Frequently Asked Questions

Science Education at ESU

ESU Department of Physics

Note: There is a lot of stuff here. If you don't see your question, try searching for a keyword. It may turn up something that addresses your question.

Picking a major as an undergraduate
  • I want to become a science teacher. Do I major in Secondary Education or the area in which I want to teach?
  • Do I need to major in each area that I want to teach?
    Options for those who already have an undergraduate degree
  • How do I go about getting my teaching certification if I already have a degree?
  • Are there any options that allow me to start teaching right away?
    Certification areas
  • What certification areas do I need to have in order to teach what I want?
  • What is the difference between Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science and Environmental Education?
  • What certification do I need to teach middle school?
  • I already have teaching certification in one area. How do I go about adding another certification area?
  • Why all the changes to the certification requirements?
  • I'd like to get a certification that ESU doesn't offer. What can I do?
    Necessary coursework and GPA
  • What courses do I need in order to receive certification in the areas I want to teach?
  • If I already have an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree, do I really need to take all of those education classes?
  • I am transferring to ESU. Who decides whether my courses will count toward the certification requirements? What about the general university requirements?
  • Is there a minimum GPA I need to satisfy? What is it?
  • If I need a 3.0, will a 2.98 count? How close to the cut-off can I be?
  • What courses count toward the GPA requirement?
  • I've heard different things about the GPA requirement from different people and schools. What's the deal with that?
    PRAXIS exams
  • What is a PRAXIS exam?
  • When should I take the PRAXIS exams?
  • Which PRAXIS II (content or subject specialty) exam do I take?
  • Do I have to take the Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge PRAXIS exam?
  • I want to teach in New Jersey (or another state). Are the requirements any different?
  • I want to get certified in multiple areas. Do I need to take a PRAXIS exam for each area?
  • Is there a minimum score I need to get in my PRAXIS exam?
  • There is no qualifying score for the PRAXIS exam I need to take. What does that mean?
  • Pennsylvania keeps changing the requirements for certification. Do my old PRAXIS test scores still count?
    Finding a position
  • I've finally gotten my certification. How do I find a teaching position?
  • What is a typical salary for a first-year teacher?
  • How do I go about getting a teaching position in another state?
  • What problems do beginning teachers typically encounter?
    Other questions
  • For more information see the Pennsylvania Department of Education site. You can also go to their teaching page and click on "Commonly Asked Questions" (see sidebar on left).
  • What can I expect my first year of teaching?" (a publication from the U.S. Department of Education)

  • I want to become a science teacher. Do I major in Secondary Education or the area in which I want to teach?

    Technically, you will major in the area in which you will be teaching and you have an adviser from that area who will guide you on the appropriate courses to take within your concentration area. However, you will also be assigned an advisor in the department of Professional and Secondary Education, who will guide you on the appropriate professional education courses to take.

    Do I need to major in each area that I want to teach?

    No. However, if you have fulfilled the requirements for the certification area, you probably have fulfilled the requirements for the associated major as well.

    How do I go about getting my teaching certification if I already have a degree?

    If you already have a degree, you don't need to get another one in order to get certified. All you need is to meet the content and pedagogy requirements associated with the certificate you are seeking. Certification is given by Pennsylvania but only upon the recommendation of an approved institution. Each college in Pennsylvania has a different agreement with the state as to what courses are required for recommendation. Consequently, what is required by ESU might be different from what is required by other colleges.

    The content requirements are specified as a list of courses in the certification subject and related areas (see below). These courses make up the bulk of the major courses in the undergraduate program corresponding to the certification you wish to get. For example, for physics, one needs to demonstrate proficiency in the courses listed as part of the undergraduate B.A. degree in physics.

    In addition to the content courses, you also have to take a series of pedagogy (education) courses. There are seven all together plus a semester of student teaching. [note: Don't want to take all those education classes? See below]

    The program you enroll under depends on the number of courses you need and your goal:

    1. Undergraduate Degree: You can enroll in the undergraduate degree program corresponding to the certification you wish to get. Like any other undergraduate, you will have two advisors (see question above) and will need to complete the undergraduate degree requirements, which includes the general education requirements as well as the certification requirements.

      This option is sometimes chosen by those who have a degree in a non-science field and thus lack most of the science courses needed for certification. As a result, many of the courses to be taken are at the undergraduate level and wouldn't count towards a graduate degree.

