West Chester University’s (WCU) College of Education & Social Work has developed a PRIZE-winning way to defy the national teacher pipeline shortage: The Partnering in Raising Inclusive, Zealous Educators Program, or PRIZE Program, is boldly teaching school districts how to cultivate exceptional educators who, following their graduation from WCU, have agreed to return to PRIZE school districts to teach.
In keeping with this “grow-our-own” concept, four high school seniors, who will be WCU college education majors in the fall, will sign commitment declarations to pursue academic journeys that will lead to careers as future teachers in PRIZE school districts on Thursday, Jun. 26, from 2:30-3:30 PM, at the West Chester University Foundation (202 Carter Drive, West Chester).
During the ceremony, two high school students will sign their pledges in person: Faith Bullen, Avon Grove High School; and Faith Constein, Antietam High School. In addition, two high school students will sign their pledges while on video: Imanni Barrett, Kennett High School; and Marissa Herring, Kennett High School.
Among those watching the signing will be 18 rising high school seniors who are currently attending the PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy, a one-week on-campus experience for high school students interested in the teaching profession and taking a one-credit education technology course. Academy students plan to pursue teacher preparation at WCU one day and eventually become educators in their own school districts, much like the peers they will be watching during the signing ceremony. Current WCU education majors act as mentors to the high school students.
West Chester University President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky and interim Superintendent of Coatesville Area School District Dr. Anthony Rybarczyk will be featured speakers at the ceremony. Ariel Hudson, a current WCU education major and PRIZE Ambassador who is mentoring the Summer Teacher Academy participants, will share her thoughts about her goal to become an educator.
Presiding over the ceremony will be Associate Dean of WCU’s College of Education & Social Work, Dr. Maria Stetter, and PRIZE Program Director, Dr. Katie Solic. Dean of WCU’s College of Education & Social Work Dr. Desha Williams, who created and launched the PRIZE program in January 2023, will detail the program’s history and purpose.
Since its inception, there have been 69 PRIZE high school dual-enrollment participants. Additional PRIZE students are being admitted to the program on a rolling basis for the 2025-2026 academic year. To date, the following school districts have partnered with the PRIZE Program:
- Avon Grove School District
- Chester-Upland School District
- Coatesville Area School District
- Colonial School District
- Commonwealth Charter Academy
- Kennett Consolidated School District
- New Hope-Solebury School District
- Oxford Area School District
- Rose Tree Media School District
- School District of Philadelphia
- Susquehanna Township School District
West Chester University’s PRIZE Program is supported by such generous sponsors as Dr. Judith Finkel ’73, Chester Community Charter School, Justamere Foundation, Rob Dash, Esq., and Debbie Dash, as well as others.
Find more information about West Chester University’s PRIZE Program here.
Learn more at West Chester University (WCU), the largest member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which is comprised of 10 state-owned universities within the Commonwealth of PA. Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
