Bill > HB1404

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's teacher certification regulations by replacing references to "intern" certificates with "second career" certificates across several sections of the Public School Code. The bill extends the validity period for postbaccalaureate instructional second career certificates from three to five years and provides more flexibility for career and technical education teachers to obtain certification. Specifically, it allows the Department of Education to issue Career and Technical Second Career Certificates to individuals teaching occupational skills, giving them up to five years to complete 18 semester hours in an approved educator preparation program. The bill also creates provisions for issuing Career and Technical Intern and Instructional Certificates based on occupational competency and work experience, even if a specific competency examination does not exist. Additionally, the bill mandates that any existing intern certificates will be automatically converted to second career certificates. The changes aim to provide alternative pathways for professionals to enter teaching, particularly in career and technical education fields, while maintaining standards for educator preparation and certification. The new regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, and any existing regulations that conflict with the bill will be abrogated.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1404