Pennsylvania has a 2-tier certification system for teachers. Level I, which if for new teachers, is valid for six years. At the end of the validation period, the teachers must complete a minimum of 24 credits of post-baccalaureate studies and must complete an induction program developed by the school in which they're teaching before they can obtain Level II certification.
To maintain certification, teachers must complete a designated number of continuing education credits.
Students looking for teaching programs in Pennsylvania have a large selection of schools from which to choose. The National Center for Education Statistics indicated that there are more than 100 colleges and universities offering teaching programs in Pennsylvania. Listed below are a few of the top Pennsylvania schools and an overview of what they have to offer.
California University of Pennsylvania offers various online programs including master degree programs in early childhood education, English as a second language, technology education and a Master of Education: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education & Teacher Leadership. Several online master degree programs are offered at PENN STATE, including master’s in adult education; curriculum and instruction; educational leadership; higher education; and learning, design and technology. PENN STATE also offers online certificate programs in autism, applied behavior analysis, distance education, family literacy and educational technology.
Alvernia University offers certification programs in grades K-4, middle level (4-8), secondary education, special education and principal (k-12). Certification programs in administrative program for principals, early childhood education, technology education, and English as a second language are offered at California University of Pennsylvania.
Penn State University offers post-baccalaureate teacher certification as well as several other certification programs for teaching licensure. The University of Scranton has certification programs in elementary and high school instructional teaching, educational specialist and administrative.
Pennsylvania colleges have multiple options for bachelor degree programs in early childhood, middle school, secondary and special education. AU also offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education (grades k-4). A large selection of bachelor degree teaching programs with specialties in mathematic education, early childhood education, childhood/elementary education, special education, technology education and art education, among others are also available.
For instance, Pennsylvania State University (PENN STATE) offers several bachelor degree education programs. In addition to the majors they offer, there are also minors and areas of concentration students can choose. For instance, the bachelor degree in childhood and early adolescent education offers concentrations in pre-kindergarten, middle level English or middle level social studies. York College Pennsylvania offers bachelor degree programs in early education, special education, general music education, and secondary education, which offers several different majors.
Master degree programs in educational leadership, special education and urban education are available at Alvernia University. The 33-credit master degree programs include coursework and practicum courses so the students can obtain hands-on training. California University of Pennsylvania has a Master of Education program with majors in elementary education (PreK-4), special education, reading specialist, school counseling and applied behavior analysis.
These programs are for students with bachelor degrees who wish to become certified as teachers or just want to advance their education. The curriculum and instruction program at PENN STATE offers concentrations in six areas. Other master degree programs PENN offers are a M.Ed. in adult education, counselor education, educational leadership, English as a second language, higher education and special education.