Education with Pennsylvania
MASTER OF EDUCATION WITH PENNSYLVANIA –
PREK-4 TEACHING CERTIFICATION
The Master of Education with Pennsylvania – PreK-4 Teaching Certification is designed to prepare individuals with undergraduate degrees in non-education areas for PA state public school initial teaching certification. Successful completion of this program and passing of state-required competency tests will enable graduates to teach all subjects in grades PreK-4 in PA public schools.
In addition, with completion of additional credits, students have the option of adding the PA Special Education PreK-12 certificate to their initial Early Childhood PreK-4 certificate. A non-degree, certification only track is available for applicants with prior credits in the field of early childhood/elementary education.
Through a program of study that utilizes a rigorous Christian perspective, students will build knowledge and skills in educational foundations, curriculum theory and design, assessment, PreK-4 subject content and pedagogy, and teaching in the inclusive classroom. Students will put theory into practice through field experiences and a culminating student teaching semester.
This degree consists of 39 credits: 33 credits in coursework and six credits in student teaching. Up to nine credits may be waived for applicants who have completed undergraduate coursework that meets PA early childhood teaching competencies.
Through a Master of Education with Pennsylvania – PreK-4 Teaching Certification, you will:
- Be able to teach in Pennsylvania. As many states have teaching reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania, out-of-state applicants should check with their state’s department of education website for further information on how they may use this degree.
- Access, evaluate, and utilize current educational research and literature based on knowledge of best practices and academic standards.
- Establish and maintain professional demeanor and relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and supervisors in educational settings.
- Have opportunity to obtain teaching certificates in other content areas through testing.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, for a diverse audience within educational settings.
- Articulate a philosophy of education that is consistent with a Christian worldview and integrate Christian principles into professional practice.
- Design, implement, and reflect upon instruction that is aligned with best practices and academic standards and that meets the educational needs of diverse learners.
To be Eligible for acceptance into the program, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete and submit the Graduate Student Online Application.
- Submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Send official transcripts of credits earned at all institutions of higher education. This program will accept up to six transfer credits of graduate work, depending on applicability.
- Based on student’s undergraduate transcript evaluation, undergraduate coursework or the equivalent in fine arts, history, math, and science may be required.
- Submit two letters of recommendation describing how your professional experience and academic performance qualifies you for entrance into the Master of Education program.
- Submit current resume or CV.
- Submit a personal Statement of Purpose of approximately 500 words describing your professional goals and reasons for applying to this particular program.