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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Ann
Collis |
State Rep. Richard T.
Grucela |
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Grucela legislation would help substitute teachers
HARRISBURG, June 6 – State Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, has introduced legislation that would encourage students to explore the teaching profession and help school districts fill vacant substitute teacher openings.
The bill (H.B. 1494) would allow school districts to approve short-term, interim teaching permits for substitute teachers. Grucela said any college student who accumulated 60 credits would be allowed to substitute in a school district after all background checks are completed and school board approval is received.
“Especially during this time of year, schools have difficulty finding substitute teachers and this would provide an opportunity for college students majoring in education to see firsthand whether this is the profession they want to continue to pursue,” Grucela said. “Non-education majors also would have a chance to see if they want to become a teacher. If they are won over, you have the makings of a good teacher.”
Grucela added that his son was able to get a taste of the classroom through a similar program in another state.
“New Jersey and Massachusetts have similar laws which my son, Patrick, took advantage of while a student at Boston College,” Grucela said.
Under the legislation, a school district could request approval for a short-term teaching permit for a student after submitting the student’s credentials and transcript to the Department of Education. If approved by the department, a temporary permit could be issued by the school district to the student for day-to-day substitute teaching in that school district. The permit would be good for three years, but under the legislation, the holder of the permit could not serve in the same position in the same school district for more than 20 consecutive days.
Grucela, who was an Easton Area High School teacher for 31 years, said the legislation awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.
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