    2. Masters in Secondary Education: This program is the most popular one for those already possessing a degree in the certification field. The program is mostly education content with a couple of science classes. It is supervised by the secondary education department. You will have only one advisor, i.e., someone in PSED (Professional and Secondary Education). However, since the person who decides whether you have met the content requirements for the certification area will be someone in the content area, it is best to keep in touch with that someone (or someones) from the get-go.

      Although most students choosing this program have already completed the bulk of their science courses before enrolling, students can enter this program without having much science background. The science content is taken at the undergraduate level, so it doesn't count toward the graduate degree. Still, the education coursework does count toward the graduate degree, and that may be desirable in terms of salary scales and such.

      Note: As mentioned above, you don't need to get a degree to get certification. Certificition only requires that you take the courses specified for certification. In some cases, you may have satisfied the requirements for certification but not the degree, in which case you are free to leave with just your certification if that's all you want. In fact, many who choose this option never complete the degree.

      As a graduate student in this program, you have some additional options. In the intern teaching program, after completing a portion of the educational requirements, you get a temporary certificate allowing you to teach while you finish the rest of your coursework. This temporary certificate is called an intern certificate. For more information on the intern certificate, see below. You can, in addition to the intern certification or as a replacement, enroll in the master's program (see the PSED department). You complete some additional coursework and end up with a master's degree along with the certification.

    3. Non-Degree Graduate: Anyone with an undergraduate degree can enroll as a non-degree graduate student. Thus, if you are only interested in the certification and not the degree, you can enroll as a non-degree student and just take the necessary science and education coursework needed for certification. This is an option initially, but it isn't suggested you do this permanently, as you would lack the necessary direction from the PSED and content departments.

    4. M.Ed. in General Science: Since this program is mostly science content with a couple of education classes, this program is not designed for those who don't already possess certification. It is supervised by the science departments and is designed mainly for those who already have certication in science and wish to continue their education in both science and education. Some people complete the M.Ed. in General Science along with, or in place of, the Masters in Secondary Education, but these people already have the content background necessary to take science coursework at the graduate level.

    5. M.S. in Biology or General Science: Since this program is entirely science content, it is not designed for those who don't already possess certification. It is supervised by the science departments and is designed mainly for those who already have a strong science background and wish to continue studying science at the graduate level.

    Are there any options that allow me to start teaching right away?

    There are three options available to those who do not want to (or cannot due to financial reasons) devote a year of your life to education coursework before teaching.

    1. Intern Certificate: One option is to obtain an intern teaching certificate. The requirements for intern certification vary with institution. Some require a summer experience/coursework. At ESU, you are required to complete all of your content coursework, pass all of the required PRAXIS exams and complete the following three pedagogy courses: PSED516 (Learner and the Learning Process), PSED520 (Seminar I) and PSED546 (Teaching of Science in Secondary Schools). Past interns have said that an intern should also take PSED505 (Classroom Management and Discipline Models) before starting an intern position. For more information on ESU's requirements, contact ESU's Professional and Secondary Education department.

      You can, of course, complete more but this are the minimum. There is also a minimum GPA requirement.

      In the intern teaching program, after completing these requirements, you get a temporary certificate (called the intern certificate) allowing you to teach while you finish the rest of your coursework. The intern certificate is good for three years.

      Note: As an intern, you do not get the benefit of having a cooperating teacher who can mentor you and allow you to slowly take on more and more of the teaching responsibilities (which consists of a lot more than just teaching) under their guidance. On the other hand, as an intern, you get to choose what school and position you ultimately end up in (you interview for an intern position the same way you would interview for any other teaching position). So, if you don't mind learning on your own and are prepared for days when nothing seems to work yet you have to make do on your own, the intern avenue may be what you are looking for.

      For more information about Pennsylvania's intern certificate, see the PA Dept of Education's page on the intern teaching program. The relevant legislation is in the Chapter 49 regulations (scroll down to section 91).

      Note: You can, in addition to the intern certification or as a replacement, enroll in the master's program (see the PSED department) so that, with some additional coursework, you'll end up with a master's degree along with the certification.

    2. Another option is emergency certification. When a school has an opening and no fully qualified and properly certified applicant is available, the school can apply for temporary emergency certification on your behalf (apparently this is done Form PDE 338-E but I cannot find this form on the PDE web site). According to the relevant PA regulations (Chapter 49, section 31), "the Department may issue an emergency permit for service in the public schools, at the request of the employing public school entity, to an applicant who is a graduate of a 4-year college or university to fill a professional vacancy when a fully qualified and properly certificated applicant is not available." This means that a school district can only hire you with an emergency certificate if no other applicant is properly qualified. Such a restriction is apparently not the case for intern certificate holders (although I've heard that some school districts mistakenly think so).

