INSTRUCTIONAL  II CERTIFICATION

Instructional II certification in Pennsylvania can be obtained following the completion of at least three years of satisfactory teaching in the public schools of Pennsylvania and the accumulation of twenty-four post-baccalaureate credits in any area that will enhance the professional development of a teacher. These credits may be taken from any four-year, fully-accredited institution through resident instruction, continuing education, or distance education/correspondence study programs. They may be either graduate or undergraduate level courses, as well as Pennsylvania Department of Education approved "in-service" workshops and training programs sponsored by county intermediate units for this purpose. Course work completed at community colleges is not acceptable.

The following website includes information for educators interested in pursuing distance education coursework through Penn State's World Campus. 

Educators interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate coursework through  resident education at Penn State must enroll as a "non-degree" graduate student. 

If you have ever enrolled previously as a graduate student at Penn State but were not enrolled the previous Spring or Fall semester, you should file a Resume Study/Change of Degree or Major application with the Graduate School  as a "non-degree" graduate student. 

Until a graduate begins teaching on a regular basis as a regular substitute (not just a day now and then) or as a full-time teacher, the initial Instructional I certificate remains valid in Pennsylvania.

Although it is possible to obtain Instructional II certification after three years of successful teaching, the validity of the Instructional I certificate has been extended to cover six years of satisfactory teaching. Provisions for renewing a certificate have been eliminated.

The application for Instructional II certification is obtained through a school district superintendent's or intermediate unit director's office. The form must be completed and accompanied by a copy of a teacher's current, valid certificate, and an official transcript showing the course work completed. The superintendent/director signs the form attesting to the years of experience and will usually direct the packet to Harrisburg for issuance of the certificate. Currently a $15.00 Postal Money Order must accompany this packet.

Generally, experiences teaching in out-of-state schools are not considered "approved time" accumulated toward the three years of required teaching necessary in Pennsylvania for the Instructional II certificate.

Note that educators who have been issued "initial" certificates since June 1, 1987, also are required to establish professional development plans every five years. These plans are to include additional continuing education or related experiences. Educators holding master's degrees may volunteer to develop these plans.

Additional questions should be directed to a school superintendent/director's office or the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 
(717) 787-2967.