HARRISBURG — Gov. Ed Rendell is asking the Legislature to create a fast-track into the teaching ranks for technology and engineering professionals.

Under Rendell's proposal, candidates for the "residency certification" would have to complete an intensive, four-month training program on instructional strategies and child development.

That approach bypasses the traditional two- or four-year certification path. Rendell says it will help fill teacher shortages and better prepare the students for fast-growing fields.

A residency certificate would be valid for three years, but the teacher could choose to continue teaching after that.

Rendell says such a program could help Pennsylvania attract more money from the federal government's stimulus program, which set aside $5 billion to reward states that pursue innovation in education.