State Representative Joe Ciresi Archives

State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the PA Department of Education has awarded a $17,200 grant to the Pottstown School District.

The grant is intended to train a new generation of special education teachers in Montgomery County and the Lehigh Valley.

“Children in special education classes need teachers who are specially trained to understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support so they can thrive intellectually, socially and emotionally in school,” Ciresi said in a statement. “This funding is especially important in light of a statewide teacher shortage and will create new learning opportunities for students in the Pottstown School District.”

“By increasing awareness of career and employment opportunities in special education, we can recruit the teachers needed to provide all students with a top-quality education,” Ciresi added.

According to a press release, the Developing Future Special Educator grants will help area educational institutions design and implement student-centered learning opportunities to support students with disabilities, as well as learn about career opportunities in the special education field.

The program is part of the Department of Education’s efforts to develop a teacher supply and retention program to ensure that students of all abilities in Pennsylvania have access to a quality education.