How to Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania: Complete Guide to Teacher Certification

 

Introduction

Pennsylvania is facing an increasing demand for qualified teachers as the education system continues to grow and evolve. With a steady need for passionate educators across various disciplines, pursuing a teaching career in the Keystone State has never been more rewarding. Not only does the profession offer a fulfilling experience by shaping young minds, but it also provides job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth. Whether you are a recent graduate or someone looking to switch careers, this guide will take you through the certification process for aspiring teachers in Pennsylvania, highlighting the traditional and alternative pathways like the American Board's program.

Why Choose a Teaching Career in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a great state to embark on a teaching career due to a variety of reasons, including job stability, competitive salaries, and numerous support programs. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Job Security: As one of the largest school systems in the U.S., Pennsylvania offers high job security for teachers, with consistent demand across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
• Competitive Salaries: Teachers in Pennsylvania receive competitive pay. According to recent data, the average annual salary for teachers in Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, making it a financially attractive profession.
• Impact on Students' Lives: Teaching in Pennsylvania provides the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students from diverse backgrounds. Educators have the power to shape the future by nurturing the academic and personal development of young learners.
• Support Programs and Grants: Pennsylvania offers various programs to support teachers, including the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), which provides resources and advocacy for educators. Additionally, several grants and scholarships are available to help offset the costs of teacher certification and continuing education.

With these benefits in mind, becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania is a promising career choice for anyone passionate about education and making a meaningful impact.

Understanding the Certification Process

Become a teacher in Pennsylvania involves a series of steps designed to ensure that educators are well-prepared to enter the classroom. Below are the essential components of the certification process:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While it’s ideal to have a degree in education, candidates with degrees in other fields can also pursue certification by completing additional coursework through teacher preparation programs.

2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

Teacher preparation programs provide the essential training and practical experience needed for aspiring educators. These programs typically include coursework in child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management, as well as supervised student teaching.

• Traditional Programs: University-based programs are the most common pathway to teacher certification, involving both academic coursework and in-classroom teaching practice.
• Alternative Programs: For those who already hold a degree but did not major in education, alternative certification programs like the American Board offer a more flexible route to becoming certified.

3. Pass the Required Certification Exams

Pennsylvania requires teacher candidates to pass a series of exams to demonstrate their competency in both general teaching skills and their specific subject area.

• Praxis Exams: The most common exams are the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (for basic skills in reading, writing, and math) and the Praxis Subject Assessments (which measure knowledge in specific content areas).
• Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT): Candidates seeking to teach early childhood or special education may also need to pass the PECT exams.

4. Apply for Certification

Once you have completed your degree, teacher preparation program, and exams, the next step is to apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). You’ll need to submit official transcripts, exam scores, and any other required documentation.

Alternative Certification through the American Board

For individuals who are looking for a more flexible, cost-effective, and time-efficient route to becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania, the American Board offers an excellent alternative to traditional university-based programs. The American Board’s certification program is designed for those who want to switch careers or become teachers without returning to college full-time.

The American Board allows candidates to complete the certification process entirely online, making it convenient for working professionals or individuals with other commitments. The certification is fully recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, enabling candidates to begin teaching in public schools once they complete the program.

Explore the American Board's Pennsylvania Program: American Board - Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania

Steps to Get Certified with the American Board

The American Board’s certification process is straightforward, and the program is designed to accommodate a wide range of candidates, including career changers. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Enroll in the Program

   • Visit the American Board’s website and choose the Pennsylvania certification program. You’ll need to create an account, fill out the necessary forms, and pay the enrollment fee.

2. Complete the Online Coursework

   • The American Board offers online coursework in core teaching competencies and your chosen subject area. You can complete the coursework at your own pace, making it ideal for individuals who are balancing other responsibilities.

3. Pass the American Board Exams

   • To earn your certification, you’ll need to pass two exams: the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam and the subject area exam. These exams test your understanding of pedagogical practices and your subject-specific expertise.

4. Obtain Certification and Apply for Teaching Jobs

   • Once you’ve passed the exams, you’ll receive your certification and can apply for teaching positions in Pennsylvania public schools.

The entire process typically takes less than a year, making it a much faster pathway to the classroom compared to traditional certification routes.

Subjects You Can Teach with American Board Certification

The American Board offers certification in a variety of subjects that are in high demand in Pennsylvania, including:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Social Studies

These subjects are critical to the educational system, and by becoming certified in one of these areas, you’ll be contributing to reducing the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved schools.

Benefits of Using the American Board for Certification

There are several key benefits to choosing the American Board for your teacher certification:

• Flexibility: The program is 100% online, allowing you to study and complete coursework at your own pace, making it ideal for individuals who are working or have other commitments.
• Affordability: Compared to traditional teacher certification programs, the American Board offers a more cost-effective solution. There’s no need to return to a full-time university program, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
• Fast-Track Certification: With the American Board, you can become a certified teacher in less than a year, significantly reducing the time it takes to enter the classroom.
• Career Change Opportunities: The program is particularly beneficial for career changers who want to transition into teaching without spending additional years in school.

Conclusion

Becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania is an exciting and rewarding journey, whether you pursue a traditional university-based route or opt for the flexibility and convenience of the American Board certification program. Pennsylvania’s growing demand for qualified teachers, combined with the support of programs like the American Board, makes this the perfect time to start your teaching career.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a teacher, explore the American Board’s certification program today and begin your path to making a meaningful impact in the classroom.

Start your journey here: American Board - Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania