[52 Pa.B. 2451]
[Saturday, April 23, 2022]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
Annex A
TITLE 22. EDUCATION
PART I. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Subchapter C. HIGHER EDUCATION
CHAPTER 49. CERTIFICATION OF PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
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 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.
* * * * * 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.
* * * * * 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—2070.18a.
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
* * * * * 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.
* * * * * 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.
§ 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.
§ 49.13. Policies.
* * * * * (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.
* * * * * (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.
§ 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).
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
* * * * * (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.
* * * * * (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.
§ 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.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS § 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.
§ 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 old 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.
§ 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).
Subchapter B. CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATES FROM COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTIONS
GENERAL PROVISIONS § 49.71. Basic requirements.
Applicants for a certificate shall have completed, in addition to all legal requirements, a program of educator preparation approved by the Department and shall have the recommendation of the preparing institution.
§ 49.72. Categories of certificates and letters of eligibility.
(a) The following basic categories of certificates and letters of eligibility will be issued by the Department:
(1) Temporary Permit.
(2) Emergency and Substitute Permits.
(3) Intern Certificates.
(4) Instructional Certificates.
(5) Educational Specialist Certificates.
(6) Supervisory Certificate.
(7) Administrative Certificate.
(8) Program Specialist Certificate.
(9) Letters of Eligibility.
(10) Career and Technical Education Certificates.
(11) Exceptional Case Permits.
(12) Resource Specialist Permits.
(b) The Secretary annually will disseminate an approved list of official titles of all certificates and letters of eligibility which the Department has issued during the past fiscal year or proposes to issue in the ensuing year.
INSTRUCTIONAL CERTIFICATES § 49.82. Instructional I.
(a) The Instructional I Certificate is valid for 6 years of teaching in public schools or in eligible provider settings (as defined in § 405.2 (relating to definitions)) in this Commonwealth in the area for which it applies. It may be converted to an Instructional II Certificate as provided by § 49.83 (relating to Instructional II).
(b) The Instructional I Certificate will be issued to applicants who:
(1) Possess a baccalaureate degree.
(2) Present evidence of successful completion of a Department-approved teacher preparation program.
(3) Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).
(4) Receive recommendation for certification from the preparing college or university or alternative program provider.
§ 49.83. Instructional II.
The Instructional II Certificate will be issued to an applicant who has completed:
(1) A Department-approved 2-year induction program.
* * * * * § 49.84. Collegiate credit acceptable for conversion of the Instructional I Certificate.
(a) College credit acceptable for conversion to the Instructional II Certificate shall be earned at a State-approved associate degree-granting institution, baccalaureate or graduate degree granting institution.
(b) Credits earned in programs designed to prepare for professional fields such as law, medicine or theology, when relevant to the area of certification, will be considered acceptable for purposes of renewing or converting the Instructional I Certificate.
(c) Credits shall be earned subsequent to the conferring of the baccalaureate degree. Graduate credits earned prior to obtaining the Instructional I Certificate are considered acceptable for purposes of converting the Instructional I Certificate.
§ 49.85. Limitations.
* * * * * (b) For instructional certificates issued on or after January 1, 2013, the grade level limitations shall be the following:
(1) Early Childhood (prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades one through four or ages 3 through 9).
(2) Elementary/Middle (grades four through eight or ages 9 through 14). Elementary/Middle Certificates permit instruction in any subject in grades four, five and six and in a core academic subject or subjects in grades seven and eight.
(3) Secondary (grades seven through twelve or ages 11 through 21).
(4) Specialized Areas (prekindergarten through grade twelve or up through age 21).
(5) Special Education—PK—8 (prekindergarten through grade eight (ages 3 through 14)). Applicants for this certificate shall also obtain certification in one of the following certificates:
(i) Early Childhood—in accordance with paragraph (1).
(ii) Elementary/Middle—in accordance with paragraph (2).
(iii) Reading Specialist—in accordance with paragraph (4).
(6) Special Education—7—12 (grades seven through twelve (ages 11 through 21)). Applicants for this certificate shall also obtain certification in one of the following certificates:
(i) Secondary—in accordance with paragraph (3).
(ii) Reading Specialist—in accordance with paragraph (4).
(7) Special Education Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired and Speech/Language Impaired Certificates (prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades one through twelve or ages 3 through 21).
(c) Instructional certificates issued beginning January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2021, remain valid for the term of the certificate for the grade spans and age levels outlined in subsection (b) paragraphs (1)—(7).
