Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teaching Certificate

The Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program is intended for individuals from a wide range of undergraduate degree and work backgrounds. Through coursework and field experiences with pre-kindergarteners and children in grades K-4, students will acquire an integrated understanding of academic content and child development in diverse inclusive settings.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate for PreK-4. The requirements are listed in the Certifications section below.

Additionally, students who complete Primary Plus can put 18 completed credits toward our Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program.

Field Experiences

During their time in the program, candidates are placed in two different educational settings. In the Fall, the candidates spend three days a week in a PreK or K classroom, working closely with a mentor teacher and a university supervisor. Over the course of the semester the candidates support the mentor teacher, moving toward a full takeover of teaching responsibilities toward the end of the semester. In the Fall the candidates also spend one day a week in a K-4 elementary classroom, moving from observation to general classroom support. The candidates then continue in the same elementary classroom in the Spring for a semester of full-time student teaching.

Certifications

The Primary Plus program satisfies requirements for the Pennsylvania Instructional I PreK-4 Certification, pending:

• Earning a passing score on all three modules of the PECT Exam in PreK-4 (Pennsylvania Education Certification Test)
• Completing the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430); and
• Demonstrating satisfactory performance in all courses and the student teaching experiences

When applying for certification, you must be either a citizen of the U.S. or legally authorized to work in the U.S.  A permanent resident immigrant visa (green card) holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education educator certification website.