On July 11, 2024, Senate Bill No. 700 was approved by Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro, making it Act No. 55 of 2024 (the “Act”). The Act allows additional highly-qualified individuals to obtain Career and Technical Instructional I Certificates and hopes to ease teaching shortages for these education providers.
KingSpry’s Education Law attorney, Rebecca A. Young, Esq., reviews the new law and details the updated application requirements.
Proposal
The Act was proposed by Senator Michele Brooks. In her memorandum, Senator Brooks discussed that there are several highly-skilled individuals in occupations that could provide instruction to students, but cannot obtain their Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate due to restrictive program requirements.
By updating the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 (the “School Code”), more individuals are eligible to obtain their certificate and offer instructional services to students in the Commonwealth.
Amendment to the School Code
The Act amends Section 1204.2(B) of the School Code, which governs Career and Technical Instructional Certificates.
In addition to requirements set forth by the State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (the “Department”) is required to issue (1) a Career and Technical Intern Certificate, pursuant to 22 Pa. Code § 49.151 or (2) a Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, pursuant to 22 Pa. Code § 49.142, to “an individual seeking a position with the primary responsibility of teaching occupational skills in a state-approved career and technical education program.”
Applicants for either certificate must satisfy any of the following:
- At least eight thousand (8,000) hours, equivalent to four (4) years full-time, of wage-earning experience in the occupational area to be taught;
- At least four thousand (4,000) hours, equivalent to two (2) years full-time, of wage-earning experience in the occupational area to be taught in addition to a baccalaureate degree;
- At least eight thousand (8,000) hours, equivalent to four (4) years full-time, of experience as a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician in the occupational area to be taught; and/or
- equivalent to four (4) years full-time, of experience teaching post-secondary courses at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the occupational area to be taught.
The provisions took effect immediately on July 11, 2024.
Bottom Line for Schools
These changes are expected to be helpful for career and technical schools to recruit qualified instructors as demand for vocational education continues to be in high demand. School administrators should review these new qualifications and modify their search efforts accordingly.
School administrators with questions should contact their Solicitor or a member of KingSpry’s Education Law Practice Group.
School Law Bullets are a publication of KingSpry’s Education Law Practice Group. They are meant to be informational and do not constitute legal advice. If your school has a legal question, please contact your solicitor or one of the education attorneys at KingSpry.
