Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
THE PROGRAM
Sec.
49.1. Definitions.
49.2. Inactivity and invalidity.
49.11. General.
49.12. Eligibility.
49.13. Policies.
49.14. Approval of institutions and alternative program providers.
49.15. Approval of experimental programs.
49.16. Approval of induction plans.
49.17. Continuing professional education.
49.18. Assessment.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE
49.21. [Reserved].
49.22. [Reserved].
49.23. [Reserved].
49.24. [Reserved].
EMERGENCY, LONG-TERM AND DAY-TO-DAY
SUBSTITUTE PERMITS
49.31. Criteria for eligibility.
49.32. Exceptional case permits.
49.33. Expiration.
49.34. Locally-issued Day-to-Day Substitute Permits.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION
49.41. Description.
49.42. Letter of eligibility.
CHANGES IN CERTIFICATION
49.51. Review of certification.
49.52. Development of types/categories of certificates and development of their respective standards.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
49.61. Teaching experience for out-of-State applicants.
49.62. Resource specialist permits.
49.62a. Program specialist certificate.
49.62b. Program endorsement certificate.
49.63. Applicants educated in foreign countries.
49.64. [Reserved].
49.64a. Authority to annul and reinstate certificates and discipline professional educators.
49.64b. [Reserved].
49.64c. [Reserved].
49.64d. [Reserved].
49.64e. Mandatory reports from schools.
49.64f. Publication of suspensions and revocations.
49.65. Out-of-State and Nationally-certified applicants.
49.66. Appeal procedure.
49.67. [Reserved].
49.68. Evaluation of prescribed requirements and standards.
49.69. Deletion of areas from certificates.
THE PROGRAM
§ 49.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act—The Public School Code of 1949 (24 P.S. § § 1-101—27-2702).
Alternative program provider—A provider of accelerated post-baccalaureate preparation program, other than an institution of higher education, that has been approved by the Department in accordance with section 1207.1(a) of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1207.1(a)).
Approved educator preparation program—A sequence of courses and experiences, offered by a preparing institution or alternative program provider, that is reviewed and approved by the Department.
Articulation agreement—A formal agreement between two higher educational institutions, stating specific policies relating to transfer and recognition of academic achievement to facilitate the successful transfer of students without duplication of course work.
Assessment of basic skills—A measurement of a candidate’s ability to communicate orally and in writing and to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental computational skills.
Assessment of general knowledge—A measurement of a candidate’s knowledge in the fields of literature, mathematics, the sciences and social studies.
Assessment of professional knowledge and practice—A measurement of a candidate’s knowledge of educational theory, principles of human growth and development, educational psychology and other subjects directly related to educational practice and their application/demonstration in school settings.
Assessment of subject matter—A measurement of a candidate’s knowledge of an academic field or discipline to be taught in the public schools of this Commonwealth.
Baccalaureate degree—A conferred bachelor’s degree from an approved 4-year college or university.
Candidate—A person seeking certification in any of the areas outlined in this chapter.
Certificate—A document prepared and issued by the Department indicating that the holder has completed an approved professional preparation program and is qualified to perform specific professional duties.
Certified personnel—Professional employees, excluding school secretaries, as defined in section 1101 of the act (24 P.S. § 11-1101) or educators, or both, holding a comparable certificate from another state.
Chief school administrator—The superintendent, intermediate unit executive director, or equivalent private school administrator.
Collegiate studies—Studies pursued at institutions which are entitled to apply to themselves the designation of college or university as defined by 24 Pa.C.S. Chapter 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).
Commissioned officer—District superintendents and assistant district superintendents under section 1078 of the act (24 P.S. § 10-1078) regarding commissions and objections to election.
Community provider—A not-for-profit or for-profit organization that operates prekindergarten programs.
Continuing professional education—The formal acquisition of collegiate or in-service credits designed to improve and expand the expertise of professional personnel.
Core academic subject—Includes reading, language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, social studies and the arts.
Cultural awareness—Understanding, consideration and integration of individuals’ culture, language, heritage and experiences.
Culturally relevant and sustaining education (CR-SE)—Education that ensures equity for all students and seeks to eliminate systemic institutional racial and cultural barriers that inhibit the success of all students in this Commonwealth—particularly those who have been historically underrepresented. Culturally relevant and sustaining education encompasses skills for educators including, but not limited to, approaches to mental wellness, trauma-informed approaches to instruction, technological and virtual engagement, cultural awareness and emerging factors that inhibit equitable access for all students in this Commonwealth.
Day-to-day substitute permit—A permit issued for no longer than 20 consecutive days to fill a position due to the absence of professional certified personnel.
Degree-granting institution—A public college or technical institute which provides a 2 year, postsecondary college-parallel, terminal-general, terminal-technical, out-of-school youth or adult education program or a combination of these and which is established and operated under the act.
Diverse learner—A student who because of limited English language proficiency or disabilities may have academic needs that require varied instructional strategies to help the student learn.
Educational specialist—Professional certified personnel whose primary responsibility is to render professional service other than classroom teaching, such as dental hygienist, home and school visitor, instructional technology specialist, social restoration specialist, nutrition service specialist, elementary counselor, secondary counselor, school nurse and school psychologist.
Educator Discipline Act—24 P.S. § § 2070.1a—2070.18c.
Emergency permit—A permit issued to fill a vacancy resulting from resignation, termination, retirement, death or the creation of a new position.
Exceptional case permit—A permit issued to fill a vacancy due to exceptional conditions.
Historically underrepresented groups—Groups that are documented to have been represented across time in the educator population in proportions below their representation in the general population. These include, but are not limited to, people of color and the economically disadvantaged.
Inclusive setting—The placement of a diverse learner in a regular classroom setting.
Induction—A process by which a variety of professional support services are provided to newly employed teachers and educational specialists under the guidance of professional personnel to facilitate entry into the education profession.
