In order to maintain an active teaching certificate, teachers in Pennsylvania are required to complete continuing education credits, recognized by the field as "Act 48 credits." If an educator fails to complete the requisite credits within the allotted time, their certificate is placed on "inactive status", and they are unauthorized to teach.

While this process ensures all educators are in compliance with state standards, there is room for improvement. PDE is currently unable to accept continuing education credits from other states. So, if a PA-certified educator moves to another state, it is very difficult for that educator to maintain an active teaching certification in Pennsylvania.

This proposal allows the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to accept continuing education credits that are accepted by other states to maintain an active PA certificate, and it requires PDE to notify educators about this flexibility when they move to another state.

My bill ensures that the pathway to rejoining the Commonwealth’s educator workforce is easier for PA-certified educators who ultimately decide to move back to the Keystone State. This would especially assist military and other families who move regularly due to employment or other circumstances. 

Please join me in supporting this proposal and remove this unnecessary administrative barrier for our teachers.