What is the definition of a “highly qualified teacher” in Pennsylvania?
How is that definition different from the U. S. Department of Education’s (USDOE) definition? A highly qualified teacher in Pennsylvania holds an Instructional I or Instructional II certificate in the subject area he/she is assigned to teach. In order to be issued that Instructional certificate, an individual must hold a bachelor’s degree, have completed a content area major and passed a content area test. Additionally, that individual must have completed teacher education course work, including student teaching. A highly qualified teacher, according to USDOE, is fully certified, holds a bachelor’s degree, and has completed a content area major OR passed a content area test in the subject area to be taught. In 2003 and 2004, 100% of the teachers in Pine-Richland classrooms meet or exceed the criteria required of “highly qualified”.
