> Master's + Certification Programs

As described in more detail, below, Teaching, Learning, and Technology actively prepares pre-service teachers through its master's degree plus Pennsylvania state teacher certification programs, which comprise the following:

• The Five-Year Bachelor's + Master of Education and Teacher Certification Program: Four-year bachelor’s in content area plus an additional year for the education master’s degree and Pennsylvania certification in either elementary or secondary education.


• The Post-Bachelor's Teacher Intern Program: Post-bachelor’s master’s degree plus Pennsylvania certification in either elementary or secondary education. Those who already hold Pennsylvania Certification or are not interested in being certified should click here to read about our master's only programs.

PA Certification is widely accepted nationwide under reciprocity agreements with many other states. For more information, go to http://www.nasdtec.org/agreement.tpl.

There is also an option for an additional certification in Special Education, which is open to students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from Lehigh’s elementary education certification program.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (PDE) REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION

It is important for those considering teaching as a career to be aware of the fairly rigorous academic, health, and personal character requirements for teacher certification that are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for teacher candidates statewide:

• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.


• A minimum of 6 undergraduate credits in mathematics, 3 credits in English composition, and 3 credits in English/American literature.


• An undergraduate course work audit by content area specialist in the certification area.


• Passing scores on the PRAXIS (NTE) Tests (Level I and Intern certificates) in all subject areas prior to student teaching.


• Clearances: Submission upon matriculation and yearly renewal of all of the following clearances:
  
  * Mantoux Tuberculosis Screening or chest X-ray
  * FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
  * Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check (Act 34)
  * Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
  
  Before the teacher candidate will be placed the schools as part of his/her certification or degree program, the Mantoux or chest X-ray must be negative and all 3 required criminal background checks must indicate that “no record exists.” These forms must be submitted upon matriculation into a teacher education academic program and must be renewed yearly while pursuing your studies. Forms are available from the TLT Program Secretary, Iacocca Hall, Room A108. Click here for more information about our clearances policy.

To learn more about our academic programs in Teaching, Learning, and Technology, click the links in the dark blue area on the right or contact the TLT Program Coordinator (TLTProgram@Lehigh.edu, 610-758-3230).