Alternative Certification
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Alternative Certification provides an alternate pathway for early educators to attain their Level I Instructional Certificate for PreK-4 Teacher Certification. This program is a PA Department of Education (PDE) approved program.
Using a cohort model, PHMC helps teachers with a bachelor’s degree achieve their Level 1 Certification, which is the entry point into teaching PreK in Pennsylvania.
- Level 1 (or Initial) Certification is a provisional license for new or out-of-state teachers and is required to be employed by the School District and PreK Counts programs.
- Certification involves meeting minimum education requirements and required competencies, completing a supervised student teaching experience and passing the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification exam.
Supports participants through the three aspects of achieving a Level 1 Certification:
- Provides PDE-approved minimum education requirements
- Coordinates supervised student teaching placements and supports participants during the student teaching experience
- Offers test prep resources and vouchers to take the PA Teacher Certification Exam
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Eligibility Criteria
Early educators in Pennsylvania
Must hold a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for teacher certification
Referral Process
Educators (or prospective educators) may enroll directly. A provider may also connect a participant.
Serving Pennsylvania
All counties in Pennsylvania