Due to a national educator shortage, the number of Philadelphia School District teachers hired with emergency certifications has significantly increased. In the 2022-23 school year, 22.4% of teachers lacked full certification, more than doubling from 9.2% nine years ago. This means one in five Philadelphia students is taught by an uncertified educator. While hiring teachers with emergency certification helps fill classrooms, it poses challenges for students, teachers, and the district.
