Teacher Certification Information

Teaching is an exciting profession. It takes time and dedication to become an expert in the field. Alumni of Arcadia University’s education programs have enjoyed success as inspiring educators and educational leaders, locally and around the globe. Currently, Pennsylvania and many other states are experiencing a teacher shortage in a variety of areas, so career possibilities are expanding rapidly. Our education programs seek to provide a range of opportunities to work in a host of settings with diverse students. Our programs are geared to give you the foundational skills needed to become an effective teacher leader. 

To become an educator in Pennsylvania and earn your teaching credential, you need to complete a teacher preparation program with an approved provider. Arcadia University School of Education is  an approved provider of educational programs leading to Pennsylvania Department of Education Professional Certification and offers certification at the undergraduate and post baccalaureate (graduate) levels.  In order to become a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Arcadia University programs encompass initial teacher certification at the undergraduate and post baccalaureate level for individuals who are not yet certified to teach in Pennsylvania, as well as post baccalaureate program options for current PA teachers seeking to expand their professional credentials.

Instructional I certifications include Grades PK–4, Reading Specialist PK–12 (Post Bacc only), Special Education PK–12, Art Education PK–12, and secondary content areas such as English, Mathematics, General Science (Post Bacc only), Social Studies, Chemistry (UG only), and Biology. Additional teacher licensure programs are available for ESL Program Specialist (Post Bacc only), STEM (Post Bacc only) and Autism (Post Bacc only), Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness PK-12 (Post Bacc only) Endorsements, and Administrative/Supervisory areas (Post Bacc only). Arcadia University provides flexible teacher preparation pathways for both aspiring and experienced educators.

Students who complete the program, required coursework, and testing are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania teacher certification through the PA Department of Education. Program completers seeking certification outside of Pennsylvania may explore reciprocity through the Interstate Agreement administered by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Arcadia University has not determined if our curriculum meets the requirements for teacher certification in other states or US territories.

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