New hires put small dent in Philly teacher shortage
Philly schools are welcoming 800 new teachers, counselors and staff this week at School of the Future for its annual new hire orientation, amid a national teacher shortage and educator challenges ranging from poverty to mental health and ongoing issues of student homelessness that have not been addressed.
As of October 2023, school districts across Pa. reported 2,000 teacher vacancies and another 6,500 are teaching on emergency certificates.
Philly has thoughts on the new Pa. license plate design
The new Pennsylvania license plate design is coming to a DMV near you in 2025. It boasts a cream background with the Liberty Bell right in the center, and a new slogan, “Let Freedom Ring.” Of course, Pennsylvanians and Philadelphians have opinions about it.
BP reporter Santiago Ortiz took to the streets to conduct an informal poll of 100 Philadelphians to gauge interest in the new plate. Here’s the (admittedly non-scientific) results. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his running mate, and at least nine third-party candidates are facing challenges that could see them kicked off Pennsylvania’s Nov. 5 general election ballot. [Spotlight PA]
• East Mount Airy, East Germantown, West Oak Lane and the area around Fairmount Park will be impacted this week by street resurfacing plans. [WHYY]
• Tenth Presbyterian has withdrawn a permit that allowed drivers to park in bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets during church services, after weeks of protests and negotiations with bike advocates. [PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphia is funding historical research into the city’s lesser-known stories. The $150,000 funds 12 local college students spending a week digging through HSP’s archives to see what they can find. [WHYY]
• The Eagles signed safety Caden Sterns and released linebacker Shaq Quarterman in a corresponding move, the team announced Sunday. [CBS3]
• A new book about Black cowboy culture across the U.S. was crafted by Elkins Park resident and Swarthmore professor Ron Tarver and includes images from the Philadelphia region. [Glenside Local]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍔 Tuesday, August 13: Summer Cookout at Glen Foerd
Lily P.A.D.S. is having a summer cookout, complete with tie-dye fun and making dream catchers before enjoying a hot dog or burger and s’mores. $12 registration required for each child aged 4-10; adult chaperone is free. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
🍫 Tuesday, August 13: “Wonka” in Clark Park
Movies in Clark Park screens “Wonka,” starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka. Bring your own blanket/chair. (7 to 10 p.m.)
🎨 Wednesday, August 14: The Stories of Olney Mural Dedication
Artist Winnie Sidharta Ambron’s new mural depicts the diversity, brilliance and vision of the people of Olney. It includes references to Afro Caribbean quilts, Korean Bojagi, and Khmer, Thai and Vietnamese woven textiles. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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