Induction plan—A description of the induction process developed and submitted by the school entity to the Department for approval which describes how a teacher or educational specialist will be introduced to the teaching profession under this chapter.
Intern certificate—A professional certificate that entitles the holder to fill a full-time professional teaching position.
Invalid certificate—A certificate which no longer enables its holder to perform specific professional duties.
Long-term substitute permit—A permit issued for an indeterminate period to fill a position due to the absence of professional certified personnel.
Occupational competency credential—A document issued by the Occupational Competency Testing Examiners which signifies that the holder possesses knowledge and skill in a technical field at a journeyman level. When the document is presented to a preparing institution or to the Department, it may be registered by the Department on the holder’s vocational intern, vocational instructional or instructional certificate, and it enables the holder to teach that occupational specialty.
PSPC—Professional Standards and Practices Commission—A body composed of educators from the fields of basic and higher education, members of the general public and an ex officio member of the Board established by the Educator Discipline Act.
Permit—A document prepared and issued by the Department indicating that the holder is allowed to serve in lieu of a certified professional for a specified period of time.
Prekindergarten—A program operated by an early intervention agency as defined in § 14.101 (relating to definitions), school district or under contract from a school district that is open to children who are 3 years of age and who have completed the program prior to the school district’s entry age for kindergarten.
Preparing institution—A college or university that offers a program approved by the Department to prepare professional personnel for employment in the public schools.
Professional duties—A duty the performance of which is restricted to personnel by the scope of their certificate.
Professional ethics—The standards of behavior, values, and principles that inform and guide professional decision-making. These standards of behavior, values and principles include those detailed in the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators, as adopted by the Professional Standards and Practices Commission.
Satisfactory achievement—An acceptable level of performance as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Board on the Department-prescribed assessments required in this chapter.
School entity—Public schools, school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber schools and independent schools.
Structured literacy—Systematic, explicit instruction that provides a strong core of foundational skills in the language systems of English, integrates listening, speaking, reading, spelling, and writing and emphasizes the structure of language across the speech sound system (phonology), the writing system (orthography), the structure of sentences (syntax), the meaningful parts of words (morphology), the relationships among words (semantics), and the organization of spoken and written discourse.
Subject area—Specific areas of instructional content.
Term of validity—A period of time as specified in § § 49.33, 49.34, 49.82, 49.92, 49.102, 49.142 and 49.152 in which the holder of a certificate is entitled to perform the professional duties for which the certificate was issued.
Trauma-informed approaches to instruction—Pedagogy that recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma and integrates knowledge about trauma for the purpose of promoting resiliency among students.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.1 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)).
Source The provisions of this § 49.1 adopted January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (329951) to (329952) and (376611).
§ 49.2. Inactivity and invalidity.
(a) Inactivity. A certificate or commission shall be inactive if the holder fails to meet § 49.17 (relating to continuing professional education).
(b) Invalidity. A certificate shall be invalid if the holder fails to meet, or if circumstances arise as specified in § 49.33, § 49.34(b), § 49.82, § 49.92, § 49.102, § 49.142 or § 49.152.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.2 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)).
Source The provisions of this § 49.2 adopted January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (312173).
§ 49.11. General.
(a) Certificates and letters of eligibility in force in this Commonwealth on September 25, 1999, shall continue in force, subject to all the terms and conditions under which they were issued and the act until they expire by virtue of their own limitations. For certificates or a letter of eligibility to remain active, every 5 years a professional educator shall satisfactorily complete the following:
(1) Six credits of collegiate study.
(2) Six credits of continuing professional education courses.
(3) One hundred eighty hours of continuing professional education courses, activities or learning experiences or any combination of collegiate studies, continuing professional education courses or other programs equivalent to 180 hours.
(b) State certificates and permits will be issued as provided in this chapter, and teachers and other professional personnel may not perform professional duties or services in the schools of this Commonwealth in any area for which they have not been properly certified or permitted.
(c) This chapter establishes the specific requirements for the certification and permitting of persons serving in the public school entities of this Commonwealth as professional employees, temporary professional employees, substitutes, and commissioned school administrators of the Commonwealth.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.11 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.11 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (312173) to (312174).
§ 49.12. Eligibility.
In accordance with sections 1109, 1202 and 1209 of the act (24 P.S. § § 11-1109, 12-1202 and 12-1209), every professional employee certified or permitted to serve in the schools of this Commonwealth shall:
(1) Be of good moral character.
(2) Be at least 18 years of age.
(3) Except in the case of the Resource Specialist Permit, Career and Technical Emergency Permit, Career and Technical Instructional Intern Certificate, and Career and Technical Instructional Certificate, have earned a baccalaureate degree.
(4) For the purposes of certification, the Department will accept a conferred graduate degree from an accredited college or university in lieu of a baccalaureate degree.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.12 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.12 amended through September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (376612) and (329955).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.90 (relating to criteria for eligibility). 22 Pa. Code § 49.91 (relating to criteria for eligibility); and 22 Pa. Code § 49.151 (relating to eligibility and criteria).
§ 49.13. Policies.
(a) The Board, through the Secretary, will provide standards for the guidance of the preparing institutions in educating professional personnel for the schools of this Commonwealth, all of which are to include accommodations and adaptations for diverse learners.
(b) The Department will have the following responsibilities with respect to certification and permitting of professional personnel in the schools of this Commonwealth:
(1) Provision of advisory services to college and school personnel in matters pertaining to educator preparation and certification.
(2) Designation of professional titles for personnel.
(3) Prescription of procedures for issuance of certificates and permits.
(4) Evaluation and approval of educator preparation programs leading to the certification and permitting of professional personnel.
