The Spark

Pennsylvania has a shortage of teachers. More than 2,100 teaching positions were vacant in the state as of October, according to newly released state data — and almost a quarter of those spots were filled not with full-time teachers, but with long-term substitutes.

Some who produced the report called it a crisis.

Dr. Edward Fuller, a Professor of Education in the Education Policy Studies Department at Penn State University worked on the report and was on The Spark Wednesday.

Fuller indicated that not all school districts are having trouble hiring enough teachers. He pointed to Philadelphia and the rural school districts between Harrisburg and State College as areas where the teacher shortage is most pronounced. Fuller said suburban districts, especially in eastern Pennsylvania, are experiencing the shortage as much as some others.

Fuller said the districts having the most critical teacher needs are often the ones that are classified as poorer districts and not getting funding from Harrisburg to meet the needs of their students.

Fuller explained why there are fewer teachers to hire,"The number of people who entered teaching preparation programs fell dramatically across the entire United States from the onset of the recession (in 2008) till about 2016. And then it's kind of been flat since. But we lost a ton of teachers. Some of that was because a lot of teachers were laid off during the recession. And when you see a profession having layoffs here, it's not a great choice to go into that profession, right? You wonder, am I even going to get a job, much less how much am I going to make? Teacher pay has been stagnant for much of the last 30 to 40 years. Teachers average teacher pay is essentially the same as it was in 1990 when I was teaching. Once you constant dollars. So, you know, adjusting for inflation and everything. The pay has fallen below some comparable, professions, particularly like nursing. So I looked at I think, 21 labor markets in Pennsylvania and compared beginning nursing salaries to beginning teacher salaries and all but three instances nurses made substantially more, sometimes in the range of $10,000 more per year, which is a lot. And colleges have become increasingly expensive, especially in Pennsylvania, where we have some of the highest tuition rates in the country. So if you're an 18 year old and you're deciding, what do I want to be? And if you're you're paying attention to the economics of your decision, you're going to look and go, wow, It's going to cost a lot. I'm going to come out of college with student debt. I'm going to go into teaching and make between 30 and 50,000 a year beginning where I start, and it's going to take a long time to pay off my, my student loans...The other part of the the explanation is there's been, lack of two things, a lack of autonomy by teachers. So, teaching has become increasingly guided by scripted lessons where they tell you exactly what to say, things like that. And, so they have less decision making authority in their classroom. And there's been lots of attacks on teachers. So going back to even 2008, we had "Race to the Top" under the Obama administration. In the some of the rhetoric around that was like, teachers aren't very smart. We need to get rid of all the bad ones. There's lots of bad ones. They need to be fired. We need to replace them with better teachers. And so teachers and teaching really started to be denigrated. And that has continued over time and in recent years. And we've just halted. We've seen them being called names, really despicable names for no reason. And, and that's really turned people off as well. And, that has caused, some increased attrition, which makes the shortage worse too, because you have people leaving. We don't have enough people in teacher preparation programs. If you're a district, what do you do? You have to hire somebody, right? Either that or make classes really large. So you hire somebody on an emergency permit."

Fuller was asked if students are impacted by the teacher shortage,"We have research that shows students who are taught by a teacher on an emergency permit, so a long term substitute or series of short term substitutes or somebody who's working toward a certification and just hasn't fulfilled all the requirements here. Children taught by those teachers don't learn as much in the differences pretty large between those children and children who are taught by a fully certified teacher. So, we're really disadvantaging some students by not addressing this shortage."

Fuller told us the shortage of special education and English as a Second Language teachers is especially acute.

Fuller talked about some possible solutions,"There's no silver bullet in education. But, implementing the court's ruling on school finance (The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state's funding formula for education wasn't providing money equitably and was unconstitutional), reducing the cost of getting a teaching certificate would help, particularly if you're going to go into special education. Or else we should probably make it free for if you're going to teach special ed, those things would would help, paying for student teaching so that you don't have to teach and you have to work for free at a school and then go to your job after to go through student teaching. So fully funding student teacher stipends would work in starting grow your own program. So we increase the supply of teachers, particularly teachers of color, who turn out to be, research finds a little bit more effective than white teachers for most students."

