PA HB1265

Establishes new instructional certificate grade spans for certificates issued after December 31, 2027, including Early Childhood (PreK-3rd grade, ages 3-8), Elementary/Middle (K-8th grade, ages 4-14), Middle/Secondary (grades 6-12, ages 11-21), and Specialized Areas (PreK-12, up to age 21)

Elementary/Middle certificate holders may teach any subject in grades 1-6 and core academic subjects in grades 7-8; Middle/Secondary holders may teach any subject in grade 6 and core academic subjects in grades 7-12

Certificates issued under existing regulations (22 Pa. Code § 49.85) remain valid for their full term

Teacher preparation programs may allow students enrolled before December 31, 2025, who remain continuously enrolled, to complete programs under the current grade level limitations

Takes effect immediately upon enactment