How To Become a Teacher Online in Pennsylvania

You can become a teacher in Pennsylvania with the convenience of online degrees and teacher preparation programs. Once you meet each of the state's requirements, you can complete your student teaching hours and apply for your certification.

Online learning not only provides a professional education, but it also gives you the flexibility you need to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania while balancing your work and personal life responsibilities.

There are several accredited schools and teacher education programs in the state that can prepare you for a teaching career.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Pennsylvania

These steps outline the process for becoming a teacher online, including the different educational programs and requirements for certification.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

When beginning your path to a teaching career, the first step should be determining your area of focus. This can help you identify the specific requirements you need to meet and ensure the program you choose aligns with your goals.

If you know you want to teach a specific subject or grade level, you can select more relevant courses and education preparation programs. Pennsylvania offers several certification options depending on your interests, including early childhood, elementary, secondary education, and specialized fields like special education or STEM subjects.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

One of the main requirements for teaching in Pennsylvania is a bachelor's degree. Many universities offer online undergraduate degree programs that align with teaching certification requirements. Choosing an online teaching degree program allows you to complete your studies at your own pace, while still being able to manage your other responsibilities.

Ensure that your chosen degree program matches your intended teaching focus. For example, if you want to teach elementary school, you'll want a degree and teacher certification program focusing on elementary education or child development. If you want to teach at a middle school or high school, you'll need a degree related to the subject you plan to teach, such as English, science, or social studies.

3. Pass a Background Check

Before you can gain classroom experience, you must pass a background check. This ensures the safety of both the students and the school faculty. In Pennsylvania, all prospective teachers must undergo state and federal background checks.

This includes submitting fingerprints and completing the FBI Criminal History Clearance, the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.

Fingerprinting

As part of your background check, you'll need to submit your fingerprints for review. Pennsylvania requires all teacher candidates to undergo fingerprinting through the state's authorized providers. This is a mandatory step that is required for certification eligibility.

4. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

Along with earning an undergraduate degree, Pennsylvania requires that all prospective teachers complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Many online colleges and universities offer these teaching programs as part of their education degrees, making it easier to complete the education requirements while attending school.

Teacher education programs cover essential topics such as pedagogy, classroom management, and instructional strategies that help you develop the skills needed to lead a classroom. To ensure your coursework aligns with state certification requirements, your chosen program should be accredited and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

5. Achieve Required Teaching Hours

Pennsylvania educators need to complete 12 weeks of student teaching under the supervision of an experienced teacher before they can become certified. During your teaching hours, you will have the chance to apply the instructional strategies and classroom management techniques you learned in your teacher preparation program.

Many programs work with local schools to help you complete this requirement. Whether you're planning to become a teacher with in-person or online classes, the student teaching experience is an opportunity for hands-on practical experience that helps prepare you for your career.

6. Get Your Teaching Certificate Online

After completing your degree, teacher preparation program, and student teaching hours, the final step is to obtain your teacher certification. In Pennsylvania, the certification process is managed through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS), which allows you to submit your application and supporting documents online.

To apply for a Pennsylvania teaching certification, you must provide transcripts, proof of completed student teaching hours, and exam scores like the Praxis, ACT, or SAT. Once approved, you will receive your teaching certificate, qualifying you to work in public schools across Pennsylvania.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

While these universities are physically located in Pennsylvania, they all provide undergraduate degrees with coursework that you can complete online regardless of your location.

Temple University � BA in Liberal Studies

Temple University's Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies helps students gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The program has customizable academic tracks in humanities or social sciences to give students the knowledge, skills, and licensure criteria they need to teach in more specific subject areas.

Because this program is online, it allows students to manage both their education requirements and personal responsibilities.

Drexel University � BS in Elementary Education

Drexel University offers an online BS in elementary education with two different specializations. The PK-4 specialization covers topics such as child development, early literacy, and math foundations. The special education specialization can prepare you to teach and support learners with special needs and learning disabilities.

The program meets state certification standards and requirements and, with Drexel's field placement support, students can complete their student teaching and gain practical experience in local school districts.

Wilkes University � BA in Elementary & Early Education

Wilkes University's online BA in elementary & early childhood education is an online degree and certification program for students with associate degrees or 55 college credits.

It focuses on classroom management and child development, preparing graduates for teaching positions in elementary and early childhood classrooms.

Can I Be a Teacher in Pennsylvania Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, the state's alternative pathways make it possible to become a teacher in Pennsylvania without a traditional teaching degree.

If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, you can pursue teaching by enrolling in an online teacher preparation program. After completing the required coursework and student teaching experience, you can qualify for a teaching license.

Pennsylvania also offers emergency certification for individuals who meet certain qualifications and can fill critical teaching needs. This can allow you to work while you meet the full certification requirements.

Do I Need a Special Certification To Teach Online in Pennsylvania?

Currently, Pennsylvania does not require a separate certification for online teaching. Most teacher preparation programs include components related to teaching online, such as using learning management systems and developing virtual instructional materials.

If you want to teach online in Pennsylvania it's a good idea to remain informed about the latest technological tools and instructional strategies for online learning. Staying current with educational technology trends will prepare you to succeed in in-person and online learning environments.