Posted: | December 2, 2020 02:15 PM |
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From: | Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Flexibility for Substitute Teacher Certification |
In the near future, I will be reintroducing Senate Bill 1293 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:
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 co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. Previous co-sponsors of this legislation include Senators J. Ward, Argall, Martin, Killion, Pittman, Aument, Hutchinson, Mastriano, and Stefano. |
Introduced as SB344