An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for emergency certification applicants for career and technical education certification.

HB 396 creates an emergency certification pathway for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows two routes: (1) educators with valid out-of-state CTE certificates meeting Pennsylvania’s standards, or (2) individuals with at least four years of work experience in the teaching field plus industry certifications. Certificates issued under this bill are valid for eight years and convert to full certification after two years of classroom teaching with performance evidence. The bill directly affects CTE educators seeking quicker entry into Pennsylvania classrooms.