(i) The evaluation by the Department will provide assurance that, on or before January 1, 2011, teacher education programs will require at least nine credits or 270 hours, or an equivalent combination thereof, regarding accommodations and adaptations for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. Within the context of these nine credits or 270 hours, instruction in literacy skills development and cognitive skill development for students with disabilities must be included, as determined by the institution. At least three credits or 90 additional hours, or an equivalent combination thereof, must address the instructional needs of English language learners. For purposes of this requirement, one credit equals 30 hours of coursework. Applicable hours are limited to a combination of seat hours of classroom instruction, field observation experiences, major research assignments, and development and implementation of lesson plans with accommodations and adaptations for diverse learners in an inclusive setting.
(ii) The evaluation by the Department will provide assurance that educator preparation programs demonstrate the integration of culturally relevant and sustaining education and professional ethics throughout the preparation program.
(iii) The evaluation by the Department will provide assurance that educator preparation programs include instruction in structured literacy as part of programs that prepare candidates to earn an instructional certificate in Early Childhood, Elementary/Middle, Special Education (PK—12), English as a second language and Reading Specialist.
(iv) Program approval reviews shall be conducted by professional educators from basic and higher education.
(5) Registration of certified and permitted persons.
(6) Maintenance of records of all certificates and permits.
(7) Assurance that each professional person is properly certified or permitted for the specific position in which the professional person is employed.
(8) Review and investigation of alleged violations of this chapter.
(9) Prescription of procedures approved by the Board for the appraisal and evaluation of education and experience of applicants for any type of professional certification issued by the Department when the applicant has been denied certification and is prepared by institutions outside this Commonwealth or has appealed in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board in § 49.66 (relating to appeal procedure), a decision pertaining to eligibility for certification rendered by a Commonwealth institution having an approved program. The appellant initially shall have appealed to the institution.
(10) The issuance of administrative agency interpretative policies and directives relating to professional certification and staffing in the schools of this Commonwealth as may be necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter.
(11) Identification and approval of assessment tools, instruments and procedures to measure basic skills and general knowledge; professional knowledge and practice; and subject matter knowledge.
(12) Assurance that individual scores or measurements achieved on assessments instituted under § 49.18 (relating to assessment) are not released without the permission of the candidate or pursuant to subpoena or court order. The Department will inform the candidate by means of the candidate’s last known address when it has received a subpoena or court order.
(c) Except for applicants whose certification status is subject to subsection (b)(9) and § 49.171 (relating to general requirements), the Department will require that an applicant for a certificate shall have completed an approved preparation program and shall be recommended by the preparing institution or alternative program provider.
(d) The Department will have the right to review approved programs at any time. Major evaluations shall be conducted at 7-year intervals, by professional educators appointed by the Department in accordance with subsection (b)(4), to review process and content.
(e) The Department will accept the request of an institution to withdraw from an approved program. The Department will have the right to withdraw the approval of a program from an institution. New students may not be accepted in a program which has lost its approved status after the date of the action.
(f) The Department will prescribe procedures for evaluation of an applicant’s preparation in the event that application for a certificate is made after the program at a preparing college or university has closed or been discontinued.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.13 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.13 amended through September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (329955) to (329957).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.15 (relating to approval of experimental programs).
Notes of Decisions Redesignation of Position
Professional employes hired to a position designated as such under provisions of 22 Pa. Code § 49.13 (relating to policies) may not be removed from such position by the mere redesignation of the position as nonprofessional by the school district. Charleroi Area School v. Secretary of Education, 334 A.2d 785 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1975). (See also dissenting opinion at 334 A.2d 785 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1975).)
§ 49.14. Approval of institutions and alternative program providers.
To be authorized to conduct programs that lead to certificates for professional positions, institutions and any of their off-campus centers as well as alternative program providers engaged in the preparation of educators shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be approved as a baccalaureate or graduate degree granting institution or alternative program provider by the Department.
(2) Be evaluated and approved as an educator preparing institution or alternative program provider to offer specific programs leading to certification in accordance with procedures established by the Department.
(3) Report to the Department, for approval, all planned changes in previously approved programs. This report shall be made 90 days prior to the implementation of the planned changes.
(4) Follow Department prescribed standards developed from the following principles:
(i) Institutions and alternative program providers develop clear goals and purposes for each program, which shall include competencies, coursework and field experiences that address professional ethics, structured literacy (for programs that lead to certification in Early Childhood, Elementary/Middle, Special Education PK—12, English as a second language and Reading Specialist), and culturally relevant and sustaining education. The Department will identify these competencies and develop associated standards.
(ii) Institutions and alternative program providers are able to demonstrate how instructional and clinical activities provide educator candidates with the capacity to enable the achievement of all students, including diverse learners in an inclusive setting.
(iii) Institutions and alternative program providers are able to demonstrate that educator candidates have participated in instructional activities that enable the candidates to provide instruction to students to meet the provisions of Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).
(iv) Institutions and alternative program providers are able to demonstrate that educator candidates successfully participate in sequential clinical experiences fully integrated within the instructional program as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Board.
(v) Institutions and alternative program providers have clearly expressed standards for admission to, retention in and graduation from approved programs and can demonstrate recruitment and participation of students from historically underrepresented groups. Institutions and alternative program providers annually shall report on students admitted, retained, and graduated from their programs, including numbers from historically underrepresented groups.
(vi) Institutions and alternative program providers shall provide ongoing assessment of educator candidates’ knowledge, skills, dispositions and performance with which to identify needs for further study, certification assessment assistance or clinical experience or dismissal from the program.
(vii) Institutions and alternative program providers can demonstrate how information from systematic evaluations of their programs, including students and educator evaluators, and achievement levels of candidates for certification in the Department-designed assessment program, are used for continual program improvement and shall develop corrective action steps if identified as at-risk or low performing program providers as defined by the Department in accordance with section 207 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.A. § 1022F(A)).
(viii) Institutions and alternative program providers, in partnership with local education agencies, provide a school-based experience integrating the teacher candidates’ knowledge, skills and dispositions in professional practice. This experience shall be fully supported by institutional faculty, including frequent observation, consultation with supervising teachers and opportunities for formative and summative evaluation.
