So You Wanna Be a Pennsylvania Penguin... But Without the Flippers? How to Get Your Teaching Certificate with a Bachelor's Degree
Let's face it, teaching is a noble profession. You get to mold young minds, witness those "aha!" moments, and maybe dodge a rogue nerf dart or two (hopefully not from your own arsenal). But before you can answer student questions about photosynthesis while simultaneously dodging dodgeballs, you'll need that shiny Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate.
Fear not, my friend with a bachelor's degree! There are a couple of paths you can take, each with its own unique blend of coursework and classroom experience.
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| How To Get A Teaching Certificate If You Already Have A Bachelor's Degree Pennsylvania |
The Master's Marvel
This route is perfect if you fancy some extra learning and a potential pay bump down the line. You'll need to enroll in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program, which is basically a fancy way of saying "masters program with a teaching twist." These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and involve coursework in education theory, pedagogy (that's the fancy term for teaching methods), and content-specific areas. Plus, you'll get to put your teaching skills to the test with supervised student teaching placements.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
The Intern (Not the Coffee Shop Kind)
This option is for the go-getters who are ready to dive into the classroom ASAP. Pennsylvania offers an intern program that allows you to snag a temporary certificate and land a full-time teaching position. Here's the catch: you'll be mentored by a veteran teacher while you complete coursework in the evenings and weekends. Think of it as on-the-job training with the safety net of a seasoned pro by your side.
But Wait, There's More! (cue the cheesy informercial music)
Both routes require you to pass some background checks and fingerprinting (gotta keep the little ones safe!). You'll also likely need to take and pass the PA Praxis tests, which are basically standardized tests to assess your knowledge and teaching skills.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Remember: No matter which path you choose, you'll need to decide what you want to teach. Whether it's the thrill of math whizzes or the joy of budding Picassos, there's a subject area out there with your name on it.
Teaching Certificate FAQs
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How to find a teacher certification program?
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has a nifty list of approved programs: [search for PA department of education teacher certification ON PA.Gov (.gov) education.pa.gov]
How long does it take to get certified?
Master's programs typically take 1-2 years, while the intern program can be completed in a year or so.
How much does it cost?
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Costs vary depending on the program, but expect to invest some time and money.
What are the PA Praxis tests?
These are standardized tests that assess your knowledge and teaching skills. More info here: [PA Praxis information ON Educational Testing Service ets.org]
How do I become a superhero teacher?
There's no official course for that, but patience, passion, and a good sense of humor will go a long way!
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