Teach Plus Pennsylvania Strategic Goals & Drivers
Equitable Funding
Our Goal: The state closes its $4.5 billion adequacy gap by 2032, accelerating resources to underfunded districts.
Our Past Impact: Since 2020, the state has increased education funding by over $3 billion, including:
- $300M to underfunded districts through Level Up
- $500M to underfunded districts via a new adequacy formula we advocated for
How We Do It:
- PA Policy Fellowship (Equitable Funding working group)
- PA Schools Work Coalition (co-lead the coalition and lead government relations)
Teacher Workforce
Our Goal: PA eliminates its teacher shortage; all students have access to a well-prepared, diverse teacher workforce.
Our Past Impact:
- Created new pathways into teaching for paraprofessionals and high schoolers
- Passed a $30M student teacher stipend program
- Passed new workforce data collection laws
- Improved retention of teachers of color in Philadelphia through our affinity groups
How We Do It:
- PA Policy Fellowship (Educator Workforce & Reimagining the Teacher Role working groups)
- #PANeedsTeachers Coalition (co-lead with NCEE)
- Philadelphia Affinity Group Network and Belonging, Empowerment, & Mentorship (BEAM) Network to support educators of color
Early Literacy Policy
Our Goal: Curriculum, assessments, intervention, and teacher training are aligned with the science of reading, as in the fastest-improving states.
Our Past Impact: Since 2020, the state has increased education funding by over $3 billion, including:
- Updated teacher certification requirements in Pennsylvania to ensure teachers are trained in the science of reading
- Passed legislation to require districts adopt evidence-based curricula, teacher training, and universal screening for students in grades K-3 by 2027
- Secured $10 million to support early literacy in the FY2025-26 state budget
How We Do It:
- PA Policy Fellowship (Advancing the Science of Reading working group)
- PA Literacy Coalition (led by Teach Plus PA)
Local Proof Points
Our Goal: Key districts in Philadelphia and SW PA demonstrate accelerated achievement through partnership with Teach Plus PA.
Our Past Impact: Through local partnerships, Teach Plus PA supported partner schools in Philadelphia to make large gains in early literacy, exceeding their goals and the growth rates of comparison schools and the district as a whole.
How We Do It:
- Coach local teacher leaders to lead instructional change efforts in their schools
- The Literacy Forward Network, launching in SW PA, supports districts to improve teacher practice and reading outcomes through alignment with the science of reading and teacher-led professional learning.
Political Will & Leadership Alignment
Our Goal: Senior leaders (state and local) embrace our policy priorities; strong, diverse coalitions mobilize to provide political pressure/cover.
How We Do It:
- PA Policy Fellowship (mobilizing teachers)
- Coalition leadership (PA Schools Work, #PANeedsTeachers, PA Literacy Coalition)
- PA Regional Advisory Board
- Thought leadership, communications, and advocacy strategies
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