(ix) Institutions and alternative program providers provide ongoing support for novice educators in partnership with local education agencies during their induction period, including observation, consultation and assessment.
(x) Institutions and alternative program providers supply evidence that an acceptable percentage of candidates applying for certification as determined by the Secretary and approved by the Board achieve at a satisfactory level on all assessments appropriate to initial certification in each program for which they are approved.
(5) Institutions and alternative program providers may enter into articulation agreements with community colleges that permit students to earn credits toward meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(6) Institutions shall comply with requirements set forth in the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. § § 6301—7981) and the Federal Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. § § 1001—1019d).
Source The provisions of this § 49.14 amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (329957) to (329958).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.15 (relating to approval of experimental programs).
§ 49.15. Approval of experimental programs.
The Department may enter into a written agreement with a preparing institution or alternative program provider wishing to conduct an experimental program. The institution and alternative program provider shall meet the requirements described in § § 49.13 and 49.14 (relating to policies; and approval of institutions and alternative program providers). Certification shall be given to graduates of an experimental program upon recommendation by the institution or alternative program provider if the provider has met all of the following requirements:
(1) Submitted a detailed explanation of the experimental program to the Department for approval.
(2) Planned a thorough procedure conforming to accepted canons of educational research for evaluating results of the experimental program. These results shall be reported to the Department in accordance with a schedule approved at the time of the agreement.
(3) Agreed to terminate the experimental program upon request by the Department when it is judged by a program approval team to be inadequate for preparation of professional personnel.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.15 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.15 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (329958) and (382431).
§ 49.16. Approval of induction plans.
(a) Each school entity shall submit to the Department for approval a plan for a 2-year induction experience for first-year teachers (including teachers in prekindergarten programs, when offered) and educational specialists. Long-term substitutes who are hired for a position for 45 days or more also shall be included in a school entity’s induction plan and shall participate in an induction experience for the period of time in which they serve in that capacity. The induction plan shall be submitted every 6 years as required under § 4.13(b) (relating to strategic plans). The induction plan shall be prepared by teacher or educational specialist representatives, or both, chosen by teachers and educational specialists and administrative representatives chosen by the administrative personnel of the school entity. Newly employed professional personnel with prior school teaching experience may be required by the school entity to participate in an induction program. A school entity shall make its induction plan available for public inspection and comment for a minimum of 28 days prior to approval of the plan by the school entity’s governing board and submission of the plan to the Department.
(b) The Department will establish guidelines and will review for approval induction plans submitted by school entities.
(c) Induction plan guidelines shall include professional ethics, and culturally relevant and sustaining education as determined by the Secretary.
(d) The induction plan shall reflect a mentor relationship between the first-year teacher, long-term substitute or educational specialist, teacher educator and the induction team.
(e) Criteria for approval of the induction plans will be established by the Secretary in consultation with the Board and must include induction activities that focus on teaching diverse learners in inclusive settings.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.16 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)).
Source The provisions of this § 49.16 adopted January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended July 15, 2016, effective July 16, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 3815; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (382431) to (382432).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 4.13 (relating to strategic plans); and 22 Pa. Code § 405.64 (relating to teacher induction plans and evaluations).
§ 49.17. Continuing professional education.
(a) As required under § 4.13(a) (relating to strategic plans), a school entity shall submit to the Secretary for approval a 3-year professional education plan every 3 years in accordance with the professional education guidelines established by the Secretary and section 1205.1 of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1205.1). A school entity shall make its professional education plan available for public inspection and comment for a minimum of 28 days prior to approval of the plan by the school entity’s governing board and submission of the plan to the Secretary.
(1) A school entity shall develop a continuing professional education plan, which includes options for professional development including, but not limited to, activities such as the following:
(i) Graduate level coursework.
(ii) Obtaining a professionally related master’s degree.
(iii) Department-approved in-service courses.
(iv) Curriculum development work.
(v) Attendance at professional conferences.
(2) The continuing professional education plan must define terms used including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Professionally related graduate level coursework.
(ii) Professionally related master’s degree.
(iii) Curriculum development work.
(iv) Professional conferences.
(3) The continuing professional education plan shall be developed as specified in section 1205.1 of the act. The plan must describe the persons who developed the plan and how the persons were selected.
(4) The continuing professional education plan submitted to the Secretary shall be approved by both the professional education committee and the board of the school entity.
(5) The Secretary will promulgate guidelines which include a process for amending approved continuing professional education plans in accordance with the requirements for initial preparation of the plans. The guidelines will also outline allowable activities for credit earned under sections 1205.1 and 1205.2 of the act (24 P.S. § § 12-1205.1 and 1205.2) after July 1, 2006.
(6) The continuing professional education plan must include a section which describes how the professional education needs of the school entity, including those of diverse learners, and its professional employees are to be met through implementation of the plan. The plan must describe how professional development activities will improve language and literacy acquisition for all students, including the provision of training in structured literacy for professional employees who hold instructional certificates in Early Childhood, Elementary/Middle, Special Education PK—12, English as a second language and Reading Specialists. The plan must contribute to closing achievement gaps among students, and improve professional employees knowledge of professional ethics and culturally relevant and sustaining education.
(7) The continuing professional education plan must include a description of how the school entity will offer all professional employees opportunities to participate in continuing education focused on teaching diverse learners in inclusive settings.
(8) A school district that contracts with a community provider to operate a prekindergarten program shall address in the school district’s professional education plan how the school district will offer professional education opportunities to teachers in the community provider’s prekindergarten program.
(b) A commissioned officer who holds a Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent shall satisfy the requirements for continuing professional education through the completion of courses and credits approved by the Department to address the school leadership standards of section 1217 of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1217) in accordance with section 1205.5 of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1205.5) every 5 years.
