THE CELEBRATION OF THE NEW EMERGING EDUCATORS CTE PROGRAM AT PPS.
On Oct. 10, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its groundbreaking “Emerging Educators” Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program at Pittsburgh Brashear High School. Designed to cultivate a homegrown pipeline of future teachers, the program provides students with real-world classroom experience, industry-recognized certifications, and college credits, all within their own school community. The Oct. 10 celebration also marked the launch of a new partnership with Point Park University, which enables students to earn at least 15 college credits while still in high school, giving them a meaningful head start towards a degree in education.
“Today marks an important milestone in how we invest in our students and the future of our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters, in a release. “I want to thank the dedicated team at Pittsburgh Brashear, our CTE Department, and our partners at Point Park University for their vision and commitment to creating a pathway for students to explore a career in education. I am especially proud of the students who stepped into this program, future educators who will one day stand in front of classrooms much like their own. Through ‘Emerging Educators,’ we are building something lasting for our schools and our community.”
The “Emerging Educators” Program gives students immersive exposure to the teaching profession through classroom internships, co-teaching experiences, and placements across various grade levels. Participants will graduate with key credentials, including:
Act 31 Mandated Reporter
OSHA Safety Training
ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training
AED Essentials, CPR, and First Aid
Bloodborne & Airborne Pathogens
In addition, students can earn a minimum of 15 articulated college credits toward an education degree at Point Park University, with further opportunities available through dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), and College-in-High-School programs, giving them a significant advantage on their postsecondary journey.
A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE EMERGING EDUCATORS COHORT.
“Solving the teacher shortage requires more than recruitment. It means empowering our own students to become the educators of tomorrow by seeing teaching not just as a career, but as a calling,” said Angela Mike, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education, in release. “The ‘Emerging Educators’ CTE Program does exactly that, especially in the communities where great teachers are needed most.”
Through the program’s soft launch last year, students began gaining valuable insight and foundational skills for a future in teaching. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebrated the launch of an accelerated pathway now available through the new partnership with Point Park University, expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit while preparing for careers in education.
The event also honored retired PPS educator Hannah McCarthy with a classroom dedication and commemorative plaque. Ms. McCarthy, who previously taught in Brashear’s teaching magnet program, had long envisioned expanding the pathway for students interested in education. With the “Emerging Educators” CTE Program now offering articulation and college credit through Point Park University, that vision is fully realized.