| Act 48, the Continuing Professional Education
law, was signed into law by Governor Ridge on November 9,
1999. It redefines the meaning of permanent
certification (Level II teaching certification). To
maintain permanent certification, all Pennsylvania
certificate holders from school superintendent to teacher
must take continuing education credits. Act 48
stipulates the number of credits or hours required to renew
permanent certification: 6 collegiate credits, 6 continuing
professional education credits, or 180 hours of programs,
activities or learning experiences, or any combination of
these three. Continuing professional education credits
and service hours toward the 180 hours of programs,
activities, or learning experiences are subject to
Pennsylvania Department of Education approval.
FAQs
How is active
certification maintained?
-Through 6 credits of college or university study at an approved
institution (That means the you must receive credit at an
American college or university for your study.)
-Through 6 credits of approved continuing professional education
courses
-Through 180 hours of continuing professional programs,
activities or learning experiences or any combination of these
which is equivalent to 180 (PDE) hours.
How will the state
convert the program/experience hours to college credits?
One credit of study or course is equal to 30 hours of continuing
professional education programs, activities or learning
experiences.
Do these credits have to
be in my area of certification?
Yes
Don't wait till
it's too late!
Check your continuing education record at the Pennsylvania Department of Education's
online record database to see the status of your certification:
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