The Field Services office must hold COPIES of your ORIGINAL three (3) criminal background clearances.

Each student should keep a folder of their ORIGINAL clearances. Students may be asked to present original clearances to the School District where they are doing a Field Experience or Student Teaching assignment. Please keep them safe but accessible, as it is not the responsibility of this office to provide copies.

For additional information go to PA Department of Education.

Copies of these forms are required when you apply for teaching positions. We recommend that you obtain NEW criminal background clearances while in your student teaching semester in preparation for seeking employment after completion of your program.

Criminal Background Clearance forms are valid for one year.  It's recommended that you have valid clearances when you start your job search.

We do not require copies of your new clearances and these forms are not required when you apply for your teaching certificate.

Please see the current instructions for obtaining Criminal Background Clearances on the Field Services webpage. Instructions to Obtain Clearances, under "Helpful Documents"

Instructions are also available in the hallway of Stayer, outside the Certification Office, Room 120.