Certifications
The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania.
All information provided on the William Penn School District site is subject to change, and all educators should consult the Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification page regularly for updates.
Who needs to be certified?
Classroom teachers, administrative and supervisory personnel, school librarians, and other school professionals (including guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, and school social workers) are required to hold a Pennsylvania certificate.
How do I apply for certification?
- The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all applications to be completed and submitted through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).
- A guide for first time users is available here.
- If you are out-of-state certified, please review the out-of-state certification routes to determine your pathway to Pennsylvania certification.
- Not yet certified? Requesting an emergency permit?
- William Penn School District’s HR team will provide guidance regarding eligibility, conditions, and next steps for obtaining an emergency permit.
If you’re a Certified Teacher looking for employment.
If you’re a non-certified teacher looking for employment.
Please email Marina Byrne-Folan.
For Professional Employees
Level I to Level II Certification
Validity: The validity period for Instructional I certificates and Educational Specialist I certificates is 6 years of service. This is 6 years for actual years of professional service as an educator, not calendar years.
For example: A certificate issued in 2010 was used for a total of 3 years of professional service as an educator prior to 2022. This may include some long-term substitute assignments. As of 2022 there are 3 years of validity remaining.
Level II Certification FAQ
Level I to Level II Requirements
All of the following requirements must be met in order to convert a Level I to a Level II. You can also find these requirements on the PDE Website under the Level II Checklist:
- A minimum of three (3) years of satisfactory service in a Pennsylvania public school entity.
- Twenty four (24) post baccalaureate credits
- Completion of an Induction program
- Verification of service time (reported electronically by employing entities via TIMS)
It is the responsibility of each certificate holder to know when their certificate expires and apply for a Level II certificate. Failure to convert the certificate before the end of the applicable service period will result in a lapsed certificate and the certificate holder will be ineligible for employment as a professional.
Video Tutorial: Converting your Level I certificate to a Level II certificate
For Administrative Employees
Level I Certification
Validity: For individuals employed as principals or assistant principals in Pennsylvania after January 1, 2008, the validity period for Administrative I certificates is five (5) years of service.
Level I to Level II Requirements
All of the following requirements must be met in order to convert a Level I to a Level II. You can also find these requirements on the PDE Website under Administrative Level II Certification.
- A minimum of three (3) years of satisfactory service on the PA Administrative I certificate
- Completed the PDE approved PA Inspired Leadership (PIL) Induction Program
For individuals who are not working as a Principal or Assistant/Vice Principal but are employed in another capacity (e.g., supervisor of a single subject), the time spent working in that position will not count against the five years of Level I service time.
It is the responsibility of each certificate holder to know when their certificate expires and apply for a Level II certificate. Failure to convert the certificate before the end of the applicable service period will result in a lapsed certificate and the certificate holder will be ineligible for employment as an administrator.