Future Educators Program Continues Training Next Generation of High-Quality Educators
MICHELLE TOOKER
Nearly 100 students are jump-starting their careers through the Future Educators Certificate of Competency program. A first-of-its-kind initiative in Pennsylvania, the Future Educators program launched in fall 2023 through a partnership between Delaware County Community College (DCCC) and the Delaware County Council. The program addresses Delaware County’s critical teacher shortage and paves the way for future PreK-12 educators.
“DCCC, with the support of the Delaware County Council, has taken a proactive approach to address the teacher shortage, which is an important issue across the country,” said Saudia Beverly, associate vice president of strategic enrollment management. “By creating a pipeline for future teachers, they’re not only filling the gaps but also ensuring that the teachers coming through the program are well-prepared and supported.”
The two-year program, formerly known as the Teacher Education Program, allows high school juniors to attend DCCC and earn up to 38 credits toward a degree in education. Classes are held at the College’s Marple Campus, and participants can transfer their credits into one of DCCC’s associate degree programs or to a four-year institution such as West Chester University. Plus, support services are available throughout the program, including laptop loans, enrichment activities, transfer advising, success coaching and tutoring for English and mathematics courses.
The program is growing, with approximately 36 students who have already expressed interest in the third cohort in the 2025-26 academic year. That’s triple the amount in the first cohort, which began in 2023-24.
| Academic Year | New Participants | Total Participants |
| 2023-24 | Cohort 1: 12 | 12 |
| 2024-25 | Cohort 2: 18 | 30 |
| 2025-26 | Cohort 3: ~36 | ~53 |
“Since welcoming its first cohort in 2023, the Future Educators program has flourished, offering students a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on experience,” said Richard McFadden, Ph.D., dean of Business, Computing and Social Science. “Under the guidance of dedicated faculty, like Jean Allison, associate professor and program coordinator of Early Childhood Education, students not only master essential teaching principles but also refine their practical skills in real-world settings. When I engage with these future educators, it’s inspiring to witness their growth, confidence and passion for shaping young minds. As they prepare for their careers, they carry the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond,” said McFadden.
“The increase in interest and participation is definitely a strong indicator that the program is resonating with students in Delaware County and providing them with meaningful opportunities,” added Beverly.
As word continues to spread about this vital program, the College expects interest to continue increasing. To learn more about the Future Educators program, call 610-359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu.
Culinary Arts Update
DCCC has brought its award-winning Culinary Arts program to Chester County. Classes began in January 2025 at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center (153 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460).
Students receive hands-on learning in a commercial kitchen from skilled chef instructors, right in the heart of Phoenixville’s thriving restaurant scene. The location—within walking distance of local restaurants—offers on-site parking as well as access to public transportation.
“We are thrilled to be offering another location to serve Chester County students,” said DCCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin. “It represents our commitment to providing greater accessibility to education to residents of both Delaware and Chester Counties.”
While pursuing either an associate degree, a certificate, or a non-credit certificate in Culinary Arts, students can explore everything from baking to international cuisine, from menu planning to food service purchasing. DCCC Culinary Arts faculty bring real-world, high-end restaurant experience to the program.
In November 2024, DCCC, Delaware County Council and Visit Delco announced a partnership to enhance hospitality and culinary arts education, strengthening workforce development in the region.
The initiative will support a state-of-the-art facility for DCCC’s Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs at the new Southeast Center, which will open in Spring 2026 and is being supported by the DCCC Educational Foundation’s Building Community Campaign.
“It gives all the local businesses first dibs at the graduates,” said Dr. Cronin. “It puts them on our advisory committee to make sure we’re giving those students the skills that they need and sending them out into the world.”
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor said the facility will help rejuvenate the hospitality industry in Delaware County, which was hard hit by the pandemic. And, a culinary arts facility will be the biggest part of DCCC’s new Southeast Center in Drexel Hill.
The facility, set to open in Spring 2026, will feature eight two-person state-of-the-art kitchen stations for students to develop the culinary skills they need to get them right into the workforce.