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    Professional Standards and Practices Commission

    Information for School Administrators

    School Administrators/Local Education Agencies

    The Commission believes that local school entities, as well as teacher preparation institutions, share in the responsibility of promoting the integrity of the education profession. School districts and other local school entities play a unique role in creating a climate within their schools that fosters ethical conduct and practice. Achieving this climate is accomplished through effective policies, productive in-services, good hiring practices, zero tolerance for professional misconduct, and a commitment to the profession at large.

    Background Clearances

    All prospective employees and student teacher candidates of public schools, private schools and their contractors' employees, who will work in direct contact with children, are required to obtain state and federal background clearances as well as a child abuse history clearance.

    Information about these required clearances can be ​found on the Department of Education’s website

    Employment History Reviews

    As of December 22, 2014, a school entity or an independent contractor (collectively referred to herein as “hiring entity”) may not hire any applicant for a position in which the employee will have direct contact with children until the school entity has complied with the employment history review process delineated in Act 168.

    Teacher Preparation Programs

    Educators are lifelong learners, committed to improving their skills and proficiency throughout their careers. The most significant part of their journey, however, starts with their post-secondary preparation program.  Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, teacher preparation programs must integrate training in professional ethics.  For more information and a list of available resources, please visit Chapter 49 Ethics Training page.