A teachers strike in the Palmerton Area School District could last until Jan. 25, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The state informed the district and the Palmerton Area Education Association of the deadline this week, Association President Tom Smelas said Thursday.If the strike went the distance, the first day back in the classroom for teachers would be Jan. 26.Smelas would not comment Thursday on whether teachers would end the strike before that deadline.The association has repeatedly said it is willing to meet with the district at any time to continue negotiations.Teachers have been on the picket line since Monday.