(c) Certified personnel including school or system leaders defined in section 1205.5(g) of the act who fail to comply with the continuing professional education plan under subsection (a) or fail to complete the requirements of sections 1205.1, 1205.2 and 1205.5 of the act will have their certificates or Letter of Eligibility rendered inactive by the Department until the requirement is met. Certified personnel and school or system leaders whose certificate or Letter of Eligibility is rendered inactive shall have a right to appeal the action to the Secretary.
(d) School districts that employ certified personnel or commissioned officers with inactive certificates or commissions are subject to penalties provided for under section 2518 of the act (24 P.S. § 25-2518).
(e) Certified personnel are responsible for monitoring their own progress toward completing the requirements prescribed by sections 1205.1 and 1205.2 of the act and for notifying the Department of any changes to their home mailing address.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.17 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)); amended under section 1205.1 of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P.S. § 12-1205.1).
Source The provisions of this § 49.17 adopted January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; amended December 25, 1987, effective December 26, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5324; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended July 15, 2016, effective July 16, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 3815; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (382432) to (382433).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 4.13 (relating to strategic plans); 22 Pa. Code § 49.2 (relating to inactivity and invalidity); 22 Pa. Code § 49.103 (relating to Educational Specialist II); and 22 Pa. Code § 49.131 (relating to basic requirements for baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate programs).
§ 49.18. Assessment.
(a) The Secretary will establish assessments for candidates for certification designed to assess their basic skills; professional knowledge and practice; and subject matter knowledge. Candidates for elementary, K—12 instructional, Special Education and Early Childhood Certificates shall also be assessed in the area of general knowledge. The following principles will guide the Secretary in the development of any assessment:
(1) Assessments will be based in the standards developed for each certificate.
(2) Assessments will measure the candidate’s abilities across the domains of basic skills knowledge, professional knowledge and practice, and subject matter knowledge employing a variety of measures at a minimum of three points:
(i) During the candidate’s preparation program.
(ii) Upon application for initial certification.
(iii) Upon application for Level II, supervisory or administrative certification.
(3) Assessments will be developed in consultation with teachers, administrators, teacher educators and educational specialists with relevant certification.
(4) Assessments will employ, when appropriate, available assessment tools, instruments and procedures.
(b) The Secretary, in consultation with the Board, will establish a satisfactory achievement level for any assessments in subsection (a).
(c) The assessments in basic skills will be given, and satisfactory achievement levels shall be reached, prior to formal entry into a certification preparation program in accordance with section 1207.3 of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1207.3). The assessments in general knowledge; professional knowledge and practice; and subject matter knowledge will be given, and satisfactory achievement levels shall be obtained, prior to the issuance of a certificate. Candidates who will complete all certification requirements at the post-baccalaureate level are not required to take and pass assessments in basic skills (See 24 P.S. § 12-1207.3).
(d) A periodic review of the assessments will be made by the Board every 5 years.
(e) The Department may issue additional subject areas to holders of Instructional (see § § 49.82 and 49.83 (relating to Instructional I; and Instructional II)) or Intern (see § 49.91 (relating to criteria for eligibility)) certification in related subject areas and who pass the appropriate subject matter testing components. All Special Education areas are excluded. The Department may identify other certification areas to be excluded from eligibility based on criteria established by the Secretary in consultation with the Board.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.18 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)).
Source The provisions of this § 49.18 adopted January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (382433) to (382434) and (329963).
Notes of Decisions Application
The testing requirements implemented pursuant to this regulation are applicable to a teacher who filed the appropriate paperwork with a preparing institution 2 days prior to the effectiveness of these regulations because the Department of Education did not receive the approval from the preparing institution until several weeks after the effectiveness of the regulation. The date the preparing institution received the application cannot be deemed the date the Department received it. Logsdon v. Department of Education, 671 A.2d 302 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1996).
Knowledge
A provisionally certified teacher was charged with the knowledge of the statutes and regulations regarding professional certification, and the teacher cannot rely on the failure of an academic advisor to inform the teacher of the Department of Education’s applicable testing requirements for permanent certification as a means to avoid compliance with them. Logsdon v. Department of Education, 671 A.2d 302 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1996).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.13 (relating to policies); 22 Pa. Code § 49.42 (relating to letter of eligibility); 22 Pa. Code § 49.65 (relating to out-of-State and Nationally-certified applicants); 22 Pa. Code § 49.68 (relating to evaluation of prescribed requirements and standards); 22 Pa. Code § 49.82 (relating to Instructional I); 22 Pa. Code § 49.83 (relating to Instructional II); 22 Pa. Code § 49.86 (relating to accelerated program for Early Childhood and Elementary/Middle level Certificate holders); 22 Pa. Code § 49.102 (relating to Educational Specialist I); 22 Pa. Code § 49.111 (relating to Supervisory Certificate); 22 Pa. Code § 49.121 (relating to Administrative Certificate); 22 Pa. Code § 49.131 (relating to basic requirements for baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate programs); 22 Pa. Code § 49.142 (relating to Career and Technical Instructional I); 22 Pa. Code § 49.143 (relating to Career and Technical Instructional II); 22 Pa. Code § 49.151 (relating to eligibility and criteria); and 22 Pa. Code § 49.163 (relating to Career and Technical Administrative Director).
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE
Source The provisions of these § § 49.21—49.24 reserved September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (7382) and (24550).
§ 49.21. [Reserved].
§ 49.22. [Reserved].
§ 49.23. [Reserved].
§ 49.24. [Reserved].
EMERGENCY, LONG-TERM AND
DAY-TO-DAY SUBSTITUTE PERMITS
§ 49.31. Criteria for eligibility.
