Suspension of certificate
Suspension of a certificate is one type of discipline that the Professional Standards and Practices Commission can impose upon teachers, educational specialists, or administrators. The Commission directs the Education Department to suspend the certificate of a professional educator for a period that is determined by the Commission. The reasons for suspension, which are stated in 24 PS § 2070.5 (11), include immorality, incompetency, intemperance, habitual use of drugs or narcotics, cruelty and negligence. These terms are defined in Chapter 237 of 22 PA Code. A hearing must be held prior to suspension. The Commission directs the Education Department "…. to suspend the certificate of any professional educator indicted for a crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or as a drug addict whenever a certified copy of the indictment has been filed with the commission." 24 PS § 2070.5 (11). Suspension prohibits the person from teaching or engaging in other professional services in the Commonwealth. The Secretary or his designee must notify all chief state school officers of other states as well as all chief school administrators and teacher preparing institutions in Pennsylvania concerning the suspension, giving the information required by § 49.64f. The Commission may lift the suspension in accordance with 24 PS § 2070.16.
School Code 24 PS §§ 20-2070.1; 20-2070.5; 20-2070.9---20-2070.16.
Regulations of the State Board of Education 22 PA Code §§ 49.64a; 46.64f; Chapter 237