Letter: HB 1386, teacher certification (Sept. 24, 2018)
Sept. 24, 2018
Senate Education Chairman
Senate of Pennsylvania
Re: House Bill 1386
Dear Senator,
On behalf of the 4,500 elected officials who govern the commonwealth’s public school districts, we are writing to request your support of the agreed to amendment to House Bill 1386, sponsored by Representative Kristin Hill (York). As amended, the legislation would revise the levels, by grade span and age, at which special education teachers are certified. This legislation represents an important change for school districts by consolidating special education certifications to allows school districts the flexibility to be more efficient in deploying special educators in schools. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) believes allowing staffing flexibility will provide school districts with the opportunity to operate more effectively and place the best teachers in the appropriate classrooms.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewide association representing the 4,500 elected officials who govern the commonwealth’s public school districts. PSBA is a membership-driven organization, pledged to the highest ideals of local lay leadership for public schools and working to support reform for the betterment of public education that prepares students to be productive citizens, and promote the achievements of public schools, students, and local school boards.
We would like to thank Representative Hill for her work on this issue and Chairman Eichelberger for considering this bill in the Senate Education Committee. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (717) 506-2450 x3337.
Sincerely,
John M. Callahan, Chief Advocacy Officer