PA Teacher Certification

Pennsylvania Certification (Instructional I) is dependent upon the completion of the course of study delineated under Option II, recommendation of the University, and achievement of passing scores on the PRAXIS Test (National Teacher's Exam). Students seeking initial certification must take the Core Battery Tests and the Specialty Area Test in Elementary Education. Students who hold certification in an area other than elementary education must take only the Specialty Area Test in Elementary Education.

To convert the Instructional I certification to an Instructional II certification, teachers must be employed full time for a minimum of three years and earn 24 additional credits beyond the bachelor's degree within six years of full-time employment.

Salary increases are commonly associated with the achievement of the master's degree.

Important information for degree candidates who also wish to pursue a teacher certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has changed its elementary education teacher certification requirements. Beginning January 1, 2013, candidates wishing to teach at the elementary level in Pennsylvania must be certified in early childhood education (Pre - K to grade 4) or elementary/middle level education (grades 4 - 8). Seton Hill is restructuring its Education Program to support these new certification requirements. Master of Arts in Elementary Education degree candidates who also wish to apply for the current elementary education (K - 6) certification must complete all coursework before January 1, 2013. Seton Hill Admissions staff and our Education Program faculty will review your transcripts and work with you to make sure that you will be able to complete your required courses in time to receive your certification.