| Unsure of the teacher certification process and how | | | | website) |
| it works in Pennsylvania? Here's a brief runaround on | | | | Check again the website to find out which Praxis test |
| meeting teacher certification requirements. | | | | applies to each certificate type for which you seek |
| Now that you've finished a program for teacher | | | | certification, as there are a number of different |
| education, you're probably ready for the next step - | | | | certificates. According to the Pennsylvania |
| teacher certification. If you're currently applying for | | | | Department of Education website, "individuals must |
| certification in Pennsylvania, read on. Teacher | | | | maintain an active certificate as mandated by Act 48 |
| certification is a lengthy sometimes complicated | | | | of 1999 (continuing professional education) to be |
| process. Each state, of course, works differently and | | | | employed in a PA public school system." (Teaching in |
| meeting the requirements for teacher certification in | | | | PA website). |
| Pennsylvania are generally standard. Here are the | | | | If you are seeking certification in an additional area, |
| details on Pennsylvania certification. | | | | you will be required to complete an accredited |
| How to Qualify for Teacher Certification | | | | approved program and take the appropriate Praxis |
| Candidates should hold a BA degree, have completed | | | | test(s). Check with the test requirements of the |
| an accredited and approved program of teacher | | | | Praxis series. If you have three years of valid |
| education, and passed the Praxis Series tests for the | | | | teaching experience, you may only be required to |
| subject area in which they seek certification. If your | | | | take the Paxis test in your content area. |
| degree is from a foreign university, you will need to | | | | Out-of-State Teachers Seeking Certification |
| provide a report that explains the degree structures, | | | | Do you have an out-of-state license? You may |
| credits and courses and their equivalents to an | | | | actually be able to use state reciprocity to become |
| American institution of higher learning. Again, check | | | | certified in PA. In order to transfer your certification, |
| the requirements for foreign applicants educated | | | | you will have to formally apply as there is no |
| abroad. This should be a first start. | | | | automatic transfer procedure. You will need to take |
| Taking the Praxis Tests | | | | the Praxis level I or level II in your subject area and |
| According to Praxis Test Requirements in | | | | pass it. Once that is done, you can apply for PA |
| Pennsylvania: "all candidates for certification must | | | | certification. |
| meet the qualifying score for all applicable tests at | | | | Good luck! Not what you are looking for? The |
| the time their application for certification is received | | | | website on Teacher Certification in Pennsylvania is |
| by the Bureau of Teacher Certification and | | | | comprehensive and will be able to most likely answer |
| Preparation." (Pennsylvania: Praxis Test Requirements | | | | your questions about certification in Pennsylvania. |