May. 04, 2015
HARRISBURG – The House Education Committee today voted in favor of legislation, authored by Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks), which would offer a practical solution to Pennsylvania schools facing a substitute teacher shortage, while protecting the employment of certified teachers.
“According to the National Education Association, Pennsylvania, like many other states, faces a shortage of substitute teachers. This issue was also brought to my attention as one currently facing several Bucks County schools,” said O’Neill, a former teacher with more than 25 years of classroom experience. “However, Pennsylvania is one of the only states that require substitute teachers to be certified. My bill would help alleviate the sub shortage and permit a qualified individual, with knowledge of the curriculum, to lead the class for a few days.”
House Bill 1039 would allow public schools, including school districts, area vocational-technical schools and intermediate units, to employ uncertified individuals as substitute teachers in the event certified substitute teachers are unavailable. Prior to hiring an uncertified substitute teacher, the public school entity must make a bona fide effort to employ a certified individual.
Under O’Neill’s legislation, the potential substitute teacher must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, be of good moral character, be a U.S. citizen, and he or she must satisfy the statutory criminal history and employment history background check requirements.
“This could be an individual who works or has worked in the field of study that these students are learning about,” O’Neill said. “For example, a retired auto mechanic looking for part-time work could potentially fill in for a vocational school’s automotive technology class. After meeting certain requirements, the school board would ultimately decide which candidates are qualified to fill these positions.”
Additionally, the uncertified substitute may stand in for multiple certified teachers during a school year, but may not substitute for any one individual for more than 14 consecutive days.
“It’s important we have the proper limitations in place to protect our certified teachers and ensure our students’ safety,” O’Neill added.
House Bill 1039 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Representative Bernie O’Neill
29th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepONeill.com