Teacher Certification Process
In Pennsylvania, the process by which you earn the right to teach in state public schools consists of two levels; Instructional I and Instructional II. The route will depend on whether you pursue teaching certification at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Undergraduate
The B.S.Ed. program involves Instructional I certification. When you have completed all requirements for graduation, passed the National Teacher Examination*, and are considered by the College to be qualified, the College of Education will recommend your application for certification. Instructional I certification grants professional employee status, with all of its rights and privileges.
An Instructional II certificate is granted to professionals who successfully complete three years of contract teaching under an Instructional I certificate, in addition to coursework beyond the bachelor's degree level.
Routes to Certification
Effective teachers can come from anywhere. They don't have to have identical resumes or transcripts. Recognizing this, the College of Education offers people of many different backgrounds the opportunity to become certified teachers.
Post-Bacchauleate program - for those seeking initial Teacher Certification after completing a bachelor's degree (either directly or as a second-career option).
Master's program -- for certification with a Master's degree.
The Dual-Degree B.A./M.Ed. Program - This program enables students in the College of Arts and Sciences to add a 21 - semester hour minor in Education to their major course of study. After graduation, they apply for and complete the Master of Education program, which qualifies them to apply for Instructional I certification.
Specialities and Focus Areas
- Career and Technical Education
- Business Computer and Information Technology
- Industrial Education
- Marketing Education.
- Elementary Education / Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Secondary Education
- English
- Foreign Languages
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies Education
Get More Information
For more information on Teacher Certification in Pennsylvania, visit the Student Services information page.
*The National Teacher Examination is a two-part test which covers core and specialized knowledge.