Philadelphia Puts $75,000 More Behind Training Career and Technical Teachers

PHILADELPHIA — City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson joined the School District of Philadelphia, the teachers union and the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia to announce a $75,000 investment in training the district’s career and technical education teachers.

The announcement came at a press conference at Ben Franklin High School. Gilmore Richardson was joined by Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr., Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg and Fund President and CEO Kathryn Epps, according to the City Council announcement.

The money comes from the Fund’s Teacher Appreciation Fund, created in 2024 to help recruit and retain educators, and will cover credentialing costs for CTE teachers in fall 2026.

The district offers CTE programs in 43 occupational areas, and the classes are typically taught by former industry professionals who bring field experience into the classroom. Historically those educators had to pay out of pocket for the credentials required to teach, making Philadelphia one of the only districts in the state that did not cover the cost.

Last year Gilmore Richardson secured $500,000 for the same purpose, and nearly 50 teachers benefited in the first year. The new $75,000 is expected to support 20 additional teachers.

The funding removes a significant barrier to recruiting and retaining CTE instructors, particularly career changers entering teaching from the trades.

A separate agreement with Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development helps current CTE teachers earn certifications on an accelerated schedule, with coaching for those new to college coursework.

With demand for skilled trades instruction continuing, the credentialing support aims to keep experienced professionals in Philadelphia classrooms.