This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update the certification requirements for teachers in Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on instructional certificate grade spans and age levels. The existing section on "Instructional" certificates is replaced with "Special Education" certificates, and the Department of Education is tasked with notifying teacher preparation programs and individuals about the opportunity for early childhood certificate holders to extend their certification to include grades five and six. This notification must occur within sixty days of the bill's effective date, and the provision will expire three years after its implementation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section outlining the grade spans and age levels for instructional certificates issued after June 1, 2027. It specifies that primary certificates will cover prekindergarten through grade six, secondary certificates will cover grades six through twelve, and specialized areas will encompass prekindergarten through grade twelve. The bill also establishes pathways for individuals holding early childhood and elementary/middle instructional certificates to expand their certification scope through continuing education or qualifying assessments. Furthermore, it allows certain educator preparation programs to continue accepting students under previous certification requirements until December 31, 2025, after which new candidates will not be accepted under those provisions. The regulations at 22 Pa. Code 49.85(c) and (d) are abrogated, and the changes will take effect for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1605 (May 05, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 2106 (Jul 09, 2025): P.L.30, No.14