Munroe bill paving way for more veterans to get teaching certificates signed into law

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 27, 2025

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Brian Munroe’s bill that updates PA teaching certificate requirements permitting military experience in a career and technical field to count toward obtaining a certificate was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol today.

Act 41 of 2025, formerly H.B. 1405, addresses the ongoing teacher shortage in Pennsylvania by making it easier for veterans to obtain a teaching certificate in career and technical fields. Many veterans gain direct experience in CTE fields during their time in the service.

“Veterans looking to bring their expertise into the classroom now have a clear, efficient path to do so,” said Munroe. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro and my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting this bill and underscoring the value of putting our servicemembers to work in our public school system. When a veteran feels the call of duty, they go into action. Now, when a veteran feels called to help our youth succeed, they can more adeptly step into the role.”

Act 41 makes those with 8,000 hours – or 4 full-time years – of service in a given occupational area eligible for CTE Instructional 1 certification, which is required to teach in CTE programs in public schools.

Munroe said CTE programs are especially valuable because they prepare students for high-demand fields like manufacturing, information technology and more by giving them hands-on, practical skills and real-world learning experiences.

This is Munroe’s second bill to become law since he was elected as a state representative. His previous bill, Act 24 of 2023, made it possible for students of military parents to enroll in Pennsylvania school districts using military orders to prove expected residency before they physically live within the district.