The national teacher shortage is a pressing issue, and Pennsylvania is no exception. With a significant drop in new teacher certifications and a rise in emergency certifications, schools are looking for qualified individuals to fill the gaps. If you’ve ever considered a career in education, now might be the perfect time to jump in and make a difference.
Understanding the Shortage
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) reports a stark decline in the number of new certified teachers entering the workforce. Meanwhile, emergency certifications have skyrocketed. This means schools are increasingly relying on individuals who haven’t completed the traditional teacher certification programs.
While emergency certifications help fill vacant positions, it’s important to remember they are temporary solutions. Ideally, educators will pursue full certification to ensure they have the necessary training and skills to provide students with the best possible learning experience.
Considering an Emergency Certificate in PA? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you hold a bachelor’s degree and have a passion for education, an emergency certificate in Pennsylvania might be a good first step. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. There’s no subject requirement, but the certificate will be issued for a specific content area based on your degree and experience. https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
- School District Application: School districts are responsible for issuing emergency certificates. Contact your desired district’s human resources department to inquire about their specific requirements and application process. Here is a list of the Schools by County who need certified teachers in PA https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/RecruitRecog/CareerOpps/Pages/default.aspx
- PDE Emergency Certificate Application: Once you have the school district’s approval, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will process your emergency certificate application. You can find the application and detailed instructions on the PDE’s website: PA Department of Education Emergency Certification: https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/PAEducators/Pages/Emergency-Permits.aspx
Additional Resources:
- The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) offers a wealth of information on teacher education programs. Explore their website to see if a certification program aligns with your interests: PASSHE Teacher Education: https://www.passhe.edu/students/explore.html
- For a personal touch, consider contacting the Education Department at King’s College, affiliated with Notre Dame. King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA has some of the best faculty in PA and they can provide specific guidance on transitioning into a teaching career: https://www.kings.edu/academics/undergraduate_majors/education
Remember, obtaining an emergency certificate is just the first step. While it allows you to begin teaching, it’s crucial to pursue full teacher certification to ensure your long-term success in the classroom.
Conclusion
The teacher shortage presents an opportunity for passionate individuals to make a real difference. If you’re considering a career in education, Pennsylvania needs you! Explore the emergency certification process and consider pursuing full certification to become a valuable asset in our PA schools.
If you are unsure if teaching is the profession for you, schedule a free career session with Dream2Career and we can help you find your pathway to success!
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