The Department may issue an emergency, Long-Term or Day-to-Day Substitute Permit for service in the public schools or an eligible provider setting as defined in § 405.2 (relating to definitions), at the request of the employing entity, to an applicant who is a graduate of a 4-year college or university to fill a vacant position or to serve as a long-term or day-to-day substitute teacher, when a fully qualified and properly certificated applicant is not available. The permit is issued on the basis of terms and conditions agreed upon between the requesting public school entity and the Department. Each July, the Department will report to the Board the number and nature of emergency, Long-Term and Day-to-Day Substitute Permits issued during that year. A long-term substitute permit may be issued only after the position has been posted a minimum of 10 days on the school entity’s web site and no qualified candidate has been identified.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.31 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.31 amended through September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (329963) to (329964).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.34 (relating to issued Day-to-Day Substitute Permits).
§ 49.32. Exceptional Case Permits.
The Department may approve the issuance of an Exceptional Case Permit to a person at the request of a public school entity upon receiving evidence of exceptional conditions requiring Department resolution of the staffing problem.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.32 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.32 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. preceding text appears at serial pages (260808) to (260809).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.34 (relating to locally issued Day-to-Day Substitute Permits).
§ 49.33. Expiration.
Emergency, Long-Term and Day-to-Day Substitute Permits expire with the termination of any summer school conducted which follows the date of issuance. Persons holding an Emergency, Long-Term or Day-to-Day Substitute Permit shall be used in staffing summer school positions only when regular employees holding the appropriate provisional or permanent certificate are not available.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.33 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.33 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (260809).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.1 (relating to definitions); and 22 Pa. Code § 49.2 (relating to inactivity and invalidity).
§ 49.34. Locally-issued Day-to-Day Substitute Permits.
(a) The chief school administrator of a public school entity is authorized to issue a Day-to-Day Substitute Permit for service as a substitute when the following conditions are met:
(1) The person for whom the permit is sought holds a valid Pennsylvania certificate or its equivalent from another state.
(2) An appropriately certified individual is not available to fill the substitute position.
(3) The person for whom the permit is sought consents to an assignment outside the area of the person’s certification.
(b) This permit shall be valid for 20 cumulative school days of service as a day-to-day substitute in each certificate area. If renewal is necessary, the chief school administrator may request, within 30 days of the person’s last day of service, issuance of a permit by the Department under § § 49.31 and 49.32 (relating to criteria for eligibility; and exceptional case permits).
(c) This permit will not qualify the holder to serve in a vacant position which must be filled by a temporary professional employee or professional employee or to serve as a substitute for a regularly appointed professional employee or temporary professional employee on an approved leave of absence. Issuance by the Department is used to qualify persons for this service.
(d) A permit may not be issued or used during a work stoppage.
(e) Emergency permits are available for a total of 3 consecutive years.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.34 issued under The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 62, 118.1, 352, and 367—370).
Source The provisions of this § 49.34 adopted December 24, 1981, effective December 26, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 4437; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260809) to (260810).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.1 (relating to definitions); and 22 Pa. Code § 49.2 (relating to inactivity and invalidity).
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION
§ 49.41. Description.
(a) Administrative commissions will be issued by the Department, in the form of a certificate of appointment.
(b) A commission will be issued for a specific term in accordance with Article X of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § § 10-1001—10-1089).
Authority The provisions of this § 49.41 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.41 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227852).
§ 49.42. Letter of eligibility.
A letter of eligibility of an administrative commission will be issued in lieu of a certificate by the Department to a candidate who has completed an approved program of preparation in administration and who has been recommended by the preparing institution. Candidates for letters of eligibility shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment). Letters of eligibility will be issued to candidates who present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment) and who meet the following standards:
(1) The administrator demonstrates educational leadership which provides purpose and direction for the achievement of all students.
(2) The administrator effectively organizes and manages the total educational program of a local education agency with particular attention to the statutory and regulatory environment of education.
(3) The administrator understands and effectively manages financial and human resources to foster student achievement.
(4) The administrator effectively communicates with students, faculty, staff, parents and members of the community.
(5) The administrator, in collaboration with faculty, staff, students and parents, fosters a climate conducive to the achievement of all students.
(6) The administrator thinks systematically about practice, learns from experience, seeks the advice of others, draws upon educational research and scholarship, and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.
Source The provisions of this § 49.42 amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260810) to (260811).
CHANGES IN CERTIFICATION
§ 49.51. Review of certification.
(a) The Department will report annually to the Board on the status of certification in this Commonwealth.
(b) The Board will conduct a major review of certification regulations at 10-year intervals.
Source The provisions of this § 49.51 amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227852).
§ 49.52. Development of types/categories of certificates and development of their respective standards.
(a) The Secretary, the Board, and the Professional Standards and Practices Commission will receive requests to initiate a new type/category of certificate. Whenever any of these parties receives such a request it will inform the other two parties.
(b) An investigation into a cogent request for a new type/category of certificate will be conducted by the Department. The Professional Standards and Practices Commission on its own initiative may conduct an investigation.
(c) The Department and the Professional Standards and Practices Commission will review the findings of the investigation regarding the need for a type/category of certificate and present their recommendations to the Board.
(d) If the Board does not disapprove or take any other action on the new type/category of certificate within 120 days of receiving an affirmative recommendation, the type/category of certificate will stand approved.
(e) If the proposed type/category is approved by the Board, the Secretary will appoint a committee of professionals to develop standards for preparing professionals in the type/category of certificate. This committee shall include at least two members of the Professional Standards and Practices Commission. Proposed standards shall not stipulate academic degrees, experience, or prerequisite certificates not established by this chapter. After the receipt of the proposed standards, the Secretary and the Professional Standards and Practices Commission will review the proposed standards and make recommendations to the Board. If the Board does not disapprove the new standards within 120 days of receiving an affirmative recommendation, the standards will stand approved.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.52 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.52 amended through September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260811) to (260812).
§ 49.53. Elimination or change of types/categories of certificates.
(a) The Secretary, the Board and the PSPC will receive requests to eliminate/change a type/category of certificate. When any of these parties receives such a request, it will inform the other two parties.
