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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	August 7, 2020 02:54 PM
From:	Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Flexibility for Substitute Teacher Certification

In the near future, I will introduce legislation to allow for greater flexibility for substitute teacher certification in order to help our school districts during these uncertain times.   Currently, the requirements to become a day-to-day substitute teacher in the Commonwealth are as follows:  Hold a valid Pennsylvania educator certificate or out of state certificate;  Have a Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalency) if not certified;  All necessary background clearances; and  Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status (green card).  My legislation would add to this list and permit individuals who have completed 60 semester-hour credits (or the equivalent of two years) in an accredited college to become a substitute teacher. Additionally, it would allow an individual who is certified as a substitute in another state, to also substitute teach in Pennsylvania.    School districts often struggle during normal times to find substitute teachers to fill classrooms, and now, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, the need for substitute teachers will become even greater as we transition into the school year. Pennsylvania’s requirements to become a day-to-day substitute teacher and the process for an emergency substitute teacher permit are often lengthy and burdensome.    By easing the requirements, more individuals who are innately qualified to help teach our students will be allowed into the classroom in the event of a teacher shortage due to illness or any other factor. We must do everything we can to ensure that our children have every chance of success and this is one small way to make sure those that want to teach have that ability, and that our students are continuing to learn.    Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.

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