transferring teaching certificates to PA question... (Harrisburg, York: appointed, real estate, credit)

[indigohope]

hi everyone -- here's a good question for you all. (I noticed a few PA teachers on this board)

I have taught in MA for 8 years now. I am a high school business teacher. I am hoping to teach in PA when we move to PA in the next couple years.

Will my certification automatically transfer? Will I have to take additional tests (PRAXIS, ETC.)? In MA, we did not have to test (grandfathered), just had to get my masters degree in addition to our bachelors, certification program. I would love to be 'all set' with my certification, and just be able to teach.

Any help is very much appreciated! Thanks!

[Oldiebutgoodie26]

PA has very tough standards for teachers. I'm very glad that I went to school here, and not in another state. PA REQUIRES you to take the PRAXIS, if you haven't already. Go to the PA Dept of Ed website, and read it carefully. I'm pretty sure that you will have to take that test before you become certified. And when you move, start taking those Act 48 credits immediately. It's not a problem when you are working full-time for a district (Ah, the great challenge- landing that teaching job in PA!), but if you are subbing and money is tight- well, good luck!

[turboredcart]

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/

I know I was disappointed when I learned real estate credits over so many years old expire.

[Nicvic]

We are also considering a move, and when I looked on the GA website, they say they have reciprocity with PA. Ga teachers are required to take the Praxis (soon to be the GACE) but I was exempted because my degree and original certification was through FL. FL also had reciprocity with GA, so I just filled out paperwork and sent in a small paperwork fee...

[Nicvic]

Boo hoo hoo~~~~

Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement with 45 other states/jurisdictions based upon the mutually agreed-upon conditions of that contract. It should be noted, however, that in all cases, candidates for Pennsylvania certification must complete the Praxis tests required by Pennsylvania. In order for this Bureau to evaluate an application using the Interstate Agreement, the candidate must provide verification that he/she has:


Been awarded a baccalaureate degree
Completed a state-approved teacher education program, including a supervised student teaching experience, leading to a comparable or broader certificate in the member state

Received the recommendation from the certification officer at the college or university on an application form designated by this Bureau

Complied with all ancillary requirements, including Pennsylvania tests and college minimum grade-point average

Met all Pennsylvania requirements related to citizenship as well as moral, ethical and physical/mental fitness


Candidates who possess a valid and comparable (in subject and grade level scope) certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be issued a Professional Instructional II certificate. The applicant will not be asked to complete any additional requirements for that certificate, including Praxis Series tests.


The following sections of the Interstate Agreement have not been signed by Pennsylvania:


Alternative preparation or alternative certification

Certification and experience without having completed an approved program

Vocational, educational specialist, administrator or supervisor


As of April 2001, the following states/jurisdictions have agreed to sign a contract with Pennsylvania:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California
6. Colorado
7. Connecticut
8. Delaware
9. District of Columbia
10. Florida
11. Georgia
12. Hawaii
13. Idaho
14. Illinois
15. Indiana 16. Kansas
17. Kentucky
18. Louisiana
19. Maine
20. Maryland
21. Massachusetts
22. Michigan
23. Mississippi
24. Montana
25. Nebraska
26. Nevada
27. New Hampshire
28. New Jersey
29. New Mexico
30. New York
31. North Carolina
32. North Dakota
33. Ohio
34. Oklahoma
35. Oregon
36. Rhode Island
37. South Carolina
38. Tennessee
39. Texas
40. Utah
41. Vermont
42. Virginia
43. Washington
44. West Virginia
45. Wyoming

[indigohope]

yes, thanks--
the way it is worded online at the PA department of Ed website is unclear.

It is unclear to if I have to take the PRAXIS test or not. I have my Masters +60 credits, 8 years of teaching experience, and my certificate.

I am hoping that I just pay my fee, fill out a form, and get my certificate (like many other states do).

Sounds like that is the possibility.

Thanks everyone

[Oldiebutgoodie26]

Lemme speak of a tale of the PA Dept of Ed. I was certified in PA, then moved to the DC area and taught for ten years. When I had to return, they told me, "Yes, the credits you took in DC will transfer to PA." When I arrived, guess what? They did not transfer, and I had three months to take two grad-level classes for the Act 48 credits. I had to physically drive to Harrisburg and talk to actual people who told me, "Nope, you must take more classes, and pay for them yourself." Welcome back!

My advice? Prepare to take the PRAXIS. I would say, call Harrisburg, but no one answers the phone, and they usually do not give you correct information if you DO actually get a hold of a human being. "It is unclear" is a mantra here. Ask, get confirmation, and get a second confirmation. Good luck!

[indigohope]

it all sounds too familiar....

in Massachusetts, our dept. of Ed. is very similar.

Never a straight answer.....we take too many courses, sometimes the wrong courses out of error on the dept of ed's part! Never get a person on the phone, etc. etc.

My hubby better get a huge pay raise from his promotion/transfer so I can just be a substitute so I don't have to go through the stress of getting a "real job" or the hassle of taking more classes. What a hassle.

I took so many courses in my lifetime to get this far as a teacher. Max'ing out here in Massachusetts at M+60 -- I won't allow myself to take another class!

Thank you for all your info, and I know I believe it all! Mass. is the same exact way -- they don't make it easy for us, that is for sure!

Take care everyone I will post my next question.....all about subbing, you'll see next see ya !

[outaPA]

I don't remember you stating which area of the state you may be locating to. I believe (not sure) there may be more job opportunities on the eastern end of the state. Here in western PA, there are more teachers than jobs because of a declining population. There are about a dozen or more colleges and universities graduating more teachers than jobs for them. Many leave to go out of state to teach.

The PA Dept. of Educ. makes it all as difficult as they can. As you gathered from its own website, there are a lot of vague incongruities to what they dictate. And as another poster mentioned, IF they answer their phone, you may or may not get a correct answer anyway. It is maddening. They are very big on Praxis Tests here. There is also a new law that to keep your PA certificate from expiring (even if you got a certificate here originally and are living out of state, you must get 180 hours of Act 48 credits within 5 years to keep it current. This is EVERY 5 years. If you are full time with a school district, they will have free in-service programs where you can pick this up. If not working full time, oh well.

Rather than keep banging around their website, I guess I would probably call and give someone the specifics of your particular scenario, and see what they tell you to do. But yes, a $140 Praxis ( registration fee + test fee) for one test is the minimum you may need. I think Elementary must take multiple tests.

[UKgirl2012]

I am about to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Special Education and I want to teach in PA very much. If I am certified in Kentucky, can I start teaching in PA before I take the Praxis exam? I've encountered a couple websites that say PA accepts KY certification, but yet again, their website is really confusing...