(b) The Department will conduct an investigation into a written request to eliminate/change a type/category of certificate. The PSPC on its own initiative may conduct an investigation.
(c) The Department and the PSPC will review the findings of the investigation regarding the need to eliminate/change a type/category of certificate and present their individual recommendations to the Board.
(d) If the Board does not disapprove or take any other action on the elimination or change of the type/category of certificate within 150 days of submission to the Board of a formal recommendation from either the Department or PSPC, the type/category of certificate will be considered eliminated/changed.
(e) In the case of the elimination of a type/category of certificate, once the elimination is approved by the Board, the Secretary will notify all institutions of higher education offering the programs that effective as of the date of notification no further students are to be accepted into the program. Students currently enrolled in the certification phase of the program will be given an opportunity to complete the program and degree or be provided an opportunity to switch to a different course of study.
Source The provisions of this § 49.53 adopted July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
§ 49.61. Teaching experience for out-of-State applicants.
The Department may accept satisfactory teaching experience, in lieu of the student teaching requirement, from out-of-state applicants for certification provided that the teaching experience is full time under contract in an approved public or nonpublic school at the elementary or secondary level on a certificate comparable to the Pennsylvania Level I certificate in the area of certification sought.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.61 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.61 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (260812).
§ 49.62. Resource Specialist Permits.
The Department may issue Resource Specialist Permits at the request of an employing public school entity. The permit may be issued in lieu of a certificate to a competent specialist in any area of knowledge to enable the schools of this Commonwealth to use the services of noncertified personnel for supplemental instruction in a course of study directed by a certified teacher. The service must be part-time and may not exceed 400 clock-hours during a school year. When services are provided by professional practitioners in the fine arts or performing arts (for example—music, dance, pottery, painting, sculpture, and the like) in schools designated by its governing board as a creative and performing arts specialty school, the Resource Specialists may be employed for up to 800 hours per year. These Resource Specialists may not supplant certified fine or performing arts teachers. Individuals employed under these provisions are not considered professional staff.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.62 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.62 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260812) to (260813).
Notes of Decisions School districts are not required to change previously established educational programs, job descriptions or job qualifications in order to allow a more senior employee to apply for a program specialist certificate. Seniority should not be given preference over a pre-established professional position or educational program. Dilley v. Slippery Rock Area School District, 625 A.2d 153 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1993).
§ 49.62a. Program Specialist Certificate.
(a) The Department may issue a Program Specialist Certificate upon verification that the applicant meets the requirements established for that certificate.
(b) Program Specialist Certificates may be issued for a selected area of service when a certificate does not exist for that area. The certificates may be issued only to a person who holds a valid Pennsylvania certificate or its equivalent from another state. Annually, the Department will report to the Board the number and nature of these certificates issued during the year.
(c) Program Specialist Certificates are valid only for the position described in the approved position description and will be annotated on the teaching certificate of the individual. They will be valid throughout this Commonwealth.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.62a issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.62a amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (260813).
§ 49.62b. Program Endorsement Certificate.
Following approval by the Department, baccalaureate or graduate degree granting institutions, alone or in cooperation with other institutions, community colleges or school entities, may offer short programs (12 credits maximum) that lead to the Program Endorsement Certificate. The Program Endorsement Certificate documents knowledge in new and emerging areas where formal certification does not exist. The Program Endorsement Certificate is intended to improve a teacher’s skills in dealing with complex classroom settings, including teaching gifted students or diverse learners in areas such as assistive technology curriculum modification, autism spectrum disorders, assessment, gifted education, classroom management, classroom technology and disruptive youth. These endorsements would be added to existing Level I or Level II Certificates but are not required to perform service in these areas.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.62b amended under section 2603-B of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § 26-2603-B).
Source The provisions of this § 49.62b adopted July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended September 21, 2007, effective September 22, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5150. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (320368).
§ 49.63. Applicants educated in foreign countries.
(a) The Department will issue certificates to applicants who have been educated in a foreign country who meet the established Commonwealth standards for the certificates sought. Applicants shall be required to provide official transcripts of studies completed abroad, and an evaluation of those transcripts by a Department-approved foreign credential evaluation group.
(b) The Department may substitute competency examinations for transcript review in a case involving the loss of credentialing documents in a foreign country providing the applicant submits acceptable evidence that the applicant did, in fact, complete a teacher education program.
(c) The Department and its recommending institutions will insure that applicants educated in foreign countries or who are foreign nationals or resident aliens are proficient in speaking, reading and writing in the English language.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.63 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.63 amended September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260813) to (260814).
§ 49.64. [Reserved].
Notes of Decisions The Secretary’s decision to impose experience conditions on the order of reinstatement for teaching and administrative positions was not capricious or an abuse of discretion and in accord with this section. Homer v. Department of Education, 458 A.2d 1059 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983).
§ 49.64a. Authority to annul and reinstate certificates and discipline professional educators.
(a) A professional certificate or letter of eligibility obtained by fraud or mistake shall be considered void ‘‘ab initio’’ and shall be annulled by the Secretary. An annulment will not be effected without prior notice and hearing in accordance with reasonable procedures as the Secretary will prescribe, after review of and comment on the procedures by the Board.
(b) In accordance with the authority vested with the PSPC by the Educator Discipline Act, the Commission may discipline professional educators.
(c) In accordance with the authority vested with the PSPC by section 16 of the Teacher Certification Law (24 P.S. § 2070.16), the Commission may reinstate a professional educator’s certificate.
Source The provisions of this § 49.64a adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (324957).
§ 49.64b. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 49.64b adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471; reserved September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227857).
§ 49.64c. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 49.64c adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471; reserved September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227857).
§ 49.64d. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 49.64d adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471; reserved September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227858).
§ 49.64e. Mandatory reports from schools.