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but quite frankly more Americans are aware of their mental health – especially since the COVID pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five American adults has experienced a mental health challenge, and one in 20 Americans live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.

Those statistics may not tell the whole story. There seem to be more people who are suffering from depression and other mental illnesses or experiencing episodes of poor mental health since the pandemic.

However, there are barriers to seeking help in the form of therapy or other treatments. One of the biggest is access to trained mental health professionals. There simply aren’t enough to keep up with the demand.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill earlier this spring that could make more therapists and counselors available.

Joining us on The Spark Tuesday to talk about mental health and access to treatment were Alison Pidgeon, Chief Executive Officer and Valerie McNicholl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Chief Operations Officer, both with Move Forward Counseling.

Pidgeon was asked why there are more people who seem to be experiencing poor mental health,"The pandemic for so many people was so difficult, and if they were already struggling a little bit, but maybe coping okay, the pandemic was just another humongous layer of stress on top of all of the things that they were already dealing with. And then it really just became apparent that they needed help. And then I also think the pandemic -- silver linings -- it just became a lot more normal to talk about mental health. The stigma was less because everybody just went through this very, traumatic experience. And so that's the other piece that we have seen as well."

McNicoll addded,"I think obviously the pandemic has had an impact, but I think we were seeing an increase in mental health needs even prior to the pandemic. So that was just exacerbated. Even more so, I don't individually see clients any more, but I meet with the staff who do, and I'm just coming out of a meeting, where staff are expressing that clients seem to be sicker, that the acuity level, of some of the clients we're seeing in outpatient seems to be higher. And people seem to be struggling more. I also agree that I think the stigma is less. It's still there and it's still very strong, especially in certain communities. But I think particularly our younger folks, our Gen Z, younger millennial folks, they feel much more comfortable talking about mental health and talking about accessing help and support for mental health problems."

Access to mental healthcare has been a problem for years according to Pidgeon and she explained why,"If you look at the cost of getting an advanced degree, you need to either a master's degree or a PhD to become a therapist. And obviously that's a very expensive and time consuming proposition and then you come out of school making very little money. And so I think that it just doesn't make financial sense for people to go to school to become a therapist. You don't want to spend $100,000 on a graduate degree and come out making $40,000 a year. So, I really think that the the answer is for insurance reimbursement rates to increase, to pay therapists at the level of other Masters and PhD level professionals in the healthcare field."

Gov. Shapiro signed a bill in March that created a new licensure category, allowing individuals to practice as licensed associate marriage and family therapists and licensed associate professional counselors. The idea is to expand access to mental health services and addresses the need for more practitioners. Under the new law, individuals with the required educational qualifications but who have not completed the necessary supervised clinical experience can obtain an associate license. This enables them to provide mental health support and qualify for insurance reimbursement while under the guidance of a licensed supervisor.

Pidgeon said the new law could have a great impact on accessibility,"This is huge for Pennsylvania in terms of having a whole new pool of people who now have an associate level license and can hopefully bill insurance. Although that remains to be seen. So essentially, when you get your degree, you come out of school, if you're going to become a therapist, you come out of school and you get your master's degree in social work, or you get your master's degree in counseling. The social workers were able to become licensed social workers, so that was their version of their provisional license. There was no provisional license for the people who were getting their masters in psychology, so they had to work for two years totally on license. They weren't able to bill insurance. Even as an employer, it was difficult for me to employ them, because that means that we had to basically ask people to pay out of pocket to see that person, which is obviously another barrier to treatment. So there weren't a lot of opportunities for those folks. They also ended up in jobs where they weren't paid very well. And so now our hope is that they have this associate level license and they'll be able to bill insurance, just like the, licensed social workers do."

