Building the Next Generation of Educators, Together

Every community relies on one essential promise—that our children will be taught by passionate, skilled educators who prepare them for the future. A high-quality teacher doesn’t just cover the curriculum; they change lives. They build confidence, inspire curiosity, and strengthen the communities they serve. Across Pennsylvania, we need more of these extraordinary people.

Today, Pennsylvania faces a shortage of certified teachers across nearly every subject, from special education to science and math. In many districts across the Lehigh Valley and the Philadelphia area, schools begin the year with open positions or rely on emergency-certified teachers to fill classrooms. Fewer students are enrolling in teacher-preparation programs, and too many early-career educators are leaving within five years.

Solving this statewide challenge begins by reminding people why teaching matters—and why it remains one of the most meaningful, impactful careers a person can choose. Being a teacher means making a daily difference in the lives of young people and in your community. It means helping future engineers take their first physics class, supporting a nervous reader through their first novel, or giving a young person the confidence to imagine more for themselves.

At Lehigh University’s College of Education, we believe restoring the joy of teaching begins by celebrating what brought us here in the first place: purpose, connection, and hope. That’s why we launched the Joy in Education campaign, a yearlong effort inviting educators across our region to share their “why” — the reason they chose this calling and the joy they continue to find in it.

The responses have been deeply inspiring.
Nichole Corsi, a counselor at Lehigh’s Centennial School, shared, “I believe every student should have the opportunity to be happy, healthy, and safe. It's our job to help students gain the skills to maintain this balance.”

And as Bethlehem Area School District reading specialist Scott Toonder reflected, “A handful of amazing teachers turned me from a dark future, quite literally saving my life. So my 'why' is simple: I want to pay them back by helping others. I want to change people's lives, the way that they changed mine.”

Every story like Nichole’s and Scott’s reminds us that teaching is about more than instruction—it’s about impact. It affirms what research has shown for decades: that high-quality, dedicated teachers change academic outcomes and personal trajectories. A great teacher’s influence doesn’t stop when the school bell rings; it echoes across lifetimes.

The College of Education is committed to supporting current and future educators so they can continue to thrive in their work. Through coursework that blends innovation with real-world application, Lehigh prepares teachers to meet the demands of today’s evolving education landscape. One example is our graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics, which helps educators understand and apply emerging technologies responsibly in their classrooms. Programs like this give teachers new tools to connect with students, sharpen their practice, and inspire renewed joy in their craft.

We also want educators to find places of employment where they can flourish. On February 3, Lehigh’s College of Education will host its annual Educator Job Fair—an event that connects school districts across the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and beyond with aspiring and experienced educators eager to serve. The fair offers candidates opportunities to discover roles where they can thrive and helps schools find committed, well-prepared teachers who will make a lasting impact on students’ lives.

On February 4, Lehigh will honor the teachers already shaping our community. Before the Lehigh Women’s Basketball game against Loyola, the College of Education will host a special ceremony recognizing local educators for their dedication, creativity, and daily impact. It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you to the teachers, counselors, and administrators whose work powers our schools and communities. Their efforts sustain the heartbeat of public education—and they deserve to be celebrated.

Teaching remains one of the few professions where each generation can literally shape the next. It is a career built on impact, guided by purpose, and sustained by joy. For those considering the path, there has never been a more important—or more rewarding—time to answer that call.

So, what’s your “why”? What moment drew you to education—or might draw you back? Whether it was a teacher who changed your trajectory or a spark you’ve never forgotten, now is the time to pay it forward. Join us in the movement to bring joy back to education.

To the educators already teaching in our classrooms: thank you. To those thinking about joining their ranks: your students—and your community—are waiting. The College of Education stands ready to support your journey. When teachers thrive, students thrive, and the promise of education grows stronger for us all.

-LUCOE-

Dr. Brook Sawyer is Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at Lehigh University’s College of Education in Bethlehem, PA.