Resolution Regarding Chapter 49-2: New Teacher Certification Requirements

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Association Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC) is the largest special education professional organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is uniquely positioned to disseminate information and to influence public policy regarding special education;

Whereas, PACEC takes seriously its responsibility to advocate for children with special needs, their families, and their teachers and help shape policies for the certification of special education professionals;

Whereas, the PACEC is concerned that a year dual certification program for secondary special education teacher candidates (7-12) will result in fewer certified teachers willing to work with students with disabilities because of having to obtain certification not only in special education, but also a content area certification, possibly resulting in a 4.5 to 5 year program;

Whereas, elementary and secondary education teacher candidates are only required to take nine credits in special education in their undergraduate certification program;

Be it resolved the Pennsylvania Association Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC) STRONGLY opposes the new teacher certification requirements in Chapter 49-2 as they pertain to certification of secondary special education teacher candidates.

Be it further resolved that PACEC is skeptical that the new certification requirements will lead to a maintained level or increased level of teacher candidates for programs of studies in special education (7-12) thus adding to the shortage of teachers at the state and national levels.