Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

• No statutes or acts will be found at this website.

The Pennsylvania Bulletin website includes the following: Rulemakings by State agencies; Proposed Rulemakings by State agencies; State agency notices; the Governor’s Proclamations and Executive Orders; Actions by the General Assembly; and Statewide and local court rules.

PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 99-1626a

[29 Pa.B. 4954]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

   (c)  This permit will not qualify the holder to serve in a vacant position which must be filled by a temporary professional employe or professional employe or to serve as a substitute for a regularly appointed professional employe or temporary professional employe on an approved leave of absence. Issuance by the Department is used to qualify persons for this service.

   (d)  Under no conditions may a permit be issued or used during a work stoppage.

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).

§ 49.42.  Letter of eligibility.

   A letter of eligibility of an administrative commission shall 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 student achievement.

   (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.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

§ 49.62. Temporary permits.

   The Department may issue 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 under the supervision of a certificated teacher. The service shall be part-time and may not exceed 300 clock-hours during a school year. These persons will not be considered professional staff.

§ 49.62a.  Program specialist certificate.

   (a)  The Department may issue a program specialist certificate, at the request of the employing public school entity, to an applicant who meets the qualifications and competencies needed to perform the duties and functions of a locally established professional position approved by the local board of directors.

   (b)  Program specialist certificates may be issued only for an area of service in which a certificate does not exist. They may be issued only to persons who hold 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 are not transferable to other school entities.

§ 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.

   (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.

§ 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 Professional Standards and Practices Commission by the Teacher Certification Law, the Commission may discipline professional educators.

   (c)  In accordance with the authority vested with the Professional Standards and Practices Commission by section 16 of the Teacher Certification Law (24 P. S. § 2070.16), the Commission may reinstate a professional educator's certificate.

§ 49.64b.  (Reserved).

§ 49.64c.  (Reserved).

§ 49.64d.  (Reserved).

§ 49.64e.  Mandatory reports from schools.

   The board of school directors of the employing school district or the board of directors of each employing intermediate unit or area vocational technical school, or the appropriate governing body of the employing public charter or nonpublic school shall report to the Secretary within 10 days of dismissal the name of any person who has been dismissed and the cause for the dismissal and the name of any individual who is charged or convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.

§ 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 teacher education requirements are comparable to those of this Commonwealth.

   (2)  Completed the preparing institution's teacher education program of the preparing institution.

   (3)  Received the recommendation of the preparing institution for the subject or area to be taught.

   (4)  Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

   (b)  The Department may enter into a reciprocal certification agreement with the appropriate authority of another state to recognize comparable certificates.

   (c)  Candidates certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be granted the highest level certificate applicable.

§ 49.67.  (Reserved).

§ 49.68.  Evaluation of prescribed requirements and standards.

   Institutions of higher education within this Commonwealth with approved teacher education 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

§ 49.72.  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 Permit.

   (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)  Vocational Education Certificates.

   (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

§ 49.81.  General.

   (a)  The Department will issue instructional certificates to persons whose primary responsibility is teaching. Candidates for instructional certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).

   (b)  Instructional certificates will be issued to candidates who meet the following standards:

   (1)  The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline the teacher teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for all students.

   (2)  The teacher understands how all children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, career and personal development.

   (3)  The teacher understands how students differ in their ability and approaches to learning and creates opportunities that foster achievement of diverse learners in the inclusive classroom.

   (4)  The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including interdisciplinary learning experiences, to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.

   (5)  The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.

   (6)  The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques supported by appropriate technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom.

   (7)  The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and curriculum goals.

   (8)  The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

   (9)  The teacher 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.

   (10)  The teacher 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.

§ 49.82.  Instructional I.

   (a)  The Instructional I Certificate shall be valid for 6 years of teaching 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 a college or university.

§ 49.83.  Instructional II.

   The Instructional II Certificate shall be a permanent certificate issued to an applicant who has completed:

   (1)  A Department-approved induction program.

   (2)  Three years of satisfactory teaching on an 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.

   (3)  Twenty-four credit hours of collegiate study or its equivalent in in-service courses approved by the Department, or both.

   (4)  Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

§ 49.85.  Limitations.

   (a)  The grade level limitations of instructional certificates shall be the following:

   (1)  Early childhood (nursery, kindergarten, grades one to three or ages 3 to 8).

   (2)  Elementary (kindergarten, grades one to six or ages 3 to 11).

