Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Teaching Certification

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) grants educational certification to professionals providing services in the schools. Individuals with just an Instructional educational certification are eligible to provide services in the schools only. If this is the only credential an individual holds, he/she is not eligible to provide therapy privately or in any setting other than a school.

As of 2014, PDE offers two options for speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania. The two types of educational certifications include: Instructional 1 certification, Special Education – Speech/Language Impaired PK-12 and Educational Specialist certification, School Speech-Language Pathologist PK-12.

Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing are eligible to apply for an instructional certification only, Special Education – Hearing Impaired PK-12.

For additional information regarding PDE Certification for Educational Specialists in Speech-Language Pathology, Teachers of the Speech/Language Impaired, and Teachers of the Hearing Impaired, please contact: Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation, PA Department of Education, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.)

 

Pathway to Move Between Certifications

To add a Speech and Language Impaired PK-12 Instructional I Certificate with an existing School Speech and Language Pathologist  PK-12 Educational Specialist I Certificate, the candidate:

  • Must have the EPP evaluate the program and determine coursework that may be needed to allow the program to recommend the applicant for the Speech and Language Impaired PK-12 Instructional I Certificate
  • Must complete the course or courses identified with specific outcomes that meets the outcomes of the PDE-430 form
  • Must have a higher ranking supervisor or university representative from an accredited program in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders sign the PDE-430 form.
  • Note: If the candidate has previously achieved Educational Specialist II, they will receive an Instructional I in accordance with regulation and policy. The candidate should consult with their employer about this change.
  • From: Speech and Language Impaired PK-12 Program Framework Guidelines 

Act 48 

The Law States, educators must maintain their education certificates as active by earning 6 collegiate or 6 PDE approved in-service credits, or 180 continuing education hours, or any combination of the above every 5 years. The five-year period began July 1, 2000. For those individuals who were issued their certificates in August 2000 and thereafter, the five-year period begins with the effective date of issuance of the initial certificate.

 

Additional Support links:

School Speech and Language Pathologist PK-12 Program Framework Guidelines

Speech and Language Impaired PK-12 Program Framework Guidelines 

For additional information regarding Commonwealth of PA Certification, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.