Students pursuing secondary teacher certification are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and cannot receive a grade lower than a “B” in any ESTM, EDUC and EDEX course. For certification, students must complete 38.5 credits of coursework (42.5 credits for MATH majors). In many cases, DragonsTeach coursework overlaps with degree requirements.

In most cases, students can complete the requirements for both an undergraduate degree and Pennsylvania teaching certification by their projected graduation date. However, depending on the program of study and the timing of entrance into the program, a additional post baccalaureate term(s) may be required to complete the requirements for Pennsylvania teaching certification.

Teacher Certification Forms

Please review the "Teacher Certification Forms” section of the School of Education’s website for a complete list of all forms and tests necessary for secondary teacher certification.

International Student Certification

By law (PA School Code §1202), all standard instructional certificate holders must be U.S. citizens. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will, however, allow non-U.S. citizens to teach under an “Alien Provisional Certification” for a maximum of six years. The Alien Provisional certificate will convert to a standard certificate once U.S. citizenship is attained. If U.S. citizenship is not obtained during the six year period, the candidate will no longer be legally eligible to continue employment. In order to qualify for an Alien Provisional Certificate, the candidate must:

• Be a resident alien (green card), and
• File a “declaration of intent” to become a U.S. citizen.

Teaching certification requirements vary from state to state and some states do not have a U.S. citizenship requirement to become certified to teach. We are willing and able to provide students who complete the DragonsTeach certification requirements (including student teaching) with a formal letter documenting the completion of a Pennsylvania-approved teacher certification program and verifying their preparation for the teaching profession. The U.S. Department of Education (DoE) offers a map to assist students in linking directly to departments of education and bureaus of professional certification in other states. You may also find the following websites useful:

New Jersey Department of Education Certification & Induction

Delaware Department of Education Teacher Licensure

Schedule a Consultation

International students that wish to participate in the DragonsTeach program should schedule a consultation with Drexel’s International Students and Scholar Services Office (ISSS). Before reaching out to the ISSS office, please talk to the DragonsTeach advisor to have a discussion about your options.

International Students & Scholars Services:

3210 Chestnut Street Creese Student Center, Suite 215
Philadelphia, PA 19104
isss@drexel.edu

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Walk-in Advising Hours: Monday–Friday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.