Considering a career that allows you to:
- Engage with and build relationships with an audience?
- Share expertise and knowledge on a topic?
- Create compelling material and content that fits your style?
Then we think you’ll love teaching!
Teachers have a voice and can be a voice for others. This rewarding career is a great way to build a relationship with students who come through your classroom ready to learn. You could be the kindergarten teacher who still gets visits from former students after graduation, the infamous teacher who made differential equations understandable, or any of the amazing instructors in between.
What are the benefits of being a teacher in PA?
During their careers, teachers continue to have access to high-quality professional development and leadership opportunities. New public school teachers participate in induction programs for two years and are given a mentor. Many school entities also offer funding to attain higher education degrees, certificate programs, and endorsements. Teachers are continuously learning and growing!
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Center for Educational Statistics showed that in 2022 Pennsylvania topped the list for teacher pay. In Pennsylvania, teachers can expect to earn 28.5% more than the average salary.
Benefits like…
Comprehensive
Salary
Loan Forgiveness
Modified Summer Schedule
Retirement
Find the path that’s right for you
There is more than one way to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania. Explore the best option for you and discover the resources available to help you on your journey from The Pennsylvania Department of Education and its partners. You are a…
Create your Future
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future career pathway! You have options for how and where your journey begins and ends.
Underclassmen (Freshmen-Juniors)
Talk to your guidance counselor about what option is best for you and explore the map below of approved certification programs and find some options as you prepare to apply to schools your senior year.
You can complete your teaching program as part of earning your bachelor’s degree. Private and Pennsylvania state schools offer education programs so there’s lots of different places for you to find your perfect fit. Pennsylvania Community Colleges (Find a Community College – Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges pacommunitycolleges.org) also offer affordable options designed to prepare students for transfer to a teacher education program leading to a bachelor’s degree.
Seniors
As you’re making your final plans use the map below to compare options and research if the schools you’ve been accepted to/are considering have education programs.
Let’s Make a Plan
Are you exploring your options, an undeclared student, or looking to switch majors? We’ve got you. The steps below outline what you need to do from enrollment to starting your career.
Step 1: 👀 Get your bearings.
I am currently…
📚 Enrolled in a 4 year college / university
Check to see if your school has an education program available and talk with your advisor on how to declare or change a major.
📓 Enrolled in a community college
Get on track for a two year transfer program and explore options for where you will head next!
Some Pennsylvania colleges and universities participate in the PA Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC), meaning they have identified specific courses and degree programs that transfer seamlessly among them.
Step 2: 📜 Get your degree
Complete your degree program with relevant courses, studen teaching, and other requirements outlined by your higher education institution.
Your academic advisor or program office will help ensure you’re checking the boxes for your degree!
Step 3: 🎓 Time to Graduate, Apply for Certification
Woo-hoo you did it!!! 🎉🎉
After registering you will receive your PPID number, and begin the certification process.
Your school’s registrar office will recommend you once you complete degree requirements and they’ll share the necessary documentation with the Pennsyvlania Department of Education directly.
Step 4: 🏫 Find your career!
Explore careers at school districts across the Commonwealth.
Explore districts hiring on our clickable county map:
and check out our Career Toolkit for additional information and financial assistance opportunities. #DYK some districts will reimburse your testing and application fees once you join the team.
Thinking about becoming an educator??
Join our mailing list for updates and info. We wouldn’t spam you with messages, we promise!
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Career Toolkit
Test Preparation
Find a job!
Register in TIMS
Ready to get in the classroom? Let’s get you certified! The certification process in Pennsylvania starts in the Teacher Information Management System, also known as TIMS.
Step 1: Apply for your Certification Online
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- internet connection,
- your social security number, and
- a credit card.
Visit the TIMS page and provide all the information on the online form. After you pay and submit your application in TIMS, you will be provided the link to print your application cover sheet. The cover sheet provides complete instruction on submitting your documents to PDE. Some documents can be uploaded and submitted electronically and others will be submitted to PDE through the mail with the application cover sheet.
Step 2: The Department of Education Processes your Application
After you create your account, a designated officer from your school recommends your certification (your school will handle this automatically once you fulfill your education requirements.) Want to check the status of your app? Login to TIMS at any time to see where you’re at in the process.
Step 3: Get Approved and Print your Certificate
Once your certification is approved you’ll receive an email. Download and print your certificate and take a moment to celebrate you earned it!
Ready to get started??
