Moves Education Legislation
- Judge Blocks Plan to Dismantle U.S. Education Department
- Supreme Court Deadlocks on Religious Charter School
State News
Teach in PA Website Relaunched
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has launched a redesigned Teach in PA website to support educator recruitment. The site features user-friendly navigation and personalized pathways for those interested in teaching or other education careers. Job seekers can filter opportunities by certification status, education level, and location.
House Committee Advances Teacher Pipeline Bills
The House Education Committee approved several bills aimed at easing teacher shortages. Measures include:
- Lower certification fees
- Re-entry paths for inactive teachers
- Expanded grade ranges for certification
- Enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification access
- One bill lowering the GPA requirement for teacher candidates drew bipartisan concern but passed 17–9.
Senate Committee Moves Education Legislation
The Senate Education Committee advanced several bills:
- SB 700: Mandates evidence-based reading instruction and screenings for K–3
- SB 10: Creates PASS scholarships for students in low-performing schools
- SB 114: Expands long-term care and nurse aide training programs
- SB 127: Requires instruction on the Holocaust and human rights
- SB 227: Applies Right-to-Know Law to the PA School Boards Association
- SB 246: Mandates notification when weapons are found on school grounds
- SB 310: Requires FAFSA completion or opt-out to graduate high school
National News
Judge Blocks Plan to Dismantle U.S. Education Department
A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, issuing a preliminary injunction that blocks two executive actions announced in March. The orders had initiated mass layoffs and begun the process of shutting down the agency.
U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ruled that the administration likely exceeded its authority and failed to follow required legal procedures. As part of the ruling, the judge ordered the immediate reinstatement of Department of Education employees who were terminated under the plan.
Supreme Court Deadlocks on Religious Charter School
The U.S. Supreme Court reached a 4–4 deadlock in a closely watched case involving Oklahoma’s attempt to establish the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school, the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The tie leaves in place a lower court ruling that blocked the school’s approval, effectively halting the initiative in Oklahoma but without setting a national precedent.
Only eight justices participated in the decision. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Because the court issued a one-sentence order without commentary or vote breakdown, the legal future of religious charter schools remains uncertain. The issue is expected to resurface in future litigation.
