The curriculum for this teacher certification program is designed based on the applicant’s life and professional experiences. A list of possible courses for an individual's academic plan can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. The program specifically caters to individuals who are considering changing careers and wish to pursue PA teacher certification, as well as for those who are currently working in an education setting and are seeking a formal teaching certificate.

Education Course Requirements (21 Credits Required)

  • EDMTH 301: Teaching Elementary Math I (3)
  • EDUC 353: Teaching Elementary Social Studies (3)
  • EDUC 454: Teaching Elementary Science (3)
  • EDUC 458: Behavior Management Strategies for Inclusive Classroom (3)
  • EDUC 466: Foundations of Teaching ESL (3)
  • EDUC 477. Literacy Instruction and Evidence-Based Interventions (3)
  • EDUC 805: Curriculum Foundations (3)

Field Experience Requirements (3 Options)

Option One: Year-long Clinical Residency

  • Participate in the year-long clinical residency during the final academic year in the program. This includes enrolling in EDUC 495B: Senior Field Experience (3 additional credits) in the Fall semester and EDUC 490: Student Teaching (3 credits) in the Spring semester. *Residency can only run from fall to spring.

Option Two: Traditional Approach (clinical residency optional)

  • Take EDUC 495A: Junior Field Experience (spring semester) or EDUC 495B: Senior Field Experience (fall semester) (3 additional credits);
  • Take EDUC 490: Student Teaching (3 credits) in the final semester. 

Option Three: Candidate-directed Experience (clinical residency optional)

  • Candidate arranges own clinical observation experience over the course of the first year, with required documentation and assignments.
  • Take EDUC 490: Student Teaching (3 credits) in the final semester.

Additional Requirements

  • Take and pass the following PECT certification exams by the beginning of the second semester in the program:
    • Pre-K-4 Module 2: Language, Social Studies, Arts (8007) with a passing score of 193;
    • Pre-K-4 Module 3: Math, Science, Health (8008) with a passing score of 193 

Note: A third exam (Pre-K-4 Module 1: Child Dev., Assessment, Professionalism (8006) with a passing score of 197) is required for PA certification at the end of the program.