As a result of changes to 22 Pa. Code, Chapter 49, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Education has redefined several traditional and popular teacher certification programs. This page is designed to differentiate the old certifications from the new ones. The first certifications listed are those currently available (can be earned if issued by August 31, 2013). The second list contains those available if completing a teacher education program after January 1, 2013. The certification changes described below apply to all teacher education institutions in Pennsylvania. Teacher education candidates completing the new certifications will receive preparation that departs to some extent from that available at present, particularly with regard to addressing the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings and the needs of English language learners.

• Early Childhood Education (PK-Grade 3)

• Elementary Education (K-6)

• Secondary Education (7-12)—English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (7-12)

• Special Education (K-12)

• Foreign Language (K-12)

• Health and Physical Education (K-12)

• Music (K-12)

• Early Childhood/Elementary (PK-Grade 4; ages 3-9)—This new certification will enable a teacher  to work with children in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-4 across subject areas.

• Elementary/Middle Level (Grades 4-8; ages 9-14)—This new certification enables teachers to work with students in grades 4-6 across subjects and with students in grades 7-8 in the core academic subject(s) the teacher education candidate chooses to pursue (i.e., English, mathematics, science, and/or social studies).

• Secondary Education (Grades 7-12; ages 11-21)—English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (7-12).

• Special Education (PK-Grade 8; ages 3-14)—This new certification will enable teachers to work with students with disabilities in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-8. This certification must be earned along with either the Early Childhood/Elementary (PK-4) or the Elementary/Middle (4-8) certificate.

• Special Education (Grades 7-12; ages 11-21)—This new certification will enable teachers to work with students with disabilities in grades 7-12. It must be earned along with a Secondary Education (7-12) certification in a content area.

• Foreign Language (K-12)—This certification will not change.

• Health and Physical Education (K-12)—This certification will not change.

• Music (K-12)—This certification will not change.