Reading School District’s Andrea Jeronimo Leco has made history as the first non-U.S. citizen employed as a teacher by a Pennsylvania school district through an expanded state teacher certification program.
Jeronimo, a first-year teacher, teaches second grade at Lauer’s Park Elementary School under an emergency permit secured by the district.
After moving from Mexico at age five, Jeronimo grew up in Reading, attended RSD schools for 12 years, and graduated from Reading High School and Kutztown University. Her background as a Reading alumna has shaped her commitment to the district and its students, with her new role reflecting those values.
“I’m very thankful for everything Reading has done for me; I’m living my dream,” said Jeronimo. “Being able to teach here and having that dream come true is incredible.”
Jeronimo’s permit allows her to teach this academic year, with plans to take the PRAXIS exam later this year and secure a permanent teaching license.
“We’re issuing more emergency certificates this year, not only to address staffing needs but to ensure students have the most qualified educators before them,” said Dr. April Halligan-Rostek, Reading School District’s Director of Human Resources. “We’re lucky to have Andrea, not only as a Reading graduate but as an inspiring model for our students.”
The emergency permit system, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, allows public school districts to request emergency permits for qualified candidates when a fully certified teacher is unavailable. Typically valid for one year, the permits grant qualified individuals with a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to serve Pennsylvania students.
Jeronimo joined state leaders and fellow educators in celebrating this milestone at an August 1 event hosted by Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz on the steps of Reading High School. The event marked Pennsylvania’s recent approval of Senate Bill 700, expanding the state’s teaching pool to include qualified non-U.S. citizens like Jeronimo who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or employment authorization document.
“I love the creativity and structure of teaching, and it’s so meaningful to represent students like I once was,” said Jeronimo. “I want them to see that they, too, can make their dreams happen right here in Reading.”
To learn more about the emergency permit process in Pennsylvania, visit: www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/PAEducators/Pages/Emergency-Permits.aspx.