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A recent study by the ACLU of Pennsylvania has unveiled significant racial disparities in the assignment of cash bail among accused individuals. The research highlights that 55% of Black defendants are assigned cash bail, compared to only 39% of white defendants. Additionally, Black defendants face higher bail amounts, with their average bail set nearly $13,000 more than that of their white counterparts.

This troubling pattern is consistent across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, indicating a widespread issue within the state's judicial system. The study underscores the severe repercussions of even short-term pretrial detention. Individuals who spend just a few days in jail can experience life-altering consequences, such as job loss, deprivation of necessary medical care, loss of child custody, and even homelessness.

Moreover, the study points to the broader societal impacts of pretrial detention and cash bail. Detained individuals are more likely to be convicted and receive longer sentences. The misuse and overuse of cash bail also correlate with an increase in crime rates, exacerbating the problem the system aims to mitigate.

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The story of Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, is the most famous tale of a castaway. But Daniel Dafoe’s Robinson Crusoe was a work of fiction.

Best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin’s new book recounts the true story of five castaways in the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812.

It’s called Left for Dead – Shipwreck, Treachery and Survival at the Edge of the World.

The story that Dolin tells is one of incredible survival in the harshest of conditions.

The book's publicist provides a good description: "Set against the backdrop of wartime conflicts, Dolin's narrative weaves a compelling saga of a chance encounter between an American sealing vessel, a shipwrecked British brig, and a British warship. Misunderstandings and mistrust led to the abandonment of three British sailors and two Americans, including Charles H. Barnard, the captain of the sealer, in the unforgiving terrain of the Falklands for a harrowing eighteen months.

Left for Dead is a tale that unravels with intriguing complexity, offering surprising twists and turns. Reminiscent of David Grann's The Wager, Left for Dead reveals a spectrum of human behavior under extreme duress—depicting instances of greed, deception, and bullying juxtaposed with stellar leadership, ingenuity, and remarkable endurance. The story unfolds with banishment, the profound value of a loyal companion, the birth of a child, a perilous thousand-mile open-ocean voyage in a mere seventeen-foot boat, an unlikely rescue mission, and ensuing legal battles over a contentious wartime prize."

Eric Jay Dolin talked about the book and the story on The Spark Monday.

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Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly,

The number of people who are food insecure is increasing and Penn State Health has a program to help. 

Also on the program, mental health professionals will join us to discuss advances in mental health services.

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National Prevention Week, observed from May 12-18, 2024, serves as a vital public education platform dedicated to preventing substance use and promoting positive mental health. This annual event engages communities across the country in raising awareness about substance misuse and mental health issues, showcasing the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs. By involving communities, National Prevention Week highlights the importance of implementing strategies that address these critical public health concerns.

One of the primary purposes of National Prevention Week is to foster partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations committed to improving public health. These collaborations enhance the dissemination of quality prevention resources and publications, ensuring that effective strategies reach those in need. The event underscores the significance of community involvement in addressing substance misuse and promoting mental well-being.

Eric Kennel, the executive director of Compass Mark, has been instrumental in raising awareness and taking action for individuals suffering from substance misuse and other addictions. As National Prevention Week concludes, Kennel emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of substance misuse, providing support to those affected, and accessing available services. His insights highlight the collective effort required to combat addiction and support recovery, reinforcing the crucial role of community and organizational initiatives in fostering a healthier society.

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Fresh from competing in the 2024 Senior Games at Spooky Nook Sports Complex, Sally Winchell and her group of Iron Mustangs returned home with a collection of well-deserved hardware. The team, composed of women aged 55 and older, made a significant impact not only through their victories but also by inspiring their fellow competitors with their dedication and strength. Today, on WITF's The Spark, Sally Winchell and the Iron Mustangs joined Marquis Lupton to discuss their journey, preparation, and motivations behind embracing powerlifting later in life. The Iron Mustangs, a formidable team of senior powerlifters, showcased their remarkable abilities at the Senior Games, held at the sprawling Spooky Nook Sports Complex. Their success is not merely measured by the medals they won, but by the barriers they broke and the stereotypes they shattered about aging and athleticism.

