Act 48 Mandatory Professional Development for Pennsylvania Educators
Carnegie Mellon's Response to Act 48 Reporting
The University serves many educators in Western Pennsylvania. These students are enrolling in many diverse courses offered by Carnegie Mellon, which may qualify for Act 48 development.
What is Act 48?
On November 23, 1999, Governor Tom Ridge signed into law House Bill 8, now known as Act 48, which changes the requirements for maintaining an active Pennsylvania professional educator's certificate. Every five years, educators must complete either:
Six college credits (graduate or undergraduate)
Six credits of continuing professional education courses (available through Intermediate Units)
180 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities, or learning experiences (i.e., noncredit programs)
Any combination of credits or activity hours that equal 180 hours (each credit equals 30 hours)
More detailed information may be obtained at the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Who is Affected by Act 48?
Act 48 requires all Pennsylvania educators holding PA public school certification including Intern, Instructional I and II, Educational Specialist I and II, Administrative, Supervisory, Letters of Eligibility and all vocational certificates to participate in ongoing professional education.
What Counts?
To ensure that a particular course will meet Act 48 requirements for you, please check with your school employer or if you are not currently employed as an educator in Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Is Carnegie Mellon an Approved Provider?
Yes. Carnegie Mellon University is an Approved Provider for credit courses and non-credit workshops (submitted by number of hours of workshop). Our diverse offerings, locations, and delivery modes will help you meet Act 48 requirements while satisfying your learning and lifestyle needs.
What are Carnegie Mellon' Approved Provider Reporting Responsibilities?
Upon successful completion of your credit course or non-credit workshop, Carnegie Mellon will report the required information on your behalf directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
What Carnegie Mellon Courses are Available?
Carnegie Mellon has many ways of serving Pennsylvania educators. The Interactive On-Line Schedule of Classes provides additional information regarding course offerings.
What Do I Need to Do?
Student record privacy law prohibits the release of most information including courses and grades to any third party without prior permission of the student. In order to authorize the release of this information to PDE, please submit a request including:
Your full name
Your student id number
Your current mailing address
Course number
Course name
Course units
Semester course taken
Requests may be submitted by email to courses@andrew.cmu.edu, fax to 412.268.6651, or mail to Associate Director of Records and Scheduling, Enrollment Services, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890.
Your school employer may require that you provide a grade report or official transcript to signify successful course completion.
What Happens Next?
Upon submission of your Act 48 courses to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), you will receive a letter of confirmation. Please be sure to retain this letter for your files.