   (3)  Middle level (grades six to nine or ages 11 to 14).

   (4)  Secondary (grades seven to 12 or ages 11 to 21).

   (5)  Specialized areas (kindergarten to grade 12 or up to age 21).

   (b)  The decision about staffing based on age or grade level rests with the school entity.

INTERN CERTIFICATES

§ 49.91.  Criteria for eligibility.

   (a)  The Department may make a one-time issuance of an Intern Certificate for service in approved elementary, middle and secondary schools to applicants who, in addition to meeting the requirements of § 49.12 (relating to eligibility), present evidence of satisfactory achievement on Department-prescribed assessments of basic skills, general knowledge and subject matter tests; are enrolled in and have completed appropriate professional education courses in an approved intern program, which may include an induction; and are recommended for certificates by the institution holding approval.

   (b)  The applicant will be issued an Instructional I Certificate upon completion of the approved intern program and satisfactory achievement on the assessment of and practice.

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST CERTIFICATES

§ 49.101.  General.

   The Department will issue educational specialist certificates to persons whose primary responsibility shall be to render professional service other than classroom teaching. The service shall be directly related to the personal welfare of the learner and may include service for the needs of other professional personnel working with learners. Candidates for educational specialist certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment). Educational specialist certificates will be issued to candidates who meet the following standards:

   (1)  The educational specialist understands the central concepts, structures and delivery styles of the professional area in which the educational specialist practices and can foster learning experiences for all students.

   (2)  The educational specialist understands how all children learn and develop, and can contribute to the provision of learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, career and personal development.

   (3)  The educational specialist understands how students differ in their ability and approaches to learning and creates opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

   (4)  The educational specialist understands and uses a variety of professional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.

   (5)  The educational specialist uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.

   (6)  The educational specialist uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques supported by appropriate technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in and out of the classroom.

   (7)  The educational specialist plans professional services based upon knowledge of professional field, students, the community and curriculum goals.

   (8)  The educational specialist understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

   (9)  The educational specialist 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.

   (10)  The educational specialist contributes to school effectiveness by collaborating with other educators and parents, by using community resources, and by working as an advocate for change to improve opportunities for student learning.

§ 49.102.  Educational Specialist I.

   (a)  The Educational Specialist I Certificate shall be valid for 6 years of service in each area for which it is endorsed. It may be converted to an Educational Specialist II Certificate in any endorsement area as provided in § 49.103 (relating to Educational Specialist II).

   (b)  The Educational Specialist I Certificate will be issued to applicants who:

   (1)  Present evidence of successful completion of a Department-approved educational specialist preparation program or its equivalent.

   (2)  Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

   (3)  Receive recommendation for certification from a college or university if completing a Department-approved educational specialist preparation program.

§ 49.103.  Educational Specialist II.

   The Educational Specialist II Certificate shall be a permanent certificate subject to the requirements of § 49.17(c) (relating to professional development) issued to applicants who:

   (1)  Have completed a Department-approved induction program.

   (2)  Have completed 3 years of satisfactory service on an Educational Specialist 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.

   (3)  Have completed 24 credit hours of collegiate study or its equivalent in in-service courses approved by the Department, or a combination thereof.

   (4)  Present evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

§ 49.105.  Limitations.

   The grade level limitations of educational specialist certificates shall be specified in the standards stated for the respective preparation programs of certification.

SUPERVISORY CERTIFICATE

§ 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 professional experience in the area in which the supervisory certificate is sought.

   (2)  Have completed an approved graduate program preparing the applicant for the responsibilities of supervising in the program area and of directing the activities of certificated professional employes.

   (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 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 which are intended to improve their performance and enhance the quality of learning experiences for 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)  A Supervisory Certificate for either Curriculum and Instruction or Pupil Personnel Services shall be issued to persons who:

   (1)  Have 5 years of satisfactory service in the school program area for which the comprehensive certificate is sought.

   (2)  Have completed an approved graduate 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).

§ 49.112.  (Reserved).

ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATE

§ 49.121.  Administrative Certificate.

   (a)  The Department will issue Administrative Certificates to persons who have had a minimum of 5 years of professional school experience and have completed an approved program of graduate study 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 in which the graduate program was completed. Candidates for administrative certificates must be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).

   (b)  Certificates may be issued for any administrative area for which program approval has been granted by the Department.