Sally Winchell, the spirited leader of the Iron Mustangs, spearheaded the team’s efforts. Among the many highlights, perhaps the most impressive was 70-year-old team member Jane Thompson’s stunning performance, where she deadlifted over 200 pounds. Thompson’s feat exemplifies the extraordinary capabilities of senior athletes when given the opportunity and support to thrive. Winchell, reflecting on their achievements, noted, "Our team is about more than just lifting weights. It's about lifting each other up and proving that age is just a number." Her words resonate deeply with many, as the Iron Mustangs’ story is one of perseverance, community, and the relentless pursuit of personal bests.

The journey of these women into powerlifting is as inspiring as their performances. Many of them took up the sport after the age of 60, driven by a desire to stay active, healthy, and strong. Their training regimen is rigorous, involving not only physical preparation but also mental fortitude. The Iron Mustangs train diligently, balancing workouts with proper nutrition and recovery, ensuring they are always at their peak. Their preparation for the Senior Games was intensive, marked by months of disciplined training and a strong support network. The camaraderie among the team members plays a crucial role in their success, providing motivation and encouragement to push through the toughest challenges.

On The Spark, the Iron Mustangs shared their individual stories and collective experiences. They hope to inspire other seniors to embrace physical activity and perhaps even powerlifting, demonstrating that it’s never too late to start something new. And, as the Iron Mustangs continue to celebrate their achievements, their influence extends beyond the competition. They are redefining what it means to age, one lift at a time, showing that strength, resilience, and determination have no age limit.

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In 2010, Humankind founder TJ Foltz experienced a profound calling to address the global need for clean drinking water. This mission was sparked by an overseas trip where he witnessed children forced to drink unclean water due to a lack of resources. Since then, TJ has dedicated his life to providing hope and clean drinking water to those in need. The pivotal moment came during a trip to a remote village where Foltz saw firsthand the devastating effects of contaminated water. Children, their faces etched with hardship, were consuming water from a polluted source, leading to widespread illness and despair. This harrowing experience ignited a deep-seated resolve in Foltz to make a tangible difference.

Determined to turn his vision into reality, Foltz founded Humankind with a singular mission: to provide sustainable, clean drinking water to underserved communities worldwide. Under his leadership, Humankind has embarked on numerous projects, installing water filtration systems, drilling wells, and educating communities on maintaining these vital resources. However, Foltz’s journey wasn’t undertaken alone. He received invaluable support from the SCORE mentoring program, an initiative dedicated to assisting aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs. SCORE, with its vast network of experienced mentors, played a crucial role in helping Foltz navigate the complexities of starting and growing his nonprofit organization.

The mentorship Foltz received through SCORE was instrumental in Humankind’s success. SCORE mentors provided guidance on various aspects of running a nonprofit, from strategic planning and fundraising to operational management and outreach. Foltz attributes much of Humankind’s growth and impact to the insights and support he received from his SCORE mentors. Statistics support the efficacy of the SCORE program, where small business owners who engage in three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth. This was certainly true for Foltz and Humankind. The organization’s reach has expanded significantly, touching lives in numerous countries and providing clean water to thousands of people who previously had none.

Today, Humankind stands as a testament to the power of one individual’s commitment to a cause and the profound impact of effective mentoring. TJ Foltz’s story is one of hope and a reminder of the difference one person can make when supported by a community of knowledgeable and dedicated mentors.

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Ever hear that a woman has been described as glowing when she is pregnant? It is a time when most women are happy and excited when they’re expecting or even after they just delivered.

But for some women, it’s a struggle because they don’t have access to good prenatal care or nutritious food when they’re pregnant. They’re two of the most important contributors to the mother’s health, but especially the baby’s health. Prenatal care and eating a nutritious diet can have a lifelong impact on the health of the baby.

