In a move to kick off the back-to-school season, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten embarked on a bus tour to Pennsylvania on Thursday, making stops at two local schools in Erie. The tour aimed to showcase how federal investments are supporting schools and address the pressing issue of teacher shortages in the state.

 

Marten Visits McKinley Elementary and Strong Vincent Middle School

Deputy Secretary Marten began her tour at McKinley Elementary, where she conducted a thorough inspection of the school's facilities and engaged with staff and students. Following her visit to McKinley, Marten proceeded to Strong Vincent Middle School, where she facilitated a roundtable discussion involving students, educators, and parents. The roundtable focused on the significance of maintaining high-quality public education and the impact of federal funding on local schools.

 

Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Pennsylvania

During the roundtable discussion, Marten emphasized the importance of investing in teacher pipelines and ensuring a more diverse teaching workforce. She acknowledged the recent trend of educators leaving the profession and expressed the Department of Education's commitment to not only attracting new teachers but also retaining them. Marten stated, "We want to invest specifically in teacher pay to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania."

Marten Highlights Federal Investments in Schools

The primary purpose of Marten's visit to Erie was to observe firsthand how federal funding is benefiting local schools. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress made and the positive impact of these investments on the education system. Marten's visit served as a testament to the Department of Education's dedication to supporting schools and ensuring that every student has access to a quality education.

 

Continuing the Bus Tour in Pittsburgh

After her successful visit to Erie, Marten and her team from the Department of Education are set to travel to Pittsburgh for the concluding leg of their bus tour. The tour is part of the Department's ongoing efforts to engage with local communities, understand their unique challenges, and provide support where needed.

 

The visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten to Erie has highlighted the importance of federal investments in education and the need to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania. By engaging with local schools, students, and parents, Marten has demonstrated the Department of Education's commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. As the bus tour continues to Pittsburgh, the Department remains dedicated to supporting schools and communities across the nation.