      It is important to note that the emergency certificate (unlike the intern certificate) is obtained through the school that is hiring you, not ESU. It is up to you to find a school that is willing to fill out the appropriate form and argue that no properly certified applicant was available.

      Note: A similar "emergency certificate" option is available in New Jersey, where schools can provide you with a one-year temporary provisional certificate or a one-year emergency certificate under certain circumstances.

    3. A third option is to teach at a private school. Some schools require their teachers to hold Pennsylvania public school certification. Others do not. You need to check with each school to find what their expectations are. If you do not have a certificate, you can get a Private Academic Certificates (Secondary Teacher) by having an undergraduate degree with at least 18 credits in the subject matter field and either (a) 6 credits of education coursework or (b) one year of successful teaching.

    What certification areas do I need to have in order to teach what I want?

    The types of certificates that are available in Pennsylvania and the courses that each certificate allows you to teach is governed by the Certification and Staffing Policies and Guidelines (CSPG), published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Certification/course relationships in other states may vary. What follows describes the certificates available in Pennsylvania. For information about Environmental Education, see next question.

    For information about teaching at the middle school, see the question on middle school certification.

    Note: Prior to July 1, 2004, there was a single CSPG for all of the secondary science disciplines (Science Certification and Assignment Scope 7-12). In secondary (grades 7-12) science, there were four basic certification areas: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. Certification in a particular area permits you to teach that subject, and that subject only (or something similar), in the high school. The only exception was the general science certificate, which permitted you to teach all the science subjects at the middle level (as well as general science in grades 7-12). From September 22, 2003 to October 21, 2003, new/updated CSPGs were presented for public review and comment. The old CSPG is no longer available on the PDE website.

    What is the difference between Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science and Environmental Education?

    All of the secondary certifications listed above allow one to teach a course on Environmental Science, as long as the focus is strictly on science. If the course also looks at the legal and social issues concerning the environment, none of those science certifications may be sufficient.

    To teach such a course, one needs to obtain the K-12 certificate in Environmental Education, which is is K-12 (i.e., elementary and secondary). ESU does not offer that certification. However, a new Pennsylvania regulation allows you to add Environmental Education certification simply by passing the PRAXIS exam in Environmental Education (10830). For more information, see next question.

    The environmental education certificate also qualifies you to teach environmental science in grades 7-12 and "science instruction, adjusted to the students' abilities when below proficient" at the middle level. For more information on the Environmental Education certificate, see CSPG No. 43: Environmental Education.

    Note: Since the Environmental Education certificate is a K-12 certificate, you would normally have to take the "Fundamental Subjects" test (which is required of K-12 certificates). However, if you already have your secondary certificate, you don't need to take the "Fundamental Subjects" test when you add the Environmental Education certficate. You only need the PRAXIS exam in Environmental Education (10830). See here for more information.

    What certification do I need to teach middle school?

    All of the secondary science certificates listed above allow you to teach science down to grade 7.

    If you do not have a science certificate, starting in January, 2003, Pennsylvania starting offering a middle school certificate (see CSPG No. 54: Middle Level Science Grades 7-9) that qualifies you to teach science courses in grades 7-9 and science only at grade 6. This certificate can only be obtained by passing the Middle School Science Test #10439 (once you have some other certificate).

    The middle school science certificate is not necessary if you already have a secondary science certificate because they all allow you to provide "science instruction, adjusted to the students' abilities when below proficient" at the middle level. All of the relevant CSPG's state this (it isn't clear why the biology guidelines state one can teach any science course at the middle level and then qualifies it for student abilities below proficient). Be aware, however, that some schools may desire a middle school certificate or a secondary science certificate in the subject area.

    Note: Prior to January, 2003, certification in elementary education alone was sufficient in some cases to teach any course at the middle-school level (including science).

    Note: Starting January 1, 2013, the middle school certificate will no longer be obtainable as an add-on certificate via taking the PRAXIS exam. According to the new Chapter 49 regulations, to get the middle school certificate, you will have to complete an approved program in middle school certification (grades 4-8). However, once one middle school certification is obtained in one subject area, you can add other middle school subject areas by taking the appropriate PRAXIS exam.

    I already have teaching certification in one area. How do I go about adding another certification area?

    The process seems to change every ten years or so.

