Mar. 12, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) will soon introduce a six-bill package to modernize and streamline the teacher certification process in order to address challenges in recruiting and retaining educators in Pennsylvania.
“Last month, the House Education Committee held a hearing on teacher certification,” Ortitay said. “Testifiers spoke about how the current system creates unnecessary barriers that discourage talented individuals from entering the teaching profession, making it harder for schools to fill vacancies. When schools struggle to hire and retain certified teachers, students experience larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and disruptions in their learning. My bills incorporate recommendations to address this critical issue.”
The bills would:
• Waive the retest fee for candidates who miss passing the Praxis exam by three points or fewer in their first attempt. By removing financial obstacles for otherwise qualified individuals, minor test discrepancies would not prevent talented candidates from entering the profession.
• Prioritize stipends for teacher candidates who commit to teaching in rural or low-income districts and high-demand science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This targeted approach would help address teacher shortages where they are most severe and incentivize aspiring educators to serve in these areas.
• Streamline the pathway for military veterans with teaching experience to enter the classroom and begin teaching while continuing to work towards their certification. By recognizing their valuable skills and experience, Pennsylvania would transition more veterans into education without unnecessary delays.
• Require the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to automatically waive the testing requirements for out-of-state applicants who have successfully completed a nationally recognized licensure exam. Currently, PDE determines on a case-by-case basis whether to waive exams for out-of-state applicants.
• Expand certification pathways for industry professionals seeking to teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses by eliminating unnecessary pedagogy coursework. This would help attract more skilled professionals into vocational education.
• Allow professionals with industry certifications to teach STEM subjects while completing educational coursework on the job. By creating a more flexible pathway, talented professionals would be brought into STEM education and address critical teacher shortages.
“Many of these proposals are based on successful initiatives in other states that have strengthened teacher recruitment and retention,” Ortitay said. “By adopting these reforms, Pennsylvania can build a stronger educator workforce, expand access to quality instruction and uphold the high standards our students deserve.”
The bills are anticipated to be referred to the House Education Committee once introduced.
The 46th Legislative District includes South Fayette Township and McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Cecil, Chartiers, Mt. Pleasant and North Strabane (Districts 6,7,8 and 9) townships and Canonsburg, Houston and McDonald boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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