Fortunately, there are programs to help expectant or new mothers. WIC or Women Infants and Children is one of the most successful that has provided nutritious food, breastfeeding resources and other services to millions of women across the country for the past 50 years.

With us to discuss the WIC program and other services for families in need on The Spark Thursday were Sally Zubairu-Cofield, Pennsylvania’s WIC Director and Robin Rohrbaugh, President and CEO of the Community Progress Council.

Zubrair-Cofield indicated that the WIC program provides much more than handing out food to expectant and new mothers living in poverty, like it did when it started in 1974. She added healthy food is just one challenge many women are facing, "Not only making sure that these moms are going to their doctors and keeping up with their appointments, but they're barriers that don't allow moms to do that. There are barriers that don't allow the practitioners to spend that time, not quality time, with the moms in the office. Some practitioners are seeing these, participants or their clients and these pregnant moms, maybe five, ten minutes in a quarter. So, we really, really stress trying to get that time and build those relationships with those mothers and make sure they have access to our care. We know that, if we can teach you how to eat better, we can teach you how to feed your child better. What's out there for your child? If your main issue is you don't have a place to stay, you're going through domestic violence, you don't have shelter, you don't have heat. So we really, really want to remove these barriers. Going to a WIC appointment is a barrier for some people. Getting the kids, taking off of work to make these appointment are barriers. So we do things like have mobile clinics. We have office hours. We are seeing participants on the weekends. We're driving in rural and different areas where participants may not have access to a clinic or can't get to a clinic. So we're really trying to meet the participants where they are. And we really, really are intentional about connecting with all of our community partners because we can't help the participants if we don't even know what's available to them."

The Community Progress Council in York County offers services to assist those living in poverty to become self-sufficient -- especially financially,"We're trying to help people get to a place financially where they no longer need public or private assistance. We achieve our mission by delivering an array of services, work being one of those services. We are York County's Headstart and early Headstart provider. We have some Pre-K counts, classrooms, housing, counseling and education. And then we have a broad array of coaches who walk alongside of all of the families that we are serving and work with them to achieve their goals. So, we really focus on providing a comprehensive service to all of the families that come to us."

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May 16th, marks Mental Health Action Day, a significant initiative aimed at shifting the focus of mental health culture from mere awareness to concrete action. This day serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing mental health crisis and the need for proactive steps to address it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one in five adults live with a form of mental illness. Alarmingly, over 20% of youth aged 13 to 18 have experienced a serious, debilitating mental illness at some point in their lives. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and resources.

In recognition of Mental Health Action Day, The Spark invited two distinguished mental health specialists to provide deeper insights into the multifaceted issue of mental health, Dr. Matthew Hurford, President and CEO of UPMC’s Community Care Behavioral Health, and Professor Jihan Owens-Tyler, a psychotherapist and counselor at Elizabethtown College. Professor Owens-Tyler brings a wealth of expertise, having been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure CBT, structural family therapy, emotion-focused family therapy, trauma-informed care, and psychoanalytic therapies. And while the national statistics on mental illness are sobering, there is encouraging news for Pennsylvanians. According to Mental Health America, Pennsylvania ranks eighth in overall access to mental health resources and stands out as the top state in the nation for youth-specific access to mental health services and the lower prevalence of youth mental illness. This ranking highlights the state’s commitment to providing robust mental health support, particularly for its younger population.

Mental illness manifests in various forms, including anxiety, nervousness, worry, stress, loneliness, frustration, mood swings, and panic attacks. The diverse range of symptoms necessitates a comprehensive approach to treatment and support, emphasizing the importance of specialized care and accessible resources. And as Mental Health Action Day progresses, the focus remains on encouraging individuals to take actionable steps towards improving their mental health and advocating for better mental health policies and resources. By moving beyond awareness and towards action, society can make significant strides in addressing the mental health challenges faced by millions.

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