{"id":44302,"date":"2024-10-29T16:20:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T21:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=44302"},"modified":"2024-11-01T13:49:44","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T18:49:44","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher In Pennsylvania – What to Know in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pennsylvania has 500 school districts, educating about <\/span>1.9 million K-12 students<\/span><\/a>. Of these students, 88% attend public schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the state is facing a severe teacher shortage, which has created a growing demand for qualified educators. The teacher shortage is especially dire in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Schools across the state are struggling to find enough qualified teachers, with most positions being covered by substitute teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania, now is a great time to seize the opportunity and make an impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

We’ll cover everything you need to know about <\/span>getting certified as a teacher<\/span><\/a>, from the qualifications to the steps involved in earning your license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s learn how you can make a difference in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Overview of the Teaching Situation in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\n

Pennsylvania is facing a major challenge with a teacher shortage. The state\u2019s public school system serves over 1.7 million K\u201312 students<\/span><\/p>\n

The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania is directly affecting the quality of education. With fewer teachers available, class sizes have increased, making it harder for students to get the individual attention they need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, some schools are hiring less-experienced or uncertified teachers to fill gaps, which lowers the quality of instruction. This shortage also puts more pressure on existing teachers, leading to burnout and further turnover.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, Pennsylvania has a high standard for teacher certification, requiring testing and continuous professional development. This helps ensure that teachers are well-qualified, but it also means that the certification process can take time and effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite these challenges, the demand for new, qualified teachers continues to grow. This is a great opportunity for aspiring teachers. Once certified, educators in Pennsylvania can expect stable, long-term employment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania, there are several steps you\u2019ll need to follow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You must meet the educational requirements to earn your certification. Each step is designed to prepare you for success in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this section, we’ll walk you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect to become a certified teacher in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get a Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/b><\/h3>\n

The first step to becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania is earning a bachelor\u2019s degree. This degree must be from an accredited college or university.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you know you want to become a teacher early on, you should choose a major in education or a subject you plan to teach, like math, science, or English. For example, if you want to teach high school biology, you might major in biology and take additional education courses.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Pennsylvania, teacher preparation programs are built into education degrees. These programs include coursework on teaching methods, classroom management, and child development. You’ll also learn how to create lesson plans and assess student progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you already have a bachelor\u2019s degree in another field but want to switch to teaching, you can enroll in an <\/span>alternative certification<\/span><\/a> program. This pathway allows you to complete the necessary education and training to become a teacher without starting from scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program<\/b><\/h3>\n

The next step is to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program is essential for providing you with the skills to be an effective teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most bachelor\u2019s degree programs in education include a teacher preparation component, but if your degree is in a different field, you\u2019ll need to find a program that offers certification. These programs cover various topics, such as teaching methods, classroom management, and instructional strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

You must also complete a student teaching experience as part of your preparation program. This hands-on training allows you to work in a real classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, if you’re enrolled in a teacher preparation program for elementary education, you might spend a semester teaching in a third-grade classroom, where you\u2019ll get to practice teaching subjects like math and reading while receiving feedback from your mentor teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

During student teaching, you will practice creating lesson plans, teaching lessons, and managing a classroom. This experience helps you apply what you’ve learned in your courses to actual teaching situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Pass the Required Certification Exams<\/b><\/h3>\n

After completing your bachelor\u2019s degree and teacher preparation program, the next important step is to pass the required state-specific certification exams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Pennsylvania, you need to take the Praxis exams or the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) if you\u2019re an aspiring early education or special education teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Praxis exams include:<\/span><\/p>\n