   (c)  The Department will issue Administrative Certificates to persons who present evidence of satisfactory achievement on assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

   (d)  The Department will issue Administrative Certificates to persons who meet the following standards:

   (1)  The administrator demonstrates instructional leadership which provides purpose and direction for the achievement of all students.

   (2)  The administrator demonstrates the organizational skills to implement plans of action efficiently and effectively for student achievement.

   (3)  The administrator, in collaboration with students, faculty, staff and parents, creates a school climate that fosters student achievement.

   (4)  The administrator gathers information from, and communicates effectively to students, faculty, parents, staff and the community to facilitate student achievement.

   (5)  The administrator understands the importance of a clear, detailed vision and an explicitly stated philosophy in shaping a coherent curriculum and in fostering an effective school.

   (6)  The administrator makes systematic use of data to assess the needs and accomplishments of students, faculty and staff.

   (7)  The administrator 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.

§ 49.122.  (Reserved).

Subchapter C.  VOCATIONAL 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 teacher education approved by the Department and shall have received the recommendation of the preparing institutions.

   (b)  Preparation in general education, professional education and specialized studies shall be in accordance with standards established by the Department.

   (c)  Applicants shall present evidence of satisfactory achievement on assessments required in § 49.18 (relating to assessment).

   (d)  Professional personnel shall present evidence of compliance with § 49.17 (relating to continuing professional development).

§ 49.133.  Levels of certification.

   Vocational Instructional Certificates shall be issued for the following levels of qualifications:

   (1)  Level I (Provisional).

   (2)  Level II (Permanent).

VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL CERTIFICATES

§ 49.141.  General.

   (a)  The Department will issue Vocational Instructional Certificates to persons whose primary responsibility is teaching occupational skills in State approved vocational education programs in the public schools of this Commonwealth. The certificates will be valid for teaching in any vocational 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 vocational 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 vocational education programs under conditions in the policies and standards of the Department. Candidates for vocational instructional certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).

§ 49.142.  Vocational Instructional I.

   (a)  A single certificate will be issued and titled, ''Vocational 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 2 years wage-earning experience in addition to the learning period required to establish competency in the occupation to be taught.

   (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 vocational teacher education.

   (4)  Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement on the assessment of basic skills under § 49.18.

   (b)  The Vocational Instructional I Certificate shall be valid for 6 years during which time the applicant shall complete the approved preparation program leading to the Vocational Instructional II Certificate.

§ 49.143.  Vocational Instructional II.

   The Vocational Instructional II Certificate shall be a permanent certificate issued to an applicant who has:

   (1)  Completed 3 years of satisfactory teaching on a Vocational 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 60 credit hours in an approved program in the appropriate field of vocational education.

   (3)  Presented evidence of satisfactory achievement in assessments of general knowledge and of professional knowledge and practice under § 49.18 (relating to assessment).

   (4)  Completed a Department-approved induction program.

VOCATIONAL INTERN CERTIFICATES

§ 49.151.  Eligibility and criteria.

   (a)  The Department will issue Vocational Intern Certificates for teaching in State approved programs of vocational 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(4).

   (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 vocational teacher 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 Vocational Instructional I Certificate upon presenting evidence of 2 years wage-earning experience, completion of an approved intern program, and satisfactory achievement on the assessment of basic skills.

§ 49.153.  Vocational emergency permit.

   (a)  The chief school administrator having jurisdiction over any approved Vocational Education program shall be authorized to issue a special emergency permit on a day-to-day basis to an occupational practitioner when no properly certificated teachers are available. The teacher shall function under the supervision of a properly certificated supervisor or administrator. Assignments as described in this section shall be made only in case of an extreme emergency and may not exceed 15-consecutive school days. This permit shall be valid for 15 days of substitute service and may be renewed for an additional 15 school days upon the approval of the Secretary.

   (b)  This permit does not qualify the holder to serve as a regularly elected teacher to fill a vacant position or as a long-term substitute. These positions shall be filled by a person holding a valid Vocational Instructional or a State issued Emergency Permit. Reference should be made to § 49.32 (relating to emergency cases).

SUPERVISOR OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

§ 49.161.  Supervisor of Vocational Education.

   (a)  The Department will issue a Supervisor of Vocational Education Certificate to a person who shall have a minimum of 3 years satisfactory certificated vocational teaching experience and whose primary assignment will be either or both of the following:

   (1)  Instructional supervision in the fields of vocational education--vocational agriculture, vocational business, distributive education, health occupations, vocational home economics, and vocational industrial, or trade and industrial--in area vocational technical schools and corresponding vocational 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 Vocational Education Certificate to a person who shall meet the requirements of § 49.111(a)(3)--(5) (relating to Supervisory Certificates).

