Clearances are required prior to working with minors in any capacity for any amount of time as a Penn State Harrisburg student. Teacher candidates must obtain clear background checks before entering any public or private schools in Pennsylvania for the purpose of completing educational field experiences and student teaching. The following is important information for submitting all required clearances and documentation.
Where and how do I submit my clearances?
- Teacher candidates are not permitted to enter the field until all four required clearances and TB test results are submitted to CastleBranch. Failure to submit these documents by the deadlines provided may result in a delayed field experience or the loss of a secured field placement.
- Clearances must be valid (do not expire) for the entire semester during which there is a field experience.
What form should my clearances be in when I submit them?
Only PDFs of the state, federal, and child abuse clearances will be accepted. A PDF or image of the TB test results are acceptable. Please be sure that the PDF or image captures all necessary information and is easy to read.
How will I know when my clearances are due?
You will be contacted in June via email by Emily Lentz, Certification and Compliance Officer. Due dates (typically late July) and instructions for CastleBranch registration will be included in the email.
How long are my clearances valid?
Clearances are valid for one year and cannot turn one year old during a field placement semester. Renewed clearances must be submitted annually. Please note that TB tests must always be dated within 90 days of the first day in the field.
Are there any additional required documents that I need to submit?
- Acknowledgement of Policies & Waiver to Release Records – Code of Conduct
- PSEA Liability Insurance
- PA ACT 126 Child Welfare Mandated Reporting Training
- If in the past five years a candidate resided in a state other than PA, additional documentation may be required.
Should I keep physical copies of my clearances on hand?
Yes. Keep originals of all clearances on hand while attending field placements. Teacher candidates may be asked at any time by staff in schools to produce original documents. Candidates are expected to comply.
What if I have clearances from another job or institution?
Undergraduate students must upload original copies to CastleBranch and follow the annual renewal guidelines.
Post-baccalaureate candidates who are already employed by a school district may follow the district’s guidelines for clearance renewals but will still be required to upload their clearances to Castlebranch.
What if I have a prior arrest or conviction record? Am I still able to become a teacher?
If an arrest or conviction is present on any clearance document, teacher candidates are required to make an appointment with the Clinical and Field Experience Coordinator to discuss continuation in the teacher education program.
What if I am arrested while I am in the teacher education program?
In the event of a teacher candidate’s arrest during their time in the teacher education program, they are expected to contact the Clinical and Field Experience Coordinator within 72 hours of the incident.
Whom should I contact with questions about my clearances?
Clearances at Penn State Harrisburg are handled by Emily Lentz, Certification and Compliance Officer. All questions regarding clearances should be directed to her at [email protected] or 717-948-6367.