(d) For instructional certificates issued on or after January 1, 2022, the grade level limitations shall be the following:
(1) Early Childhood (prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades one through four or ages 3 through 9).
(2) Elementary/Middle (grades four through eight or ages 9 through 14). Elementary/Middle Certificates permit instruction in any subject in grades four, five and six and in a core academic subject or subjects in grades seven and eight.
(3) Secondary (grades seven through twelve or ages 11 through 21).
(4) Specialized areas (prekindergarten through grade twelve or up through age 21).
(5) Special Education PK—12 (prekindergarten through grade 12 or under 21 years of age). Applicants for this certificate are not required to obtain any additional certificates.
(6) Special Education Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired and Speech/Language Impaired Certificates (prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades one through twelve or a person 3 years of age and a person under the age of 21).
(e) The decision about staffing based on age or grade level rests with the school entity.
(f) The Secretary may grant exceptions to the grade and age level limitations between Early Childhood (subsection (b)(1)), Elementary/Middle (subsection (b)(2)), Special Education-PK—8 (subsection (b)(5)) and Special Education—7—12 (subsection (b)(6)) for individual teachers on a case-by-case basis. The school entity shall submit a written request to the Secretary that provides justification for the exception. The Secretary will set a time limit for each individual exception granted. The Secretary will issue guidelines that outline the circumstances under which exceptions will be granted.
(g) When a school district contracts with a community provider for the provision of prekindergarten services, prekindergarten teachers providing the services shall possess a certificate in early childhood as provided in subsection (a)(1) or subsection (b)(1) within the following time frame:
(1) For contracts in place prior to September 22, 2007, September 24, 2012.
(2) For first-time contracts, 5 years from the start of services.
(h) The Secretary may grant exceptions in response to shortages of certified personnel that apply Statewide to specific provisions of this section when it is necessary to facilitate transition to the revised provisions scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2022. Exceptions may be granted under the following conditions:
(1) The Secretary will provide a written certification to the Board that includes relevant information and justification of the need for the exception. If the Board does not disapprove the exception within 90 days of receipt of the certification, the exception will stand approved.
(2) The exception will be valid for a limited term not to exceed 3 years.
(3) The Secretary will report annually to the Board on the nature and status of exceptions made under this section.
§ 49.86. Accelerated program for Early Childhood and Elementary/Middle Level Certificate holders.
(a) The Department will establish standards consistent with the criteria outlined in subsection (d) for an accelerated program for Early Childhood and Elementary/Middle Level Certificate holders to be effective January 1, 2013.
(b) Early Childhood Instructional I or Instructional II Certificate holders may add the Elementary/Middle Level I Certificate through the successful completion of a Department approved accelerated program of study offered by an approved Commonwealth institution.
(c) Elementary/Middle Level Instructional I or Instructional II Certificate holders may add the Early Childhood Instructional I Certificate through the successful completion of a Department approved accelerated program of study offered by an approved Commonwealth institution.
(d) Accelerated programs must include appropriate level academic content aligned with State academic standards, child development and instructional practice appropriate for the developmental level covered by the certificate. Applicants shall demonstrate subject matter knowledge by passing the appropriate assessment under § 49.18 (relating to assessment).
TEMPORARY TEACHING PERMITS § 49.90. Criteria for eligibility.
(a) The Department may make a one-time issuance of a Temporary Teaching Permit for service in a specific area of instruction for use in elementary, middle or secondary schools to applicants who, in addition to meeting the requirements of § 49.12 (relating to eligibility), hold a credential issued by a Board-approved National alternative certification program and completed any ancillary requirements agreed upon by the Department and the credentialing authority.
(b) The Temporary Teaching Permit will be valid for 1 calendar year from the date of issuance.
(c) The Department will issue an Instructional I Certificate when the prescribed courses or ancillary requirements are satisfied.
INTERN CERTIFICATES § 49.91. Criteria for eligibility.
* * * * * (c) Intern Certificate programs must provide flexible and accelerated pedagogical training to teachers who have demonstrated competency in a certification area, provided that the first year of teaching includes a minimum of one classroom observation each month by an approved college/university in this Commonwealth.
(d) An Intern Certificate is valid for 3 years of service. This professional certificate may be issued only to an applicant who is a graduate of an accredited 4-year college or university. During the first year, the applicant shall complete all tests, enroll in an authorized program and complete a minimum of nine credits per year. The certificate requires continuing enrollment in a State-approved teacher intern program. This certificate cannot be renewed.
§ 49.92. Term of validity.
