Act 91 of 2021 included provisions for non-certificated staff to serve as Classroom Monitors. However, this provision within Act 91 expired at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. In December of 2023, the PA General Assembly reauthorized the Classroom Monitor provision as part of Act 33 of 2023. Act 33 of 2023 authorizes school entities to request from the department a Classroom Monitor permit for non-certified staff provided the individual meets minimum requirements as indicated below. Classroom Monitors can provide students with assignments preplanned by a professional employee or temporary professional when this professional or temporary professional employee is absent. Monitors may not plan, create lessons, or grade work.

Classroom monitors must be at least 25 years of age, AND

• Completed 60 semester hours or equivalent courses at an accredited college or university in this commonwealth.

OR

• Completed at least three years of school entity experience as a paraprofessional and be currently employed in a school.

Applicants begin the process of becoming a Classroom Monitor by registering for and completing a training program on classroom management provided by an approved intermediate unit. This training program is  online, self-paced, and can be completed in about 6 hours’ time. Classroom Monitors must also meet the background checks and clearance requirements under the School Code and Child Protection Service Law. 

If you are interested in participating in the classroom monitor training, you can register by clicking on the following link. Please know that completion of this training course does not automatically enable you to serve in the role of Classroom Monitor. Upon completion of the LIU training course, you will receive a Course Completion Certificate. You will need to give this document to your school district’s PK-12 Certifying Officer as evidence of your completion of this requirement. If the Certifying Officer determines that all qualifications are satisfactorily met, the PA Department of Education will then authorize/certify you as a Classroom Monitor.

Provisions for Classroom Monitors that were Previously Permitted

The statute that authorized the use of Classroom Monitors under Act 91 of 2021 did expire in June of 2023. For this reason, previously permitted Classroom Monitors that wish to maintain their certification must access their TIMS account and reapply for this Emergency Certificate. Previously permitted Classroom Monitors do not have to repeat completion of the IU training course on classroom management. If you need a copy of your course completion certificate, this was emailed to you when you completed the course. If you cannot find this and require it as evidence to attain your Classroom Monitor permit, please reach out to opldepartment@liu18.org.

Please know that under present law, this certification area will expire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact the LIU Office of Professional Learning at opldepartment@liu18.org.