The chief school administrator or the administrator’s designee shall report to the Department dismissals, resignations to avoid dismissal for cause and criminal charges and convictions of educators on forms provided by the Department as follows:
(1) Within 30 days of employment termination, the name of any person who has been terminated and the cause for the employment termination.
(2) Within 30 days of learning that an educator has been charged or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a crime set forth in section 111(e)(1) of the act (24 P. S. § 1-111(e)(1)), the name of the educator and information related to the conduct leading to the criminal matter.
(3) Within 60 days of receiving information constituting reasonable cause to believe that an educator caused physical injury to a student or child due to negligence, malice, or sexual abuse or exploitation, the name of the educator, and available relevant information.
Source The provisions of this § 49.64e adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (304361).
§ 49.64f. Publication of suspensions and revocations.
The Secretary, or his designee, shall notify all chief state school officers of the states and territories of the United States and all chief school administrators and teacher preparing institutions of this Commonwealth of the names and social security numbers of persons whose teaching certificates or commissions are suspended or revoked, the period of suspension or revocation including effective date and the reason for such action.
Source The provisions of this § 49.64f adopted August 3, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1471.
§ 49.65. Out-of-State and Nationally-certified applicants.
(a) The Department will issue the appropriate Commonwealth certificate to applicants who have:
(1) Graduated from a State approved out-of-State college or university whose educator preparation requirements are comparable to those of this Commonwealth.
(2) Completed the preparing institution’s preparation program.
(3) Received the recommendation of the preparing institution for the out-of-State certificate issued.
(4) Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment) and the requirements of Chapter 354 (relating to teacher preparation).
(b) The Department may enter into a reciprocal certification agreement with the appropriate authority of another state to recognize comparable certificates. A temporary teaching permit may be issued to educators prepared outside of this Commonwealth in accordance with the current reciprocity agreement with other states. It will be valid for 1 year to allow the teacher to meet the Commonwealth’s requirements as out lined in the reciprocity agreement.
(c) Candidates certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be granted the highest level certificate applicable.
(d) School psychologists certified by the National Association of School Psychologists will be granted the highest level certificate available for certification as a school psychologist.
(e) Candidates successfully completing other National teacher training programs that require a candidate to demonstrate mastery of the certification area to be taught and professional knowledge needed for classroom effectiveness as approved by the Board, will be certified to teach in this Commonwealth, provided the approved program includes 1 year of intensive supervision in an internship program approved by the Secretary and the teacher has satisfied the basic certification requirements of the act (see 24 P.S. § § 12-1202 and 12-1209), such as having good moral character, being at least 18 years of age and having a baccalaureate degree.
(f) Candidates holding a valid and current instructional, educational specialist, supervisory, or administrative certificate issued by another state may be eligible for comparable certification if the applicant has 2 years of successful classroom or school experience in the area for which State certification is sought and has achieved the qualifying score on the appropriate content area test required by the Commonwealth.
Source The provisions of this § 49.65 amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655; corrected January 12, 2007, effective September 2, 2006, 37 Pa.B. 209; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (324958) to (324960).
Cross References This section cited in 4 Pa. Code § 403.4 (relating to highly qualified teachers).
§ 49.66. Appeal procedure.
Applicants who have been denied certification may appeal for reconsideration of their case to the Department.
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 49.13 (relating to policies).
§ 49.67. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 49.67 amended September 26, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3782; reserved September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256379) to (256380).
Notes of Decisions Equivalency Certificates
When the regulations governing Master’s Degree Equivalency Certificates did not set requirements which were as rigorous as those for academically conferred degrees, the holder of a Master’s Degree Equivalency Certificate was not being paid ‘‘on the same basis as’’ the holder of a master’s degree. In re Lewisburg Area Education Association, 371 A.2d 568 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1977).
§ 49.68. Evaluation of prescribed requirements and standards.
Institutions of higher education within this Commonwealth with approved educator preparation programs are authorized to evaluate, equate, and accredit educational experience and background of candidates for meeting the specific requirements for certification. A candidate may not be recommended for certification until providing evidence of satisfactory achievement in the assessments under § 49.18 (relating to assessment).
Authority The provisions of this § 49.68 issued under sections 202, 408.1, 1302 and 1317—1320 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 62, 118.1 (Repealed), 352 and 367—370 (Repealed)).
Source The provisions of this § 49.68 amended through January 25, 1985, effective June 1, 1987, 15 Pa.B. 245; readopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2824; amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954; amended April 22, 2022, effective April 23, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2451. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (324960).
§ 49.69. Deletion of areas from certificates.
(a) Annually, between October 1 and December 31, a holder of a Commonwealth certificate may request and the Department will grant the removal of any area for which the certificate is endorsed if any of the following conditions are met:
(1) The applicant has not taught in the area for which deletion is sought within the previous 5 years.
(2) The applicant is not a regularly employed full-time teacher.
(b) In all other cases, an applicant requesting the removal of any area for which the certificate is endorsed shall secure the approval of the employing school authority. If the approval is granted, the Department will delete the area from the certificate. If the approval is denied by the employing school authority, the applicant shall have the right to appeal to the Department. In any such appeal, the burden is on the applicant to show lack of current subject matter competency.
(c) A moratorium for requesting certification deletions shall exist from January 1 through September 30 of each year to allow schools the opportunity to plan for the assignment of their certified staffs in ensuing school year.
(d) All action by the Department to delete areas of certification shall be effective on the 30th day of June following receipt of the application to delete.
(e) Any area of certification deleted from a certificate under the provisions of this section shall be restored only after the person becomes eligible by subsequently meeting all laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures as are in effect at the time of application for recertification in the area previously deleted.
Authority The provisions of this § 49.69 issued under sections 1317 and 1319 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § § 367 and 369) (Repealed).
Source The provisions of this § 49.69 adopted September 12, 1980, effective September 13, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3665; amended July 14, 2006, effective July 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 3655. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (260817) to (260818).
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