The Intern Certificate will be issued for the period of time necessary for the candidate to complete the approved intern program, but this time period will not exceed 3 years of service.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST CERTIFICATES § 49.104. College credit acceptable for conversion of Educational Specialist I Certificate.
* * * * * (c) Credits shall be earned subsequent to the conferring of the baccalaureate degree. Graduate credits earned prior to obtaining the Educational Specialist I Certificate are considered acceptable for purposes of converting the Educational Specialist I Certificate.
SUPERVISORY CERTIFICATES § 49.111. Supervisory Certificate.
(a) The Department will issue Supervisory Certificates for positions in the schools of this Commonwealth to persons who:
(1) Have completed 5 years of satisfactory certified experience in the area in which the Supervisory Certificate is sought.
(2) Have completed an approved graduate or approved alternative program preparing the applicant for the responsibilities of supervising in the program area and of directing the activities of certified professional employees.
(3) Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).
(4) Are able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).
(5) Meet the following standards:
(i) The supervisor understands the central concepts of organizational leadership, tools of research and inquiry and principles of teaching and learning that make supervision effective and efficient.
(ii) The supervisor understands how all children learn and develop and configures resources to support the intellectual, social and personal growth of all students.
(iii) The supervisor knows and understands effective instructional strategies and encourages and facilitates employment of them by teachers.
(iv) The supervisor uses an understanding of individual and group motivation to create a professional development environment that engages teachers to develop and apply effective instructional techniques for all students.
(v) The supervisor is an effective communicator with various school communities.
(vi) The supervisor organizes resources and manages programs effectively.
(vii) The supervisor understands and uses formative and summative assessment strategies to gauge effectiveness of people and programs on student learning.
(viii) The supervisor understands the process of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation and uses this understanding to develop high quality curricula for student learning in collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents and community members.
(ix) The supervisor possesses knowledge and skills in observation of instruction and conducting conferences with professional staff that are intended to improve their performance and enhance the quality of learning experiences for all students.
(x) The supervisor thinks systematically about practice, learns from experience, seeks the advice of others, draws upon educational research and scholarship and actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
(xi) The supervisor contributes to school effectiveness by collaborating with other professionals and parents, by using community resources, and by working as an advocate to improve opportunities for student learning.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (a), and excluding Special Education Supervisory Certification, the Department may issue additional Supervisory Certificate areas to individuals who already hold a valid State Supervisory Certificate if they demonstrate competency in the requested supervisory area by one of the following:
(1) complete 12 Department-approved credits of collegiate study in the supervisory area sought, or
(2) achieve a passing score on the applicable content test.
(c) For Supervisory Certificates issued under paragraph (b), 5 years of service in the area is not required.
(d) A Supervisory Certificate for either Curriculum and Instruction or Pupil Personnel Services will be issued to persons who:
(1) Have 5 years of satisfactory professional certified service in the school program area for which the comprehensive certificate is sought.
(2) Have completed an approved graduate or approved alternative program preparing the applicant for the broad area, districtwide supervisory functions specified by the endorsement area of the certificate.
(3) Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a).
ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATES § 49.121. Administrative Certificate.
(a) The Department will issue Administrative Certificates to persons who have a minimum of 3 years of satisfactory instructional or student support experience completed in a public or private PK—12 school or accredited institution of higher education and have completed an approved program of graduate study, approved alternative program, or completed the alternative route in accordance with section 1207.1(d) of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1207.1(d)) preparing the applicant to direct, operate, supervise and administer the organizational and general educational activities of a school. Applicants shall be recommended by the preparing institution or alternative program provider in which the program was completed. Candidates for Administrative Certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).
* * * * *
Subchapter C. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION
GENERAL PROVISIONS § 49.131. Basic requirements for baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate programs.
(a) Applicants for a certificate shall have completed, in addition to all legal requirements, a program of educator preparation approved by the Department and shall have received the recommendation of the preparing institutions or alternative program provider.
* * * * * § 49.132. Types of certificates.
Five basic types of certificates will be issued, as follows:
(1) Career and Technical Instructional Intern.
(2) Career and Technical Instructional.
(3) Supervisor of Career and Technical Education.
(4) Career and Technical Administrative Director.
(5) Vocational Career and Technical Substitute Permits.
§ 49.133. Levels of certification.
Career and Technical Instructional Certificates shall be issued for the following levels of qualifications:
(1) Level I (Provisional).
(2) Level II (Permanent).
CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONAL CERTIFICATES § 49.141. General.
