Lehigh University College of Education Launches "Inspire" Scholarship Program to Address Pennsylvania's Educator Shortage

New initiative offers 15% tuition discount on master's degree programs in five high-need certification areas beginning Summer 2026

Lehigh University's College of Education today announced the launch of Inspire, a new scholarship program designed to help build the pipeline of highly qualified educators in Pennsylvania. The program offers a 15% tuition discount for students who enroll in Summer or Fall of 2026 and pursue a master's degree with initial certification in one of five high-need areas. 

The announcement comes as Pennsylvania continues facing a severe shortage of educators. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's 2025 Educator Workforce Report, school districts across the state reported more than 3,300 professional vacancies at the start of the 2024-25 school year. The shortages are most acute in the very fields targeted by the Inspire program — special education alone accounted for 683 classroom teacher vacancies, while school psychologist positions totaled 126 unfilled roles, and elementary education vacancies exceeded 200. School counselor vacancies affected both elementary and secondary levels.

The scope of the problem goes far beyond individual classrooms. The number of emergency permits issued statewide has tripled over the past decade, reaching more than 28,000 in the most recent reporting year, a clear sign that qualified, certified educators are in critically short supply. Meanwhile, Penn State researchers have found that the number of teaching certificates issued in Pennsylvania fell by more than 60% between the 2010-11 and 2023-24 school years.

"Pennsylvania's students deserve educators who are fully prepared to support their academic achievement and social and emotional well-being," said Dr. Robin Hojnoski, Acting Dean of the College of Education. "With Inspire, we are making a direct investment in the next generation of teachers, counselors, and school psychologists. Our goal is to minimize financial barriers and attract dedicated professionals to the roles where they are needed most."

Hojnoski, a professor of school psychology who was appointed acting dean in July 2024, noted that the shortage is felt most strongly in urban and rural communities where poverty levels are high, and resources are already limited.

We understand that great educators change lives. This program demonstrates Lehigh University's commitment to being part of the solution, training exceptional professionals and making that education more accessible," Hojnoski said.

The Inspire scholarship covers the following master's and initial certification programs in the College of Education.:

• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• School Counseling
• School Psychology

Eligible students must enroll in the Summer or Fall 2026 semester. 

Lehigh University's College of Education trains educators, counselors, psychologists, and leaders dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and communities. Consistently ranked among the top education colleges in the country, the College offers undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs across five academic departments. For more information, visit ed.lehigh.edu/Inspire.