How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania
| by Alex Skov
Are you passionate about supporting students with disabilities and making a lasting impact on their lives? Becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania could be a fulfilling career path for you. Special education teachers play a vital role in ensuring all students have access to quality education designed to meet their unique needs — plus, special education teachers are in high demand in Pennsylvania.
If you’ve been asking, “How do I become a special education teacher in Pennsylvania?” this blog will break down everything you need to know about the steps and requirements to help you achieve your goal while also providing useful resources to support you.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania
The process of becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania involves one specific step that differs slightly from general teacher certification. While both require a bachelor’s degree, teacher preparation coursework, exams, and applications, aspiring special education teachers must focus more on addressing diverse learning needs and applying for the corresponding core academic area they wish to lead.
For a more detailed roadmap on teacher certification in the state, explore our How to Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania Guide to get additional insights into licensing pathways, exams, and resources to help you get started.
What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania?
Before stepping into the classroom as a special education teacher in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to meet certain educational and certification requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program
- Complete a student teaching experience
- Pass Pennsylvania’s required teacher exams for general knowledge and content-specific areas
- Submit fingerprints and pass federal and state background checks
- Submit your application for a teaching certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS system
This process typically takes 4-5 years if you are taking the traditional route and need to earn a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, however, alternative certification pathways like TEACH-NOW can get you into the classroom as a fully certified teacher in as little as 9 months.
Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania
Becoming a certified special education teacher can feel more manageable when you break it down into simple steps than it might seem at first glance. Here are the basic steps you need to take and information about why each is important in the process of building a thriving career as a special educator.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is a requirement for every teacher in Pennsylvania. For those taking the traditional route, many universities offer EPPs that are built into the curricula of their undergraduate education degrees. Those pursuing an alternative pathway will need to complete an accepted standalone EPP.
2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Enroll in and complete a state-approved EPP that includes training, coursework, and a supervised clinical experience. For aspiring special education teachers, this will give you practical classroom experience working with students in a special education setting. The PDE provides a complete list of approved EPPs on its website.
If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 9-month 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you simply need to use the Education Preparation Program Verification Form.
3. Pass Certification Exams
Take and pass the required assessments, including the Pennsylvania Education Certification Tests (PECT) and Praxis exams required for general knowledge and subject-specific special education assessment.
4. Apply for Your Teacher Certification
Submit your application through the PDE’s TIMS online portal, along with transcripts, exam scores, background checks, application fees, and any other required documents. New teachers will likely apply for Instructional I Certification while teachers who already have 3 years of successful teaching under an Instructional I can apply for an Instructional II Certification.
5. Begin Teaching
Once you’re certified, you can begin teaching and gaining valuable hands-on experience as you lead students with diverse needs.
Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, you can become a special education teacher in Pennsylvania without a teaching degree! While a traditional teaching degree is the most common pathway to an education career, individuals with non-education bachelor’s degrees can become teachers through alternative certification pathways thanks to programs like TEACH-NOW that are designed for career changers.
An online Pennsylvania teacher certification program, TEACH-NOW is a flexible, 100% online EPP that empowers you to complete certification coursework while gaining classroom experience so you can become a fully certified teacher in as little as 9 months. Upon completion of the program, candidates simply need to follow the direct apply process to gain their Pennsylvania teacher certification and become a special education teacher in PA.
Moreland University Supports Special Education Teachers in Pennsylvania
Becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania allows you to make a major difference in the lives of students who need support. With the Keystone State’s high demand for special education teachers, there has never been a better — or more important — time to take the first step toward this meaningful career.
Start your journey toward becoming a certified special education teacher by enrolling in TEACH-NOW. You can complete your free application in under 15 minutes and jumpstart your career today!
