University of Pittsburgh School of Education
 

Teacher Certification FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Teacher Certification Programs

If you have questions, we have answers. In addition to our general FAQ, we have selected those questions most often asked by students who are considering our teacher certification program. If you can't find your answer here, please feel free to contact us or use our site search to find the information you need.

Information for Prospective Teachers and Current Teachers

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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How can I become a teacher in PA?
To be eligible for Pennsylvania Instructional-I teaching certification, you must:
  • pass the PRAXIS I & II exams in your area of certification
  • successfully complete your coursework and internship or student teaching
  • successfully complete the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430)
Our School offers several graduate programs leading to teacher certification. You can read about these programs in greater detail online, and you can also attend a weekly information session to learn more about the application process.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I am an undergraduate student at Pitt. How do I enter the School of Education?
There are no undergraduate teacher certification programs at Pitt-Oakland. We offer teacher certification exclusively in post-baccalaureate or "fifth year" programs. Undergraduates interested in...
  • Early Childhood Education (Pre-K 3) should be following the prerequisites required for admission in their sophomore year to the Applied Developmental Psychology Plus program
  • Elementary Education (K 6) are encouraged to major in a content area (English, Math, Science, History) and to take the additional prerequisite courses required for admission
  • Secondary Education should choose a major in the field of their intended certification, e.g., English literature or writing, biology, chemistry, French, history, etc. You must also take the additional prerequisite coursework required for admission. Because prerequisites vary depending upon the certification area, you should click here to review the prerequisites for your program
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How do I determine what teacher certification program is the right one for me?
Read about all of our teacher certification programs and involve yourself in volunteer and/or paid positions that afford you the opportunity to work with a variety of different age groups and types of students.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How do I determine if I have fulfilled the prerequisite courses a teacher certification program?
You are encouraged to complete an Online Transcript Review. You do not need to have completed ALL prerequisites at the time you submit an application; however, they must be satisfied by the time your intended program will begin (Summer-II for MAT; Fall for PY).
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How do I register for a required admissions test and how will you get my scores?
The following links will direct you to information from Educational Testing Service about admission tests (which, may be required depending upon your specific program of interest). When taking a test, please be sure to indicate the relevant school code(s) so that we receive an official score report.
  • PRAXIS - University of Pittsburgh institution code (R2927)
  • GRE - University of Pittsburgh institution code (R2927); School of Education department code (3999)
  • TOEFL - University of Pittsburgh institution code (2927); School of Education department code (85
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What teacher certificate do I earn after completing the PY or MAT program?
Teacher preparation candidates who meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) requirement criteria earn an Instructional I teaching certificate, often referred to as a "provisional certificate". Instructional II certification or "permanent certification" is granted by PDE to teachers who meet the following criteria: hold a valid Instructional I certificate; have completed a teacher induction program; have three years of satisfactory teaching experience in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and have completed 24 post-baccalaureate credits.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is an intern certificate?
This is a special certificate issued by PED. MAT students are required to earn an Intern Certificate in order to complete the intensive classroom-based training, which correlates with their coursework at the University. Without an Intern Certificate, students can only function as student teachers in their respective districts. Refer to the PA Department of Education for more information.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can I teach in other states with a PA instructional teaching certificate?
Currently, there are Interstate Agreements in place for those with a PA Instructional I certificate. If your destination state is known, you should contact that state's Department of Education to find out more details of the agreement.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What are the current changes in PA teacher certification?
PDE has changed the following certification strands:
  • Early Childhood Education from PreK 3 to PreK 4 after December, 2012
  • Elementary Education from K 6 to Middle Child 4 8 after August, 2013
  • Special Education from K 12 to PreK 8 and 8 12 with a second certification after December, 2012
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How will these certification changes be implemented at Pitt?
  • The Applied Developmental Psychology Plus program will incorporate the changes in both the Early Childhood and Special Education certifications. The program is awaiting final PDE approval.
  • The Middle Child certification is being designed and once it is approved by PDE will be implemented. The first Middle Child certification program will focus on the Math and Science concentrations.
  • The new Special Education certification program is awaiting final PDE approval.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  As an underclassman interested in the middle child certification, what should I major in?
Consider a major in a Math and Science combination. The first Middle Child certificate that will be submitted for PDE approval will be the Math and Science certification. Students interested in the Middle Child certification should check for updates on our website.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is Act 48?
All certified school personnel are covered under Act 48. Effective July 1, 2000, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted Act 48, mandating a continuing professional education program for educators to maintain active certification.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How do I earn Act 48 credits and submit my courses or hours for credit?
Please visit our Act 48 web site for information on complying with Act 48 and reporting your credits or hours to the PA Department of Education.

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