As professionals in an everchanging
knowledge-based society, the state's educators are required to
continuously upgrade their skillset - just as it is an expectation for
lawyers and doctors. Pennsylvania's professional development law, known
as Act 48 of 1999, describes the requirements that apply to all
certified educational professionals.
Every five years, all
certified educators must complete 180 hours of professional development
that is related to an area of the professional educator's assignment and
certification and, if the educator is employed by a school entity,
complies with the school entity's professional education plan. The 180
hour requirement can be met with six college credits, six credits of
continuing professional education courses, 180 clock hours of continuing
professional education, or any combination of collegiate studies,
continuing professional education courses or other programs, activities,
or learning experiences equivalent to 180 hours. For the purposes of
calculating hours and credits, one credit of collegiate study or
continuing professional education course is equivalent to 30 hours of
continuing professional education.
The Bucks County Schools
Intermediate Unit # 22 is an approved provider of Act 48 hours in the
state of Pennsylvania. In order to assist certified educators in
attaining these hours, the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit # 22
plans, provides, and evaluates a large variety of professional learning
experiences. These experiences include conferences, continuing
professional education courses, and hundreds of workshops approved for
Act 48.
