Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
Drexel University School of Education - Online
The Post Bachelor’s Baccalaureate Teaching Certification program in Elementary Education (grades PreK-4), Middle Level (grades 4-8), and Secondary Education (grades 7-12) are designed for professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and who seek to qualify for Pennsylvania state teacher certification at the elementary or secondary level. Drexel also offers a dual certification option for middle level and secondary education.
What Can You Do with a Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification?
The curriculum for this teacher certification program is designed for those changing careers into the education field, as well as those who already serve as temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers and wish to earn a formal teaching credential.
Students who wish to complete a master’s degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum have the opportunity to transfer the credits earned in the Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate. into the MS in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum.
The teacher certification program at Drexel University’s School of Education prepares students for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate.
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program Options
Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate: Elementary Education (Grades PreK-4)
The Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education (Grades PreK-4) is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and who seek to qualify for PA state teacher certification at the elementary level. The curriculum is designed for those changing careers as well as those who already serve as temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers and wish to earn a formal teaching credential.
The program’s coursework is comprised of 42 credit hours (14 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching.
The Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate: Elementary Education (Grades PreK-4) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.
Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate: Middle Level (Grades 4-8)
Drexel's Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate in Middle Level (grades 4-8) is ideal for students who would like to teach middle school students in the areas of Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. In addition to gaining knowledge of effective teaching methods, students will also learn how to create culturally responsive pedagogy and create a safe, productive, and positive classroom environment that facilitates learning for all students.
The program's coursework is comprised of 33 credit hours (13 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching.
The Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate: Middle Level (Grades 4-8) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.
Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate: Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
The Post Bachelor’s Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and who seek to qualify for PA state teacher certification at the secondary level. The curriculum is designed for those changing careers as well as those who already serve as temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers and wish to earn a formal teaching credential.
The program’s coursework is comprised of 30 credit hours (11 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching.
The Post Bachelor's Teaching Certificate: Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.
Certification Areas
The School of Education offers eight content-specific areas of study each leading to their own certifications with required courses and Praxis exams:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
Pennsylvania Teaching Certification Requirements
Once a student has successfully completed their course of study and all exams required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Drexel recommends the student to the PDE for issuance of the appropriate teaching certificate.
Instructional I Teacher Certification
Pennsylvania’s initial state certification is known as “Instructional I” and is valid for a total of six years. (The six years need not be continuous.) To continue teaching after six years, teachers must receive an Instructional II Certification.
Instructional II Teacher Certification
The Instructional II Certification is considered a “permanent” certification. (It must, however, be renewed every five years through the fulfillment of continuing education requirements.) A teacher applying for Instructional II Certification must have:
- Instructional I Certification
- A minimum of three years and a maximum of six years of teaching experience on an Instructional I Teaching Certificate
- 24 semester-hour (or 36 quarter-hour) credits beyond a bachelor’s degree Completion of an induction program (generally provided by a teacher’s school of employment)
Required Exams for Elementary Certification (Grades PreK–4)
The PA Educator Certification Tests (PECT) are required for Elementary Certification (Grades PreK–4). Students are required to take the appropriate exam for each area of certification sought.
For more information about examinations and registration, visit the PA Educator Certification Tests (PECT).
Required Exams for Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
All Post Bachelor’s students seeking certification in Secondary Certification (Grades 7–12) are required to pass the Praxis II Series. Students must pass the appropriate Praxis II Content Knowledge test(s) for each area of certification they wish to obtain.
For more information about examination and registration, please visit the Praxis Series.
How to Maintain a Valid Teacher Certification through Act 48
To maintain Instructional I and Instructional II Certifications in Pennsylvania, the PDE requires a certified teacher to complete the minimal equivalent of six semester-hour (or nine quarter-hour) credits, 180 professional development hours, or a combination of credits and professional development hours every five years. College credits must be acquired from an accredited four-year, degree-granting college or university.
Note: For those working to acquire Instructional II Certification, the 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits needed to apply for Instructional II may also count toward Act 48 requirements. Undergraduate credits from a community college may not be counted toward Act 48 credits for Instructional II Certification.
For more information and to apply credits to your state record, visit the PA Department of Education Act 48 Continuing Professional Education.
How to Apply to the Teacher Certification Program
Drexel University's Post-Bachelor's Teacher Certification programs are offered 100% online. You can get started by filling out the appropriate Drexel Online Application: