Certification Information

Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Information

Additional information with related forms can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website

Teacher Certification Upon Graduation

Certification and applicable FEES (beginning with Spring 2012 Semester):

1. Upon graduation you will apply for your Pennsylvania state certification through the TIMS.
2. This fee will be collected by Pennsylvania Department of Education through the TIMS program. (Click here to access TIMS.)
3. This fee will no longer be handled by any component of the University.
4. Field Services Office staff will continue to compile the certification list and compare it to the TIMS database to ensure all requirements for their ceritification have been meet.
5. Any student who has not paid or met their requirements will be notified that their certification will not be fulfilled and will not be able to graduate.

Certification applications are approved by the university at the end of the semester based upon the successful completion of the student teaching courses. Students may not receive the actual certification from PDE until 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the semester. However, during this waiting period, many school districts may be interviewing graduates and will request proof of teacher certification (see below for the all-important certification letter).

Certification letter prior to receiving Certification (for job searching/interviewing):

Students may request a certification letter from the Assistant Dean's Office stating that all requirements for certification have been met and that certification is pending from PDE. Student teachers are encouraged to wait until late in the semester or at the end of the semester to request this letter. To request a certification letter, please contact the Assistant Dean's Office by e-mailing Kim Stewart. In order to expedite the letter, please provide the following information:

• Full name with middle initial

• Student number

• Major(s)

• Home address

• Phone number(s), including cell number

• Date of graduation

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PEARSON - PRAXIS REQUIREMENTS for Teacher Certification

Helpful Link: PAPA and Praxis II Testing Policy

Students must take the required Pearson exam or the required Praxis II exam before student teaching and pass the required exam before graduating.

Don't wait until it's too late! Be sure to take the (click here) APPROPRIATE TEST!

Check out the new Pearson Center on campus! You no longer need to travel to complete these tests.

ECH Major - Pearson PreK - 4

SPED - Pearson K - 8

All Secondary Education Majors - ETS PRAXIS II

ALL K - 12 Majors - ETS PRAXIS II

Education Middle Level Majors - ETS Mid Level 4 - 8

PDE teacher certification with Praxis requirements and school district staffing policy guidelines (CSPGs) are available for review.

Note: Certification and Staffing Policies and Guidelines (CSPG) No. 21 Testing, effective May 1, 2008. CSPG No. 21 has been revised to extend test score validity from 5 years to 10 years for candidates educated in Pennsylvania. Currently, regulatory language does not permit this extension for test scores to be applied to out-of-state candidates. All required tests must have been taken within ten years prior to application, and the score/s must meet the qualifying score/s in effect on the date the application was received.

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Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

For those who hold a bachelor's degree or graduate degree and want to add a teacher certification, the following steps should be taken:

• Forward a copy of your transcripts with a notation indicating the major you are considering and your contact information.

• Remember that all teacher certification requirements must be met.

• Please allow time for the review and plan to be completed and sent to you.

• Regular admission procedures should be followed to begin your program. For more information, see Admissions

• Once admitted, you will receive a faculty advisor.

The College of Education and Human Services contact information is:

Department of Education Chair, Dr. Sue Courson (scourson@clarion.edu) or Assistant Chairperson, Dr. Bruce Smith (bsmith@clarion.edu)

Special Education/Rehabilitive Science Chair, Dr. Rick Sabousky (rsabousky@clarion.edu)

Communication Speech Disorder (CSD) Chair Dr. Colleen McAleer

Office of Field Services, Mr. Ray Puller (rpuller@clarion.edu) or Ms. Jill Johnston (jjohnston@clarion.edu)

The College of Education and Human Services will work with you to help you complete your certification in the most efficient manner possible.

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Add a Certification

If you already hold an Instructional (type 60, 61, 62 or 80) certificate and will be wanting to add an instructional area, you may add other certifications by passing the appropriate Praxis II test WITHOUT completing any course work. The certifications that may be added by taking the appropriate Praxis II tests are:

IMPORTANT: Although Clarion does not offer programs in some of these areas, a certified teacher may wish to add them by taking the appropriate Praxis II test.

**The following certifications are NOT PERMITTED to be added without additional coursework, passing Praxis II, and student teaching:

• Middle level Education Grades 4 - 8

• PreK - Grade 4 Education

• Special Education

• Reading Specialist

To add Certifications, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education "Adding a Certification" Website.

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