Pennsylvania alternative route
American Board for Certification and Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
- Run by
- Other
- Teach while completing
- Yes
- Max years to complete
- 5
- Website
- Visit
Requirements
| Bachelor's degree | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's in the subject | No |
| Pedagogy coursework | Yes |
| Credit hours | Yes |
| Minimum GPA | No |
| Tests | Yes |
| Employment as a teacher | No |
| Clinical experience | Yes |
| Professional development | No |
| Mentoring | Yes |
| Service requirement | No |
| High-need schools | Not reported |
| Shortage areas | Not reported |
| Limited to some grades or subjects | Yes |
| Designed for shortage areas | Yes |
Grade or subject limits
ABCTE is approved to offer the following four areas: (1) Elementary PreK-6; (2) Mathematics 7-12; (3) English 7-12; (4) Science 7-12.
Shortage design
Although State Board of Education regulations do not limit the scope of ABCTE's programs to teacher shortage areas, candidates are able to fulfill program requirements because of shortages in mathematics, science, and English language arts. Consequently, ABCTE's mathematics, science, and English language arts preparation programs are addressing Pennsylvania's shortages in these subjects.
Credential issued
A Temporary Teaching Permit is issued for one year.
Clinical experience
Individuals are required to complete a year-long teaching experience in a Pennsylvania school under the supervision of a mentor provided by Point Park University.
Other requirements
ABCTE's candidates complete two graduate level courses offered by Point Park University from an approved list of topics to strengthen pedagogical skills; and attendance at two one-day retreats provided by Point Park University for all American Board teachers and supervising mentors.
Any candidate, who applies for a Pennsylvania teaching certificate and indicates he/she has a criminal record or child abuse investigation, is required to submit the following documentation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
FBI clearance;
Pennsylvania criminal documents;
Pennsylvania child abuse documents;
Official court documents;
Five (5) letters of reference; and
Resume
The Pennsylvania Department of Education reviews the above documentation (a background check and other examinations are conducted during this review process) to determine whether or not the candidate should be issued a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
Individuals who are not U.S. citizens must provide immigration documentation. Note: If a candidate holds a green card, the candidate will be issued an instructional certificate that includes a non-United States citizen designation.
Linked teacher preparation providers
Title II links no providers to this route.