How To Get Certified As A Teacher In Pa

The process of becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania involves meeting specific educational requirements, passing required examinations, and completing necessary clearances. This guide breaks down the steps you need to take to achieve your Pennsylvania teaching certification.

Initial Requirements: Education, Testing, and Clearances

Before diving into specific pathways, let’s outline the fundamental requirements that all aspiring Pennsylvania teachers must fulfill.

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is the cornerstone of teacher certification in PA. Specific coursework related to your desired subject area and pedagogical training are crucial.
• Testing: Pennsylvania utilizes the Praxis series of examinations. Candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (or qualify for exemptions) and the Praxis Subject Assessments relevant to the subject(s) they wish to teach.
• Clearances: Background checks are mandatory. These ensure the safety and well-being of students. Candidates must obtain Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Federal Criminal History Record.

Pathways to Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

Pennsylvania offers several pathways to certification, catering to different educational backgrounds and experience levels. The most common routes are outlined below:

1. Traditional Route: Completing an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

This is the most common pathway for individuals who know early on that they want to become teachers. It involves enrolling in and completing a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved teacher preparation program at a college or university.

Steps in the Traditional Route:

1. Enroll in an Approved Program: Research and select a PDE-approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution. These programs are specifically designed to meet Pennsylvania’s certification requirements. A comprehensive list is available on the PDE website.
2. Complete Coursework: Fulfill all required coursework, including courses in pedagogy, subject-specific content, and classroom management.
3. Student Teaching: Participate in a supervised student teaching experience in a real classroom setting. This is a crucial component of the program, providing hands-on experience. The length and specific requirements of the student teaching experience vary by program.
4. Pass Required Examinations: Successfully complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) and the Praxis Subject Assessment(s) for your chosen subject area.
5. Apply for Certification: Upon completion of the program and passing all required examinations, apply for your Pennsylvania teaching certificate through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).
6. Clearances: Obtain the necessary clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Federal Criminal History Record.

Pro Tip: Research teacher preparation programs thoroughly. Look at their placement rates, program reputation, and alignment with your career goals.

2. Certification Through Reciprocity

If you hold a valid teaching certificate from another state, you may be eligible for certification in Pennsylvania through reciprocity.

Requirements for Reciprocity:

• Valid Out-of-State Certificate: Possess a current, valid teaching certificate from another state.
• Completed Approved Program (or Equivalent Experience): Have completed a teacher preparation program equivalent to a Pennsylvania-approved program OR have at least two years of successful full-time teaching experience in the other state. This experience should be in the area for which you are seeking Pennsylvania certification.
• Good Standing: Your out-of-state certificate must be in good standing (not suspended or revoked).
• Testing: Pennsylvania may require you to take specific Praxis exams if the exams you took in your previous state do not meet Pennsylvania’s requirements.
• Clearances: Complete the Pennsylvania-required background clearances.

The Reciprocity Process:

1. Application: Apply for Pennsylvania certification through TIMS, providing documentation of your out-of-state certificate, transcripts, and teaching experience (if applicable).
2. Evaluation: The PDE will evaluate your credentials to determine if they meet Pennsylvania’s requirements.
3. Testing (if required): If the PDE determines that you need to take additional Praxis exams, you will need to register for and pass those exams.
4. Clearances: Submit your Pennsylvania-required clearances.
5. Issuance of Certificate: If all requirements are met, the PDE will issue your Pennsylvania teaching certificate.

Pro Tip: Contact the PDE directly to inquire about the specific reciprocity requirements for your situation, as they can vary depending on the state from which you are transferring.

3. Teacher Intern Programs

Teacher Intern programs are designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who do not have traditional teacher preparation but possess a strong background in a specific subject area. These programs allow candidates to teach under the supervision of a mentor teacher while completing coursework and gaining practical experience. Upon successful completion of the internship and all other requirements, candidates are eligible for full certification.

Teacher Intern programs often exist in High-Need areas such as:

• Mathematics
• Science
• Special Education

4. Alternative Routes

While less common, Pennsylvania offers other alternative pathways, often geared towards individuals with specific professional experiences or advanced degrees. These can include:

• Teacher Intern Programs: (see explanation above)
• Charter School Certification: Charter schools have some flexibility in hiring teachers. Contact individual charter schools for their specific requirements.
• Private Academic Schools: Similar to charter schools, private schools may have their own certification requirements.

Understanding the Praxis Exams

As mentioned earlier, the Praxis exams are a critical component of the Pennsylvania teacher certification process. Here’s a more detailed look:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core): This exam assesses basic skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. It’s often required for entry into teacher preparation programs. Exemptions are sometimes granted based on SAT or ACT scores.
• Praxis Subject Assessments: These exams assess your knowledge and skills in the specific subject area(s) you wish to teach (e.g., Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science). The specific Subject Assessment you need to take depends on the grade level and subject you intend to teach.

Preparing for the Praxis:

• Utilize Study Resources: ETS (Educational Testing Service), the administrator of the Praxis exams, provides study guides, practice tests, and other resources.
• Review Content: Refresh your knowledge of the content areas covered on the exams.
• Take Practice Tests: Practice tests help you familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the exams.
• Consider a Prep Course: If you struggle with standardized tests, consider enrolling in a Praxis preparation course.

Clearances: Protecting Students

Pennsylvania law requires all prospective educators to undergo background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The three required clearances are:

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34): This check reviews criminal records within Pennsylvania.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151): This clearance searches records of child abuse allegations and findings.
• FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114): This check involves fingerprinting and a search of the FBI’s national criminal database.

Important Considerations for Clearances:

• Validity: Clearances have expiration dates (typically five years). Make sure your clearances are valid when you apply for certification.
• Application Process: Each clearance has a specific application process. Refer to the PDE website for detailed instructions.
• Reporting Obligations: As a certified teacher, you have a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected child abuse.

Cost Considerations

While the exact cost of teacher certification can vary depending on the chosen pathway and individual circumstances, here’s a general breakdown:

Note: These are estimates, and the actual costs may vary. Tuition costs depend significantly on the type of institution (public vs. private) and the specific program. Praxis exam fees are per exam, so the total cost will depend on the number of exams you need to take.

Maintaining Your Certification

Once you’ve obtained your Pennsylvania teaching certificate, it’s essential to maintain it. This typically involves completing continuing education requirements and renewing your certificate periodically. Specific requirements for continuing education vary depending on the type of certificate you hold. The PDE website provides detailed information on certificate renewal and continuing education requirements.

Key Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE): The official source for information on teacher certification requirements, approved teacher preparation programs, and application procedures.
• Teacher Information Management System (TIMS): The online system for applying for Pennsylvania teaching certification.
• Educational Testing Service (ETS): The administrator of the Praxis exams.

By carefully following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can successfully navigate the process of becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania and embark on a rewarding career in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get teacher certified in PA?

Costs vary, but expect to pay $20,000 - $60,000+ for tuition, $300-$600 for Praxis exams, and $60-$80 for clearances, plus application fees.

How long does it take to get teacher certified in PA?

The traditional route takes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and teacher prep. Reciprocity and alternative routes may be shorter based on prior experience.

How difficult are the Praxis exams?

Difficulty varies by subject. Preparation is key! Use ETS resources, review content, take practice tests, and consider a prep course.

Can I get certified in PA if I’m certified in another state?

Yes, through reciprocity! You’ll need a valid out-of-state certificate and may need to take additional Praxis exams or complete PA-required clearances.