How To Become a High School Teacher in Pennsylvania 2026
Explore affordable, accredited colleges in Pennsylvania offering secondary education degrees that prepare students for high school teacher certification.
If you're trying to figure out how to become a high school teacher, the process involves meeting several high school teacher educational requirements. These include earning a degree, completing a teacher preparation program, passing exams, and clearing background checks.
This article walks you through every step. You'll also learn what high school teachers do, how much they make in Pennsylvania, and what kind of financial aid might be available to help you reach your goal. Keep reading to learn how you can start the process to become a Pennsylvania high school teacher.
What High School Teachers Do in Pennsylvania
High school teachers support students during an important stage in their education. They teach subjects like math, science, English, and social studies and help prepare students for graduation, college, or the workforce.
High school teacher responsibilities may include:
- developing lesson plans aligned with Pennsylvania Core Standards
- grading assignments and monitoring student progress
- managing classroom behavior and creating a safe learning environment
- communicating with parents, counselors, and administrators
- preparing students for state assessments and graduation requirements
- advising student clubs, teams, or after-school activities
You can explore many different subjects to teach in high school based on your interests and qualifications.
<h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInPennsylvania">How To Become a High School Teacher in Pennsylvania</h2><p>If you're working toward certification, you'll need to follow several state-approved steps. These include both academic and professional requirements. Let's dive into the process step by step to help you get started.
</p><h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>If you want to become a high school teacher, you'll start by completing a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Many students choose a major in secondary education or a subject like biology, English, or math.
</p><p>If your degree is not in education, you can still become certified by completing a post-baccalaureate program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This is a common path for people changing careers or returning to school.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2CompleteATeacherPreparationProgram">Step 2: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program</h3><p>Next, you'll need to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program will include coursework on teaching methods, classroom management, and curriculum planning, as well as a student teaching experience.
</p><p>Programs are available through traditional undergraduate degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, or alternative certification routes like the Teacher Intern Certification for non-traditional candidates.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3PassBackgroundChecks">Step 3: Pass Background Checks</h3><p>Once you've earned your degree and finished a teacher preparation program, Pennsylvania requires all future teachers to pass three types of background checks before working in schools. Here's what you'll need to pass:
</p><ul><li>Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
</li><li>Child Abuse History Clearance
</li><li>FBI Federal Criminal History Record
</li></ul><p>These clearances are valid for five years and must be completed through approved state systems.
</p><h3 id="section---Step4PassCertificationExams">Step 4: Pass Certification Exams</h3><p>To qualify for certification, you'll then need to pass a set of Praxis exams. Most candidates take the following:
</p><ul><li>Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
</li><li>Praxis Subject Assessment(s) in your teaching subject
</li><li>Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (if required for your certificate)
</li></ul><p>Your advisor or certification officer will help you choose the correct exams based on your career goals.
</p><h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForCertification">Step 5: Apply for Certification</h3><p>Once all the steps are complete, you're ready to apply for your Instructional I Certificate using the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website, which is valid for six years. To continue teaching beyond that, you'll need to meet ongoing professional development requirements and apply for an Instructional II Certificate.
</p><h2 id="section---EducationDegreeProgramsInPennsylvania">Education Degree Programs in Pennsylvania</h2><p>Below are several accessible Pennsylvania universities offering accredited secondary education degrees. These programs prepare future high school teachers through subject-focused coursework, real classroom experience, and support toward state certification.
</p><h3 id="section---WestChesterUniversityOfPennsylvania">West Chester University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>West Chester University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in secondary education with various subject concentrations including English, social studies, mathematics, and science. This program integrates content-area coursework with key teaching methods and extensive field placements.
</p><p>You'll engage in practicum experiences and a full semester of student teaching to refine your classroom approach. West Chester-based teacher candidates benefit from close partnerships with local school districts and access to teaching mentors.
</p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per semester
</li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---DrexelUniversity">Drexel University</h3><p>Drexel University offers a BS in secondary education through its School of Education, approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The curriculum balances subject knowledge and pedagogical methods with a strong emphasis on professional experience.
</p><p>During the program, you'll complete multiple co-op placements and a capstone teaching semester, benefiting from Drexel's cooperative education model that embeds paid or credit-bearing teaching experiences. Drexel's CAEP-accredited educators graduate with deep content expertise and clinical experience tailored to Pennsylvania standards.
</p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $20,014 per term
</li><li>Accreditation: CAEP and MSCHE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CommonwealthUniversityOfPennsylvania">Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>The BS in secondary education at Commonwealth University leads to initial certification in grades seven through 12. The program covers teaching methods, curriculum design, and diverse population instruction, with dedicated field experience built into each semester. You'll also have the opportunity to complete certification requirements across three campus locations.
</p><p>The program is recognized by CAEP, and graduates earn a recommendation for a Pennsylvania Level I Instructional Certificate in their chosen subject area.
</p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $3,858 per semester
</li><li>Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
</li></ul><h3 id="section---KutztownUniversityOfPennsylvania">Kutztown University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>Kutztown University's BS in secondary education offers eleven subject areas for grades seven through 12, as well as dual certification options in special education and modern languages. The program includes early field experiences and a culminating semester of student teaching under mentor supervision. When you graduate, you will enter Pennsylvania classrooms with both certification and confidence in inclusive teaching strategies.
</p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $3,858 per semester
</li><li>Accreditation: Pennsylvania Department of Education, CAEP
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ShippensburgUniversityOfPennsylvania">Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>Shippensburg University offers a BS in secondary education through its College of Education and Human Services. Here, you'll follow a structured program that includes teaching methodology, content coursework, and student teaching in local secondary schools.
