Explore Featured Degree Options in Education
| University Name | Type of Program | Learn More | Program Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Master of Arts in Teaching | Learn more about USC Rossier | The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating. |
| Fordham University | Master of Science in Teaching | Learn more from Fordham University | Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares aspiring teachers (grades 1-6) for initial teaching certification or dual certification in teaching and special education. |
| Vanderbilt University | Master of Education in School Counseling | Learn more about Vanderbilt Peabody | Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings. |
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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Pennsylvania
Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/20/2019)
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Prerequisite Coursework in Pennsylvania
Teacher preparation programs typically include a combination of coursework and fieldwork. The coursework usually covers core knowledge, skills, and pedagogy (the theory behind the teaching process). Program curriculum should prepare students to research, design and implement challenging learning experiences in their field of study. Fieldwork may include an internship, student teaching or field observations.
Like other states, Pennsylvania stipulates that all certified teachers must have a bachelor's degree at minimum. In addition, prospective teachers must complete an approved teacher education program that includes student teaching or an internship.
Pennsylvania does not have credit hour requirements but does have subject requirements. Each teacher education program will have its own set of coursework requirement to complete the program. Pennsylvania requires a period of student teaching.
Read more about teacher certification tests.
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Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Programs
More than 90 different accredited teacher preparation programs are available in Pennsylvania. Students may also qualify for a teaching credential through completion of online programs and programs from universities outside of Pennsylvania. A list of approved teacher preparation programs can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
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Required Tests for Pennsylvania
To become certified in Pennsylvania, teachers must earn qualifying scores on a basic skill test and on all subject area tests for specific instruction areas. These are the required tests for Instructional I certification:
Basic Skills Test
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Subject Area Competence
- Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge
- Praxis II Subject Assessments
Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) replaced the Praxis I PPST tests and the Praxis II tests for elementary and early childhood in the spring of 2012. Please see Praxis for specific state testing requirements and the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Testing Requirements web page. for additional information.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.com's Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
Pennsylvania currently has a two-tier certification system. New teachers begin at Level I, which is valid for six years of teaching service. At the end of six years, every teacher must complete at least 24 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework and have gone through an induction program set up by their school in order to obtain Level II certification. In order to keep a Level II license active, teachers must complete a required number of continuing education credit units. If you are certified to teach in another state, Pennsylvania has interstate reciprocity agreements with 45 other states that can make it easier for you to begin teaching in Pennsylvania.
Discover an 8-week Online Teaching Short Course from Harvard's Bok Center
Earn recognition of your ability to develop and deliver a memorable teaching experience when you receive a premier certificate from Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, in association with HarvardX, upon successful course completion.