State Spotlight: Pennsylvania Teacher Certification
More Teachers Needed
Pennsylvania schools are not immune to the teacher shortage. In fact, the number of undergraduate education majors in the state has declined by 55 percent over the last 20 years. As a result of this drop, fewer new teachers are entering the profession and it is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to staff their classrooms. Recognizing the need for more teachers in the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the expansion of American Board’s teacher certification program. For the first time ever, future teachers in the state can pursue their Pennsylvania teacher certification for Elementary Education through American Board’s online program!
Fast, Flexible, and Affordable in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, American Board partners with Point Park University to provide a fast, flexible, and affordable route to teacher certification. This decade long partnership has produced hundreds of teachers in the state.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classrooms were hit first by the teacher shortage. For that reason, Pennsylvania teachers could pursue certification in math, general science, biology, chemistry and physics using American Board’s program. Additionally, American Board continues to offer English language arts for teachers in the state. Despite the state’s long running support for streamlined alternative teacher certification, Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage has worsened.
Consequently, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has simplified the certification process for even more future teachers by approving American Board to offer elementary education certification. The subject-offering expansion represents how in-need Pennsylvania’s local schools are for certified teachers. Because of this need, now is the ideal time for local community members to finally pursue their dream teaching careers. Schools will soon be hiring, and teachers are needed for all grades. Importantly, there is no state-approved path to licensure in Pennsylvania more affordable or faster than American Board’s program.
How to Earn Your Pennsylvania Teacher Certification
To earn your Pennsylvania teacher certification online, simply complete the following steps:
- Enroll in American Board’s online program and pass the two required exams.
- Enroll with Point Park University and register for two online graduate classes.
- Complete a 60-day teaching placement in your certification area.
- Receive your teaching permit and obtain a full-time teaching position in a Pennsylvania school.
- Complete your two graduate classes and convert your teaching permit into a Pennsylvania Teaching License.
*Because some test centers are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Park is now allowing candidates to begin their two graduate-level courses prior to passing their American Board tests. This change simplifies the process and will reduce the amount of time it takes to earn your certification and enter a classroom!
Strong History of Success
Hundreds of Pennsylvania teachers got their start in the classroom using American Board’s program.
Even as schools have closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, American Board graduates in Pennsylvania are still teaching and fully-employed. These teachers are working to keep their students engaged and on target through online learning. Watch the video above to see American Board graduate Patti give an inside look at her at-home work station. She also highlights some of the current challenges that teachers and students are tackling head-on. Luckily, American Board teachers are quick to adapt to these changing times!
To hear from more American Board graduates, visit our YouTube page.
To learn how you can join our incredible alumni, visit this site.
Remember, American Board’s certification program is completely online and a great option for those who are home due to current stay-at-home orders. Now is the time to become a teacher and support your state and local schools in the months ahead!
