Some advocacy groups say the requirement is worsening a teacher shortage.
The policy has its defenders. The Philadelphia Education Fund, a well-regarded nonprofit that is dedicated to reform, is recommending that the school board drop the requirement that teachers live in the city. On Monday, community advocacy groups plan a news conference to call for eliminating the rule. About a third of new hires now have emergency certificates that allow them to work in classrooms without teacher training. Currently, there are about 100 vacancies to fill.