(a) The Department will issue Career and Technical Instructional Certificates to persons whose primary responsibility is teaching occupational skills in State approved career and technical education programs in the public schools of this Commonwealth. The certificates will be valid for teaching in any career and technical or technical area for which the holder has registered his occupational competency credential with the Department in the manner prescribed by the Department.
(b) The holder of a Career and Technical Teaching Certificate may also teach the technical skills and knowledge of the holder's occupation in courses of comparable content provided in secondary school programs which have not been accorded State approval as career and technical education programs under conditions in the policies and standards of the Department. Candidates for Career and Technical Teaching Certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).
§ 49.142. Career and Technical Instructional I.
(a) A single certificate will be issued and titled, ''Career and Technical Instructional Certificate.'' Individuals qualifying for this certificate shall be authorized to teach in the areas for which they also hold an occupational competency credential. The occupational competency credential will be issued by the Department or an institution of higher education approved by the Secretary. The applicant shall have:
(1) A minimum of 8,000 hours (equivalent to 4 years full-time) wage-earning experience in the occupational area to be taught or 4,000 hours (equivalent to 2 years) wage-earning experience plus a baccalaureate degree.
(2) Successfully completed the occupational competency examination or evaluation of credentials for occupations where examinations do not exist or present evidence of satisfactory achievement on an assessment of subject matter under § 49.18 (relating to assessment).
(3) Completed 18 credit hours in an approved program of career and technical educator preparation. For Career and Technical I Certificates issued on or after January 1, 2013, the 18 credit hours must include at least 3 credits or 90 hours, or equivalent combination thereof, regarding accommodations and adaptations for diverse learners in an inclusive setting. For purposes of this requirement, 1 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.
(4) Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement on the assessment of basic skills under § 49.18.
(b) The Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate shall be valid for 8 years during which time the applicant shall complete the approved preparation program leading to the Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate.
§ 49.143. Career and Technical Instructional II.
The Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate shall be a permanent certificate issued to an applicant who has:
(1) Completed 3 years of satisfactory teaching on a Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate attested to by the chief school administrator of the approved public or nonpublic school entity in which the most recent service of the applicant was performed.
(2) Completed an additional 42 credit hours including at least 6 credits or 180 hours, or an equivalent combination thereof, regarding accommodations and adaptations for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting and at least 3 credits or 90 hours, or an equivalent combination thereof, in teaching English language learners, in an approved program in the appropriate field of career and technical education. 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.
(3) Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).
(4) Completed a Department-approved 2-year induction program.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL INTERN CERTIFICATES § 49.151. Eligibility and criteria.
(a) The Department will issue Career and Technical Intern Certificates for teaching in State approved programs of career and technical education in the public schools of this Commonwealth to applicants who have:
(1) Met all eligibility requirements stipulated in § 49.12 (relating to eligibility) except for the baccalaureate degree requirement in § 49.12(3).
(2) Provided evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments of subject matter under § 49.18 (relating to assessment) or satisfactory occupational competency by one of the following:
(i) Successfully completing the occupational competency examination of the Department.
(ii) Securing recognition of occupational competency upon the basis of credentials review and adequate work experience beyond the learning period as established by the Department in those competency areas where occupational competency examinations do not exist.
(iii) Receiving State licensure or occupational accreditation by a Board of Examiners recognized by the Commonwealth.
(iv) Receiving certification from another state whose certification criteria are similar to those of this Commonwealth.
(3) Been accepted for enrollment in a State approved career and technical educator preparation program at a Commonwealth college or university.
(4) Been recommended for the certificate by the institution at which they are enrolled or accepted.
(b) The applicant shall be issued a Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate upon presenting evidence of 8,000 hours (equivalent to 4 years full-time) wage-earning experience in the occupational area to be taught and satisfactory achievement on the assessment of basic skills.
(c) The certificate requires continued enrollment in a State-approved teacher intern program.
§ 49.152. Term of validity.
The Career and Technical Instructional Intern Certificate shall be issued for the period of time needed by the applicant to complete 18 semester hours within the approved career and technical educator preparation program, but in no case shall the validity period exceed 3 years from the date of issuance.
§ 49.153. Career and Technical Day-to-Day Substitute Permit.
(a) The chief school administrator or career and technical school administrative director having jurisdiction over any approved Career and Technical Education program is authorized to issue a special Day-to-Day Substitute Permit to an occupational practitioner when no properly certified teachers are available. The teacher shall function under the supervision of a properly certified supervisor or administrator. Assignments as described in this section shall be made only in case of an emergency and may not exceed 20 consecutive school days. This permit will be valid for 20 days of substitute service and may be renewed for an additional 20 school days upon the approval of the Secretary.
