The new Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) is nearly complete. This update provides important information about its progress and timeline. Major software applications such as TIMS are complex and subject to delaying factors. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is working to resolve all issues so that it can ensure this new online application system will meet your needs.

PDE has automated the teacher certification process and enhanced the application so that teacher preparation programs, certification applicants, certificated individuals and employers will benefit from the efficiencies and enhancements of the new TIMS. PDE asks for your patience as they work through the final stages and approach the “go live” date.   A major task at this time is the testing of the application to ensure the system works well for users on the day it is launched.

Once a specific “go live” date for TIMS is determined, the Teacher Certification System (TCS), as well as the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS), will be closed to allow for necessary updates for a period of two weeks prior to the TIMS implementation date. You will receive notification of the specific dates for this upgrade as soon as the department has a confirmed implementation date.

PERMS specific implications:

• During the period of closure, school districts and Act 48 providers will be unable to upload Act 48 hours for professional education activities, and institutions of higher education will be unable to upload college credits into PERMS. No updates of information will occur.
• Systems may be accessed for viewing information that is currently in the system at the time of closing.

TIMS/TCS specific implications:   

• Paper applications will continue to be accepted and date stamped as received, but will not be entered into TCS or TIMS.    
• Type 06, day-to-day emergency permits uploaded through TCS will not be available.    
• Both systems may be accessed for viewing of information at the time of closing.

Operations will resume on all systems on the announced “go live” date.