Overview
We accept applications for new local-level instructors from October 1 through December 15 every year. Think you'd be good at teaching? We'd love to receive your application!
Minimum Qualifications
Emergency service responders must meet the following requirements to apply for accreditation as a local level instructor:
- At least 26 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Five years experience in applicable emergency services work
- Recommendations from two people; one must be from a State Fire Academy local-level instructor
- Physically capable of performing instructor duties
- High moral character and exemplary professional decorum
- Completed adult education methodology course (minimum 35 hours) or valid Pennsylvania teacher's certificate or certification as an instructor from the Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Attend train-the-trainer courses available prior to teaching specific courses. When no specific train-the-trainer is available, applicants will submit a detailed resume for evaluation, or attend an approved course of the same, or teach initial classes under the direction of a qualified instructor.
- Be credentialed to teach courses by the Department of Health, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania State Police, or others.
- Provide a Title 34 Criminal Record Check clear of crimes above a third-degree misdemeanor
- Provide a Title 151 Child Abuse Clearance
How To Apply
Apply online via the Acadis portal.
Instructor Classifications
Non-Suppression Instructor
Qualified to instruct non-suppression local-level trainings, including hazardous materials, building construction, fire police, rescue, fire investigation, and management/command.
Suppression Instructor
Qualified to instruct suppression local-level trainings, including entry-level fire training, structural firefighting, aircraft firefighting, flammable and combustible liquids and gases, respiratory protection, and wildland firefighting.
⭐ Those applying to become suppression instructors must complete the suppression instructor development course (ZFID), and include a completed prerequisite checklist (PDF) with their application.
Instructor Emeritus
Reserved for local-level instructors who have served the State Fire Academy and commonwealth of Pennsylvania for more than 25 years.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about becoming a local-level training instructor.
Yes, you need three letters, one of which must be from a current State Fire Academy local-level instructor attesting to your integrity and abilities as a potential local-level instructor.
Yes, as long as it is not a conviction greater than a third-degree misdemeanor. Depending on the type of violation, you must provide a full explanation. A criminal history background check is also a requirement of the application.
Upon review of your completed application and interview by your area field supervisor, determination will be made by the State Fire Academy administrator. You will be notified by email of the results, usually in mid-May to the first of June. Notification is done only after all prerequisites and required documentation are met and have been entered into the instructor database.
Courses are assigned individually based on your background, knowledge, and training on the subject material.
Some courses have full instructional outlines and audio-visual packets for them. Numerous course do not have formal lesson plans. You must write your own lesson plan in accordance to the minimum standard for accreditation that sets the course goal, specific objectives, and a topic outline.
Complete Prerequisites for ZFID:
- At least 26 years of age
- Firefighter II Certification
- Fire Instructor II Certification
- Incident Safety Officer (16-hour National Fire Academy course)
- Hazardous Materials Operations training
- Terrorism training
- Fire Operations at Large Structures (ZSFA) training or equivalent
- 150 hours structural track training
- Three letters of reference from current suppression-level instructor
Once you've met the prerequisites, successfully complete the Suppression Instructor Development Program (ZFID).
Educational training agencies under contract with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner hire and pay instructors. You may be employed by as many of these agencies that accept you as an employee.
Yes, non-suppression instructors who have obtained approval from the State Fire Academy can serve as assistant instructors/guest lecturers for the first three levels: ELIS, ELFG, and ELEF.
