Teaching Math in Pennsylvania

Nestled in America’s Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania is an ideal location for anyone looking to begin or continue their career as a math educator. Teacher salaries are higher than most other areas of the country, and the state is serious about investing in students – spending more than $14,000 per pupil in 2012-13. Pennsylvania also offers options for reciprocal licensing and alternative pathways to certification, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned pros alike!

Math Teacher Certification in Pennsylvania

Math Teaching Qualifications

The basic requirements needed for certification as a classroom teacher in Pennsylvania include a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher education program and successful completion of the Praxis I and II tests.

Credentials & Exams

Pennsylvania offers two levels of traditional certification:

• Level I License: This six-year license is issued to new teachers who have met the state’s minimum requirements for classroom teachers.
• Level II License: Candidates can advances to the Level II license upon completion of six years of teaching service under a Level I License, at which point successful candidates will complete a minimum of 23 credits of graduate coursework and undergo a school-sponsored induction program.

Reciprocity: Pennsylvania has reciprocity with 45 states. Each candidate’s application for a reciprocal teaching certificate is reviewed by the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality, whose members will determine whether the candidate can advance to regular certification or else fulfill any missing requirements.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Pennsylvania recognizes several alternative routes to teacher certification, including American Boards of Certification for Teacher Excellence alternative certification and the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows program. Pennsylvania also participates in the Pennsylvania and New York Troops to Teachers program.