Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionI forgot my Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) user ID and password, who do I contact?
If you are unable to resolve this issue by way of the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" options, please contact the Keystone Login Help Desk: 877-328-0995.
How do I get my Professional Personnel Identification (PPID)?
Your
PPID is issued by logging into the TIMS
portal and setting up a profile.
After your profile is set up, your PPID is located on your TIMS personal
profile page.
Where do I mail my transcripts and other proof documents?
AFTER you pay and submit your application in TIMS, you will be provided the link to print your application cover sheet. An application in "incomplete" status is a started application, not a submitted application. The cover sheet provides complete instruction on submitting your documents to PDE. Completed forms may be uploaded directly to the application. Do NOT upload documents under an incorrect heading. Documents that cannot be uploaded or submitted electronically must be submitted to PDE through the mail with the application cover sheet.
Should I pay and submit my application before submitting my proof documents to PDE?
Yes. Your application remains as incomplete until
you complete the application, choose your method of payment, and hit
submit. You will then be provided a link
to the application cover sheet that includes complete instructions on
submitting your documents to PDE.
Can I upload my documents?
Yes, if
an upload option appears you can submit certain documents electronically. Do not upload documents under an incorrect heading. If you do not see an upload option, you must
submit your documents through the mail with the application cover sheet.
Where do I find the cover sheet?
The link
to print your application cover sheet is provided AFTER you choose your method
of payment and submit your application in TIMS.
If you already submitted your application, the cover sheet can be found
on your TIMS dashboard under “Applications in Process.”
What does "other" mean on my coversheet?
“Other”
is a category on your cover sheet that you can use if you have any supplemental
documentation to submit to PDE that is not typically requested. In most cases, there is nothing to submit if
this is the only category indicated on the cover sheet.
What is the status of my application?
Incomplete: You started an application but have not yet submitted it.
Submitted for IHE/LEA Verification: You submitted your application and it is now waiting for an electronic verification of your preparation program (IHE) or work experience from your employer (LEA).
Pending Documentation: PDE is waiting for the required documents listed on the coversheet.
Awaiting Evaluation: The TIMS system has determined your application is complete and is now waiting for staff in our office to review your application by the "awaiting evaluation" date. PDE posts the estimated application processing time at the TIMS log-in screen. Applications with a "yes" answer to a good moral character question will take longer.
Pending Additional Documentation: The PDE evaluation has occurred and you now need to submit additional information in order to complete the evaluation. Please check your email to look for the specific requirements outlined by your evaluator.
Pending Test Score: The PDE evaluation has occurred and you need to complete a test(s) in order to be issued a PA certificate.
Name
changes are submitted through TIMS by clicking on the button on your TIMS
dashboard “Application for Change in Profile.”
How do I get a copy of my certificate?
PDE no
longer issues hard copies of your certificate.
You can print out an unofficial copy of your certificate from your TIMS
dashboard.
If I am currently not teaching, how do I place my certificate on "voluntary inactive" status to postpone Act 48 requirements?
An educator
who is not currently employed by a Pennsylvania public school entity may
request a voluntary inactive certification status by submitting an application
online via TIMS. You may also request removal of voluntary
inactive status via TIMS.