Oct. 11, 2018
HARRISBURG – Changes to the way current and future special education instructors are and will be certified are a signature away from becoming law in Pennsylvania. Wednesday’s unanimous passage of legislation authored by state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) sends
House Bill 1386 to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf.
“This legislation is good for special needs students and people with the passion to educate them,” said Phillips-Hill. “It is the product of cooperation with both the state Senate and education stakeholders to make a good bill better. I especially appreciate the contribution of Senate Education Committee Chairman John Eichelberger, and look forward to the governor signing House Bill 1386.”
Current law certifies special education instructors to teach either PreK-8 or grades 7-12. It also requires additional certification in an area of specialization.
“House Bill 1386 would allow anyone who obtains a special education teaching certificate after Dec. 31, 2021, to teach prekindergarten through grade 12 or up to 21 years of age,” Phillips-Hill added. “It also would do away with the need for additional certification.
“Accommodations would be made to allow current special education instructors to teach PreK-12 or up to 21 years of age using their existing certificate through continuing education or assessment testing.”
The legislation would also call for both the Department of Education and Joint State Government Commission to study and report on progress related to these changes. House Bill 1386 is supported by both the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Representative Kristin Phillips-Hill
93rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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