Teacher Preparation Option
CLEARANCES REQUIRED FOR ALL FIELD EXPERIENCES
No student may proceed with a field experience (KINES 295A, 215, 382, 395A, 390, 495A, etc.) until ONE copy of ALL clearances are presented to the course instructor. All clearances and the TB test are good for one year and must be updated annually. Failure to present these required clearances before the beginning of a field experience may result in your dismissal from a field experience course. Follow instructions carefully to prevent delays. Contact Krista Pulsney at kinesunergrad@psu.edu or 814-863-0442 for more information.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students who intend to participate in any student teaching programs or field experiences (KINES 295A, 215, 382, 390, 395A, 495A, etc.) of any sort are required to procure and maintain liability insurance for the duration of all such programs. You must provide proof of such coverage to the course instructor of the related field experience. The policy purchased must be applicable to teaching situations, and must cover the specific situations which will be presented during your field exercise. Such coverage may or may not be termed "professional liability" insurance, depending upon the carrier or organization which issues the policy. It is your responsibility to choose an appropriate policy and to make a determination as to the amount of coverage.
The Department of Kinesiology recommends joining AAHPERD at (www.aahperd.org) or 800-213-7193 ext 490. Annual student membership fee is $45 and a $1 million dollar policy costs $12. Forrest T. Jones & Co, Inc is the group insurance administrator for AAHPERD and can be contacted at www.ftj.com. Liability insurance may be available as an endorsement, for an additional fee, to a renter's or homeowner's insurance policy. You may also procure a separate liability insurance policy from a private insurance policy. If you choose to pursue such options, you should carefully investigate the terms of the policy and speak with your insurance agent in order to ensure that the policy is applicable to your field activities.
The Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) is another option. Annual membership fee ($25.00) includes $1 million of liability protection, which is applicable to classroom situations. SPSEA membership enrollment forms are available from the SPSEA Student Programs Coordinator, who may be reached at PSU's Office of Certification and Education Services, 228 Chambers, 814-865-0488, or from the SPSEA web site at http://www.psea.org/topic.cfm?SID=14.
PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
PA Child Abuse History Clearance forms are available at http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/child/childabuseneglect/003671038.htm. Indicate SCHOOL as the "Purpose of Clearance."
PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34)
Criminal history request forms SP-164 are available at http://www.psp.state.pa.us/psp/cwp/view.asp?A=4&Q=48275. Indicate EMPLOYMENT as the "Reason for Request."
Pennsylvania laws require all employees of public and private schools to acquire child abuse history clearance (Act 151) and criminal history clearance (Act 34) before employment. Many school districts require volunteers and others working directly with children to have these clearances. Accordingly, the College of Education requires all students enrolled in field experiences to have both Act 151 and Act 34 clearances.
Mail completed forms directly to the Harrisburg agencies identified on each form. EACH application must be accompanied by a certified check or money order--no personal checks accepted. As a precaution in case of loss or delay, make copies of completed forms before mailing them. All forms are also available in Chambers building in the College of Education. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing.
Tuberculosis Test
In compliance with regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the PSU Office of Pre-service Teaching Experiences requires students enrolled in all field experiences to present proof of a negative T.B. test before beginning any field experience. You may have the test administered by your family doctor or at the Ritenour Health Center (http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/). Since skin tests must be read 48 hours after administration, schedule your test to ensure that the health facility will be open for your follow-up visit. Students who test positively because of previous health conditions must submit proof of X-ray examinations. Submit ONE copy, not the original, of your test results to the instructor before the beginning of the semester. Copy on letter-size (8.5 X 11) paper.
DISCLAIMER
The information set forth above is not intended to and should not be construed to constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any particular insurance product, company, or organization. The organizations listed above are referenced solely for informational purposes and as a courtesy, to assist you with your inquiries. The Pennsylvania State University is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages or losses of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon the information provided herein. No guarantees or warranties of merchantability, applicability, or fitness for a particular use or purpose have been made. The Pennsylvania State University makes no claims or representations about the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of the information provided herein. Furthermore, The Pennsylvania State University makes no representations or guarantees regarding the quality or applicability of any particular insurance products, or regarding the financial stability of any of the organizations referenced herein.