To comply with Pennsylvania School Law and adhere to our district partner's policies, Penn State Harrisburg requires valid, updated clearances on file prior to the start of any semester where a teacher candidate will engage in work with minors. Renewed clearances are then required annually.
The following clearances are required:
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History
- Department of Human Services Child Abuse History
- Federal Criminal History Record Information
- National Sex Offender Registry
- Proof of negative TB test (within 90 days of entering a clinical experience)
Clearances are required for the following programs and courses:
- Undergraduate Elementary (PK-4 and 4-8) Education Degree Program
- Post-baccalaureate Elementary (PK-4 and 4-8) Certification Program
- Undergraduate Secondary Education Social Studies Degree Program
- Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate Secondary Certification Programs in English, General Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies
- Post-baccalaureate Special Education Certification
Elementary Education
- CI 295 (undergrad only)
- EDUC 315Y
- EDUC 495A
- EDUC 495B (residency)
- EDUC 495 (post-baccalaureate student teaching)
- EDUC 490 (undergrad student teaching)
Secondary Education
- EDUC 313 (undergrad only)
- EDUC 315Y
- EDUC 458
- EDUC 495 (residency and post-baccalaureate student teaching)
- EDUC 490 (undergrad student teaching)
Special Education
- EDUC 495 (post-baccalaureate student teaching)
Clearance Submission via CastleBranch
All teacher candidates must submit their updated clearances annually via CastleBranch. Clearances are handled by Emily Lentz, Certification and Compliance Officer. She will email instructions for submission and reminders for renewal directly to candidates. All questions regarding clearances should be directed to her at [email protected] or 717 948 6367.