(WHTM) — It seems teacher shortages continue to impact schools across Pennsylvania each year.

Schools are really concerned and so is the teachers’ union.

“Between 2012 and 2013 and now there has been a 66% decline in teacher certification,” said Jeff Ney, P.S.E.A’s the Vice President. “There is an absolute need for more educators within our school districts.”

To attract teachers, several programs have launched, such as the Educators Rising Program.

“So, Ed. Rising as a new national network, provides an in-school educational program for high school students who may be interested in becoming teachers.”

Another program is the Capitol Area Pathways to Teaching.

“We provide a program that has university credit that allows people to get their teaching certificate while at work,” said Andria Saia, the Executive Director of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. “So, it’s a on the job training, so to speak.”

Officials say these programs were introduced last year and multiple schools in the Midstate are already using them.

“So, Steelton Highspire is a great partner with us, Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township, Millersburg it goes on and on; Shippensburg we have quite a few partners,” Saia added.

McCaskey high school in Lancaster County is also one of the local schools involved in the Educator’s Rising Program.

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Amanda Funk who leads the program there wrote abc27 News which says in part, “By fostering a pipeline of well-prepared and committed educators, these programs can help to reduce turnover rates and stabilize the workforce.”

Officials say both of these programs are successful.

“I think it’s going phenomenally,” Saia said.

Ney added, “We’re just getting started and we’re really excited about what the future holds for education.”

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