Obtaining teacher certification in PA is a crucial step for anyone who wishes to teach in Pennsylvania’s public school system. Though not just a measure of candidate capability, it is also a mandatory prerequisite for teaching in any of the state-owned schools. The certification track is evidence of dedication to a level of professionalism, knowledge of teaching, and continued education that is a critical component if you want to spend a lifetime in an educational career.
Complete a teacher education program to earn certification and build essential teaching skills for a successful education career. All teacher candidates in PA must earn a bachelor’s degree or higher and complete a teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university. Both programs are available at accredited colleges and universities to give candidates a blend of theory and hands-on classroom experience. Student teaching is required in most instances. Students get a taste of real-world management, curriculum delivery and assessment in the classroom.
Upon completion of the education program, aspiring teachers take the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) or Praxis exams specific to their subjects and grade levels. These standardized tests measure basic skills in reading, writing, and math, but also specific knowledge in subjects like science, history, or special education. Passing these exams is one of the main sources of earning a certification.
Must pass a comprehensive background check to ensure the safety and well-being of students and meet state certification requirements. No applicant can be accepted without proper fingerprint clearance in compliance with state regulations where the school is located. This step further demonstrates Pennsylvania’s commitment to keeping all students in a safe learning environment.
There are alternative routes for people who hold a bachelor’s degree who desire to earn teaching certification in PA. Programs such as post-baccalaureate certification and intern certification routes provide opportunities for individuals with the requisite background to become certified educators while working on required coursework and testing. These are good options for career changers and those who want to leverage their work experience to make a difference in the field of education.
But certification is not a single event, and when it finally does come, it’s dangerous for it to be viewed as such. The state of Pennsylvania requires teachers to complete in−service training to maintain their licensure. This may be accomplished by attending workshops, graduate-level courses or district in-service training. The state stresses the importance of lifelong learning for educators to keep them current with a changing education environment.
In the end, getting certified to teach in PA is about a lot more than jumping through bureaucratic hoops — it’s a thoughtful, challenging process designed to make sure our students are served by top-flight professionals. From basic coursework to state testing and continuing development, the pathway represents Pennsylvania’s commitment to quality teaching and learning.
John Right is the author of this article. For more details about degree and programs please visit our website: holyfamily.edu