</p><p>The program pairs classroom experience with mentorship from department faculty. One of the many standout features of this secondary education program is the university's strong track record of preparing socially aware teachers ready for diverse classrooms.
</p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $319 per credit
</li><li>Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowMuchDoesAHighSchoolTeacherMakeInPennsylvania">How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Pennsylvania?</h2><p>The <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252031.htm">average high school teacher salary in Pennsylvania</a> is $74,460 per year, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level teachers usually earn less, while experienced educators in large districts or specialized fields may earn more.
</p><p>Salaries vary depending on your subject area, school district, and whether you qualify for bonuses or stipends. Teachers in STEM and special education often have higher earning potential.
</p><h3 id="section---JobOutlookForHighSchoolTeachersInPennsylvania">Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Pennsylvania</h3><p>Pennsylvania's job market for high school teachers is stable. Schools across the state are consistently hiring new teachers, particularly in subjects such as chemistry, physics, math, and special education that are often difficult to staff.
</p><p>Both rural and urban districts report a need for qualified educators. So if you're open to teaching in a high-demand area, your chances of getting hired quickly may be higher.
</p><h2 id="section---FinancialAidForHighSchoolTeacherPrograms">Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs</h2><p>If you're concerned about how to pay for your degree, you're not alone. Luckily, there are financial aid options that can help make your teacher training more affordable.
</p><h3 id="section---FederalAidThroughFAFSA">Federal Aid Through FAFSA</h3><p>Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This gives you access to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_pennsylvania.html">online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> in Pennsylvania offer secondary education programs.
</p><h3 id="section---PennsylvaniaGrantsAndForgivenessPrograms">Pennsylvania Grants and Forgiveness Programs</h3><p>The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers a State Grant Program to eligible residents attending approved colleges. If you teach in high-need areas after graduation, you may also qualify for the PA Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
</p><h3 id="section---TEACHGrant">TEACH Grant</h3><p>The federal TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 per year to students preparing to teach in low-income schools or high-need subject areas. You must agree to work for four years in a qualifying position, or the grant will convert into a loan.
</p><h3 id="section---SchoolBasedScholarships">School-Based Scholarships</h3><p>Many Pennsylvania colleges have education-specific scholarships. These may be based on financial need, academic performance, or your plan to teach in underserved communities. Check with your school's financial aid office to learn what's available.
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingAHighSchoolTeacherInPennsylvania">FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Pennsylvania</h2><p>If you're planning a teaching career in Pennsylvania, you likely have a few questions about the process, timelines, and qualifications. Below are answers to some of the most common questions asked by future high school teachers.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInPennsylvania">How Long Does it Take To Become a High School Teacher in Pennsylvania?</h3><p>Becoming a certified high school teacher in Pennsylvania usually takes four to five years for students starting with no prior college experience. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, passing required exams, and obtaining state clearances. Some students extend this timeline slightly if they pursue student teaching or field experiences part-time.
</p><p>If you already have a bachelor's degree in a content area like English or biology, you can take a faster route through a post-baccalaureate certification program or Teacher Intern Certification. These programs are often completed in 12 to 24 months and allow career changers to enter the classroom more quickly.
</p><h3 id="section---CanITeachWithADegreeInAnotherField">Can I Teach With a Degree in Another Field?</h3><p>Yes, Pennsylvania offers flexible options for individuals with degrees in non-education fields. If you've earned a bachelor's degree in a subject taught in high school, you don't need to start over. Instead, you can complete a PDE-approved post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. These programs include education coursework and student teaching but typically require fewer credits than a full second degree.
</p><p>Another option is the Teacher Intern Certification pathway, which lets you begin teaching in a Pennsylvania school while finishing your certification requirements. This approach is helpful for career changers looking to earn an income while gaining classroom experience.
</p><h3 id="section---DoIHaveToPassAllExamsBeforeICanTeach">Do I Have To Pass All Exams Before I Can Teach?</h3><p>In most cases, passing the Praxis exams is required before receiving full certification. However, Pennsylvania does offer provisional routes for qualified candidates. If you meet other certification criteria but are still working on exam completion, you may be eligible for an intern or emergency permit.
</p><p>These permits allow you to begin teaching in a public school under supervision while finishing your exams. That said, you'll need to complete all testing requirements before advancing to a permanent Instructional I Certificate. Your school or program advisor can help determine which exams you need and when to take them.
</p><h3 id="section---CanTeachersFromOtherStatesWorkInPennsylvania">Can Teachers From Other States Work in Pennsylvania?</h3><p>Yes, Pennsylvania supports out-of-state teachers through its certification reciprocity policy. If you hold a valid teaching certificate from another state, you may qualify for certification in Pennsylvania without having to repeat your entire teacher education program.
</p><p>To apply, you'll need to submit your existing credentials, proof of teaching experience, and transcripts. In some cases, additional requirements like the Praxis exams or Pennsylvania-specific coursework may still apply. However, many out-of-state teachers are able to transition into Pennsylvania classrooms with minimal delays, especially if they've already passed comparable assessments.
</p><h2 id="section---ExploreTeachingDegreesInPennsylvania">Explore Teaching Degrees in Pennsylvania</h2><p>Now that you know the process, you can start comparing programs that lead to high school teacher certification. Find the right in-person or online teaching degree by contacting one of the accredited colleges featured here on Learn.org.</p>