A pause in the teacher pipeline | Morning Newsletter

Hello, hello! It’s been a while since I joined you here in newsletter land, but I’m happy to see you. Rain is forecast for today, so plan accordingly.

Even while there’s a teacher shortage, Drexel has paused admission into its undergraduate education program to review other paths students are taking to get their teacher certification.

Following the death of Malayshia Allford and the murder charge for her foster mother, city officials are proposing multiple changes to the foster system.

Plus, facial recognition at PHL, a suggested plan to spare 17 schools, the sinking of the SS United States, and more news of the day.

— Ellen Dunkel (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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In her nearly four years at Drexel University, elementary education major Naomi Yoon says, she has worked in four Philadelphia public school classrooms, helping about 150 students.

But she worries that experiences like hers could be in jeopardy at Drexel. The university has temporarily paused admission into its in-person undergraduate education program to review other paths students are taking to get their teacher certification.

The school cites low enrollment numbers in the undergraduate major. There were just seven new first-time, full-time entrants to the program this fall, fewer than in recent years, said Niki Gianakaris, a university spokesperson.

But Yoon and some classmates and alumni say that the loss of even one student can have a significant impact on the local community amid an ongoing teacher shortage that is particularly acute in Philadelphia.

The death of 10-year-old Malayshia Allford in the care of her foster mother — a West Philadelphia woman who has been charged with murder and was previously accused of abusing another child — has rocked the city and spurred calls for changes to the foster care system.

City leaders have begun officially responding to those demands.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker called 36-year-old Carprice Williams’ treatment of Allford a “crisis of unimaginable proportions,” and issued an executive order that calls for child welfare experts to report on how the city can improve its handling of the thousands of foster cases.

Meanwhile, City Council members have taken their own interest in investigating the circumstances that led to Allford’s death and making changes to Philadelphia’s child welfare system.

Missy and Dan Peltz’s Bella Vista home is a joyful mix of colorful, imaginative, and zany collections. They once worried their three-story home would be too small, but it’s grown along with their family, and Missy’s collections.

Who was the famous jazz musician who played his final concert at Temple University 60 years ago?

A) Louis Armstrong

B) Duke Ellington

C) John Coltrane

D) Miles Davis

Think you know? Check your answer.

🤔 Wondering: With so many products touting extra protein, how much protein do kids need?

🗺️ Planning: How to get around the city this weekend with Rocky road closures.

🥶 Expecting: Cold, rain, wind, and possibly mood snowflakes.

Hint: This Philly sports star this week played his much-anticipated first regular-season matchup against his former team.

BJORN WAYLEN

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Mindy Cohen, who correctly guessed Tuesday’s answer: Carolyn Marvin. The University of Pennsylvania professor emerita went viral for blocking a food delivery robot’s path in Center City.

A ceremony in Washington Square Park honored Veterans Day on the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the eternal flame in front of the park’s Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Solider.

Enjoy your Thursday. The weekend is in view!

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