Teaching is an important profession requiring specific qualifications and certifications.
For those seeking to become certified teachers in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Teaching and Certification Resource provides a comprehensive overview of all the requirements.
This resource explains the degree and program requirements, as well as the exams, background checks, and fees needed to receive certification.
Discover the knowledge and understanding you need to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Requirements
As an aspiring educator in Pennsylvania, I must be aware of the state’s teacher certification requirements to ensure I am prepared to meet the necessary qualifications. This includes receiving a bachelor’s degree, attending an approved teacher education program, choosing the type of teaching certificate and subject area, and passing the required exams.
Alternative teacher certification options may be available, such as completing an online or out-of-state program that is accredited by the regional body. Additionally, state-mandated coursework requirements and a teaching internship must be completed.
Lastly, basic skills tests, subject-area expertise exams, and pedagogy exams must be taken and passed. Background checks and verification of degree and program completion must also be submitted, along with non-refundable processing fees.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Pennsylvania
In order to find approved teacher education programs in Pennsylvania, it is essential to confirm regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as well as Department of Education approval for the chosen school.
To ensure successful certification, other key considerations include:
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Checking if online or out-of-state programs are accredited by the corresponding regional body
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Exploring schools with accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
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Utilizing the sortable table on the Pennsylvania schools page to compare program metrics
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Confirming the program meets the state-mandated coursework requirements in core subjects and teaching skills
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Participating in a teaching internship.
Pennsylvania Teacher Education Requirements
To be eligible for teacher certification in Pennsylvania, applicants must have completed an approved teacher education program, possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and obtain institutional recommendation for a teaching certificate.
Additionally, they must fulfill state-mandated coursework requirements in core subjects and teaching skills, as well as participate in a teaching internship.
Those applying for certification must also take and pass basic skills tests, such as the PAPA and Praxis CORE modules, and subject-area expertise exams in the desired teaching content area.
Pedagogy (teaching skills) exam modules must also be completed and aligned with the grade levels to be taught.
Pennsylvania Teacher Testing Requirements
Additionally, applicants must take and pass required exams for the subject(s) and grade level(s) to be taught.
Pennsylvania teacher testing requirements include:
- Taking and passing basic skills tests (PAPA and Praxis CORE modules)
- Passing subject-area expertise exams for the desired teaching content area
- Completing pedagogy (teaching skills) exam modules aligned with grade levels to be taught
- Educational Specialists in certain areas may be exempt from testing requirements
- Vocational or career and technical educators must take the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) and vocational Basic Skills Assessments.
Additional Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Requirements
Besides passing required tests, aspiring teachers in Pennsylvania must also fulfill various other certification requirements. These include undergoing background checks and submitting verification of a bachelor’s degree and completion of an approved teacher education program.
The process begins with starting the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH). Fingerprint-based state and federal checks are also required, along with non-refundable processing fees.
Vocational or career and technical educators have additional requirements. They must take the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) and vocational Basic Skills Assessments.
Educational Specialists in certain areas may be exempt from testing requirements. However, verification of a bachelor’s degree and completion of an approved teacher education program must still be submitted.
Background Checks for Pennsylvania Teaching Certification
Aspiring teachers in Pennsylvania must undergo comprehensive background checks, including fingerprint-based state and federal checks, to obtain certification. These checks are initiated through Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH).
To comply with the requirements, applicants must:
- Submit fingerprints for both state and federal criminal history checks
- Pay required processing fees
- Provide proof of identity
- Verify their bachelor’s degree and completion of approved teacher education program
- Submit passing test scores on all required exams
Background checks are a necessary part of the process to ensure the safety of the students and the school community.
Conclusion
The Pennsylvania Teaching and Certification Resource provides a comprehensive overview of the qualifications and steps necessary to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania.
It offers an understanding of the degree, program, exams, background checks, and fees required to receive certification.
Through this resource, individuals can gain the knowledge and understanding needed to be successful in their teacher certification process.
