Act 48

Act 48 was signed into law on November 23, 1999. Act 48 requires all PA educators holding PA certification which includes Instructional I, II, Educational Specialist I, II, Administrative, Supervisory, Letters of Eligibility and vocational certificates, to take ongoing professional education.

Six Credits, 180 hours or Combination

All teachers and administrators must obtain six credits of collegiate study; six credits of continuing professional education courses; 180 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities, experiences; or any combination of credits or hours equivalent to 180 hours every five years to keep your certificate active.

Important - you must keep your own records of your courses or credits. DO NOT depend on the district, state or approved providers.

Active Certification

To maintained active certification you must:

Earn 6 credits of collegiate study at an approved institution.
Earn 6 credits of approved continuing professional education courses.
Earn 180 hours of continuing professional programs, activities or learning experiences or any combination of these which is equivalent to 180 hours.

One credit of study or course equals 30 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities or learning experiences.

All professional educators means educators who are retired or unemployed must maintain an active certificate by fulfilling the above credits or hours.

Credits of collegiate study must be related to an area of assignment or certification at an approved institution of higher education.

Credits of continuing professional education courses must relate to an area of assignment or certification conducted by providers approved by PDE.

Deadlines

The first five-year period for all professional educators currently holding a PA Certificate began on July 1, 2000 and ends June 30, 2005.

Members certified after July 1, 2000 will be the date their initial certificate was granted.

Charter and Private Schools

Yes, Act 48 applies to uncertified teachers or administrators who are employed full-time by a charter school. Educators holding PA Certificate not employed by PA public schools may maintain their certificates as active or they may voluntary make their certificates inactive.

Extensions

Act 48 has a provision for granting an extension of the five-year period due to extenuating circumstances. Act 48 also provides for an educator's right to appeal a notice of inactive certification.

Inactive Status

A professional educator may apply for an inactive certification if they are not employed by a school district.

Inactive certification does not disqualified anyone from being employed as a professional or temporary professional employee in PE.

An individual with an inactive certification may be employed as a temporary substitute for no more than 90 days during a school year.

An inactive certificate suspends the requirements of Act 48 until inactive status is removes.

Removal of Inactive Status

The professional educator must do the same number of hours or credits and the same amount of time in which to complete the hours as existed at the time the inactive status was granted.

The professional educator must apply to PDE and show evidence of the completion of 30 hours of continuing professional education within the immediate 12 months.

Access Your Continuing Education Records

Members may access their information regarding the credits/hours earned and the continuing education status two ways.

1. Internet - www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching

2. Phone - Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation 717-787-2967

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