§ 49.162.  (Reserved).

VOCATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR CERTIFICATE

§ 49.163.  Vocational Administrative Director.

   The Department will issue the Vocational Administrative Director Certificate to persons who:

   (1)  Have a minimum of 5 years successful teaching in vocational education.

   (2)  Have completed an approved program of graduate study following standards listed in § 49.121(d) (relating to Administrative Certificate) preparing them to direct, operate, supervise, and administer the organizational and educational activities of a vocational 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).

§ 49.164.  (Reserved).

Subchapter D.  OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS

§ 49.171.  General requirements.

   (a)  Applicants recommended by out-of-State institutions shall submit to the Department official transcripts for all professional preparation and related studies and satisfactory evidence of educational and work experience. These records will be evaluated by the Department using the established standards applicable to the comparable approved programs at Commonwealth institutions.

   (b)  The Department will issue the appropriate certificates to persons whose preparation and experience equate to the established standards. If an evaluation by the Department reveals minor deficiencies, the Department will prescribe the additional educational requirements.

   (c)  The Department may issue the comparable Pennsylvania Certificate to an applicant who, lacking institutional recommendation:

   (1)  Has been legally certificated by another state at a level comparable to the Pennsylvania certificate sought.

   (2)  Provides evidence of preparation and experience equating to the established standards for the area of certification sought.

§ 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 shall:

   (1)  Have done one of the following:

   (i)  Completed a Pennsylvania approved graduate level program of educational administrative study for the preparation of chief school administrators.

   (ii)  Been prepared through an out-of-State graduate level program equivalent to those approved in this Commonwealth.

   (2)  Have received the recommendation of the preparing institution for certification as a chief school, district level, administrator.

   (3)  Have provided evidence of 6 years of teaching or other professionally certificated service in the basic schools 3 years of which shall have been in supervisory or administrative positions.

   (b)  Department evaluation will comply with the following:

   (1)  The adequacy of preparation will be determined by the Department.

   (2)  The qualifying educational service to meet experience requirements out-of-State will be determined for all applicants by the Department.

   (3)  Institutional endorsement of the candidate may be waived by the Department for exceptional reasons such as, but not limited to, nonrecency of graduation, multi-institutional preparation, and institution no longer offering a preparation program for the superintendent.

   (c)  A commission shall be issued to a person holding a letter of eligibility upon election as a district superintendent or assistant district superintendent by the respective local board of school directors.

Subchapter E.  COMMISSIONS AND CERTIFICATES FOR INTERMEDIATE UNITS

§ 49.182.  Letter of eligibility.

   (a)  A letter of eligibility to serve as an intermediate unit executive director or assistant executive director will be issued in lieu of a certificate by the Department to a candidate who has obtained or achieved:

   (1)  An earned doctorate or a master's degree plus 40 hours of graduate study successfully completed at a State approved college or university.

   (2)  Six years of experience in education work at the elementary, secondary, county office, intermediate unit, the Department, or State approved college or university level. In 3 of these 6 years, the applicant shall have served successfully in a management or supervisory capacity.

   (3)  Satisfactory achievement in assessments prescribed by the Department under § 49.18(a) (relating to assessment).

   (b)  The appropriateness of this experience and the candidate's academic preparation will be determined by the Department.

   (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.

§ 49.183.  (Reserved).

§ 49.184.  (Reserved).

Subchapter F.  LETTERS OF EQUIVALENCY FOR PAY PURPOSES

§ 49.191.  Letters of Equivalency.

   A Letter of Equivalency shall be issued for salary purposes only, subject to the following terms and conditions:

   (1)  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 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 primary teaching assignment 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 of Education for meeting master's equivalency requirements.

   (2)  The Letter of Equivalency for Baccalaureate Degree is issued to holders of Vocational Instructional I, Vocational Instructional II or their equivalents upon the accumulation of 90 college credits. A minimum of 18 credit hours of the final 30 shall be earned at a State-approved baccalaureate degree granting institution. The remaining 12 may be satisfied, in full or in part, through in-service programs approved by the Secretary for meeting baccalaureate 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. 99-1626. Filed for public inspection September 24, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]



No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.

This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.