This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update the certification requirements for teachers, specifically focusing on instructional certificate grade spans and age levels. The heading of Section 1202.1 is changed from "Instructional" to "Special Education," and it outlines the duties of the Department of Education, including notifying teacher preparation programs and individuals about the opportunity to extend early childhood certificates 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, a new section, 1202.2, is added to establish specific grade spans and age levels for instructional certificates issued after June 1, 2027. The bill specifies pathways for individuals holding early childhood and elementary/middle instructional certificates to expand their certification scope through continuing education or qualifying assessments. It also allows individuals enrolled in educator preparation programs before December 31, 2025, to complete their programs under existing grade level limitations. The regulations at 22 Pa. Code 49.85(c) and (d) are abrogated, and the changes will take effect starting with the 2027-2028 academic year, with certain provisions taking effect in three years.

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