(b) This permit does not qualify the holder to serve as a regularly employed teacher to fill a vacant position or as a long-term substitute. These positions shall be filled by a person holding a valid Career and Technical Instructional or a State issued Long-term or Day-to-Day Substitute Permit.
SUPERVISOR OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE § 49.161. Supervisor of Career and Technical Education.
(a) The Department will issue a Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Certificate to a person who has a minimum of 3 years satisfactory certified career and technical teaching experience and whose primary assignment will be one or more of the following:
(1) Instructional supervision in the fields of career and technical education—career and technical agriculture, career and technical business, distributive education, health occupations, career and technical home economics, and career and technical industrial, or trade and industrial—in area career and technical schools and corresponding career and technical courses in the public secondary schools of this Commonwealth.
(2) Directing the activities of professional staff teaching in the program areas specified in paragraph (1).
(b) The Department will issue a Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Certificate to a person who shall meet the requirements of § 49.111(a)(3)—(5) (relating to Supervisory Certificate).
CAREER AND TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR CERTIFICATE § 49.163. Career and Technical Administrative Director.
The Department will issue the Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate to persons who:
(1) Have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in a Career and Technical Education School.
(2) Have completed an approved program of graduate study following standards listed in §§ 49.111(a) and 49.121(d) (relating to Supervisory Certificate; and Administrative Certificate) or an approved alternative program under section 1207.1 of the act (24 P.S. § 12-1207.1) preparing them to direct, operate, supervise, and administer the organizational and educational activities of a career and technical school or department; applicants shall be recommended by the preparing institution in which the graduate program was completed.
(3) Present evidence of satisfactory achievement on assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).
Subchapter D. OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS § 49.172. Letter of eligibility.
(a) The Department will issue the appropriate letter of eligibility for consideration for appointment as a district superintendent or an assistant district superintendent to an applicant who:
(1) Has completed a State-approved graduate level program of educational administrative study for the preparation of chief school administrators or been prepared through an out-of-State graduate level program equivalent to those approved in this Commonwealth.
(2) Has received the recommendation of the preparing institution for certification as a chief school, district level, administrator.
(3) Has provided evidence of 6 years of satisfactory educational or student support service in private or public K—12 schools or an accredited institution of higher education of which at least 3 years must be service in supervisory or administrative positions.
* * * * *
Subchapter E. COMMISSIONS AND CERTIFICATES FOR INTERMEDIATE UNITS § 49.182. Letter of eligibility.
* * * * * (c) A commission will be issued to a person holding an appropriate letter of eligibility upon the candidate's election as the executive director or assistant executive director of an intermediate unit by its respective board of directors.
(d) When an Intermediate Unit Board of Directors finds it impossible or impractical to fill immediately a vacancy occurring in the position of intermediate unit executive director or assistant intermediate unit executive director, the board may appoint an acting intermediate unit executive director or an acting intermediate unit executive director who does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) to serve no more than 1 year from the time of the appointment as acting intermediate unit executive director or acting assistant intermediate unit executive director.
Subchapter F. LETTERS OF EQUIVALENCY
FOR PAY PURPOSES§ 49.191. Letters of Equivalency.
A Letter of Equivalency will be issued for salary purposes only, subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) The Letter of Equivalency for Baccalaureate Degree is issued to holders of Career and Technical Instructional I, Career and Technical Instructional II or their equivalents upon the accumulation of 90 college credits. A minimum of 18 credit hours shall be earned at a State-approved baccalaureate degree granting institution. Twelve of the final 30 credit hours may be satisfied, in full or in part, through in-service programs approved by the Secretary for meeting baccalaureate equivalency requirements.
(2) The Letter of Equivalency for Master's Degree is issued to persons holding a valid Instructional I, Instructional II, Educational Specialist I, Educational Specialist II Certificate, Career and Technical Instructional I, Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate, or their equivalents, upon the accumulation of 36 hours of graduate level credit. A minimum of 18 academic graduate credits shall be earned in the content area of the applicant's certification area(s) at a college or university approved to offer graduate work. A maximum of 18 of the credit requirement may be satisfied through in-service programs approved by the Secretary for meeting master's equivalency requirements.
(3) A grade of ''C'' or better is required in college and university courses in which grades are given and a letter of satisfactory completion is required for all in-service courses used toward the attainment of the certificate.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 22-624. Filed for public inspection April 22, 2022, 9:00 a.m.]
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