    Currently, you can add certain instructional areas (all middle and secondary areas are included) to an existing Instructional certificate by taking, and passing, the corresponding PRAXIS II exam (see which PRAXIS II exam should I take? for more information) and completing Form 338 G with the words "ADD-ON" printed on the top, along with a copy of the current Pennsylvania certificate, a copy of the PRAXIS score report (with the qualifying score) and a money order for $15 (payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). [reference]

    Starting in January 2013, people who hold certification in a secondary area will no longer be able to add middle school certification in this way (and, visa-versa, people who hold middle school certification will no longer be able to add secondary certification in this way). However, you can still add additional instructional areas to your certificate as long as new area is at the same instructional level (i.e., secondary or middle). It isn't clear if one would still be able to add a K-12 certificate (like the Environmental Education certificate) but the new regulations do not say you can't. See the FAQ page on the new Chapter 49 regulations (question 7 of "Non-Traditional Programs" section) for more information.

    Prior to January 2003, the requirements were the same regardless of whether you already held certification in another area or not. That meant that you needed to complete an approved program to add an instructional area.

    Between January 2003 and June 2006, PA had Bridge Certificate Program for people who were already teaching middle school but who did not hold a middle school or secondary certificate in the subject area. It required the teacher to have taught at least 2 years in the content area. In the program, teachers had to obtain 28 "points" to receive their certification. Points were awarded for the following areas:

    The process was broken down into two parts: phase I and phase II. Ten points must have been obtained during phase I and 18 more points must have been obtained during phase II. Since PA teachers are required to have 180 hours of "professional education" or "postsecondary courses" every five years, if you taught for five years you should have already amassed at least 16 points. The reason why this program ended in June 2006 was because by June 30, 2006, all PA teachers were supposed to be fully qualified (according to No Child Left Behind).

    Why all the changes to the certification requirements?

    Many of the regulations in place today trace their evolution to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. The act required school districts to ensure that all of their teaachers were highly qualified by 2006. Pennsylvania already had a tougher standard in some respects (see Chapter 354, Section 22 of Title 22) but with NCLB school districts couldn't get by with teachers who were teaching outside of their certification area (usually teachers in middle school holding an elementary ed certificate). To address this, PA's approach was to lower the standard of certification so these teachers could get certified.

    The first step toward this happened on November 14, 2002, when the Pennsylvania State Board of Education passed a resolution that allowed all current holders of teaching certificates to add secondary or middle-level certificates simply by passing the corresponding PRAXIS exam (the exact wording was "Resolved: That certified teachers in Pennsylvania might add instructional certificate areas by passing content area tests in the areas to be certified").

    Unfortunately, the content area tests proved to be very difficult for those teaching in middle school. Consequently, this regulation was clarified in a January 10, 2003. This memorandum introduced the idea of "middle-level" certification and stated that to add middle-level science, you must pass the PRAXIS Middle School Science Test #10439 and to add middle-level math, you must pass the PRAXIS Middle School Math Test #20069. A second memorandum on January 14, 2003, stated the secondary math and science areas (physics, chemistry, biology, general science and earth/space science) can be added by taking the corresponding PRAXIS exam. For more information on the PRAXIS exams (such as cut-off scores, test numbers, etc.), see below.

    In 2008, Pennsylvania instituted new regulations (see Chapter 49), which go into effect in January 2013. One piece of this was the creation of a new middle school certification program for grades 4-8. Another piece requires cousrework in "adaptations and accommodations" and "English Language Learners" (ELL).

    I'd like to get a certification that ESU doesn't offer. What can I do?

    One option is to go to seek the certification through coursework at another college or university in Pennsylvania. Check out the Pennsylvania Department of Education's list of approved certification programs.

    If you already have certification in one area, you may be able to add the additional certification via a PRAXIS exam. See above.

    What courses do I need in order to receive certification in the areas I want to teach?

    For all students, the courses required for certification are the same courses as those listed in the undergraduate catalog for the major. The coursework falls into two areas: content coursework and pedagogy coursework.

    Note: In addition to the pedagogy and content courses listed below, the state also requires two math courses and two English courses (one composition and one literature; see Memorandum 04, which states that you must have "3 semester hours of English/American literature"; ESU has interpreted this to mean that the literature must be translated into English/American, which means you can study Don Quixote, as long as it is translated into English). As of September 1, 2009, applicants have the option of demonstrating competency and fulfilling the Mathematics and/or English requirements by taking an exam or AP course even when no formal credit is awarded by ESU. For example, if you have taken and passed calculus, you may not need to take a second math course if you can demonstrate competency in a lower-level math course (like precalc) via an exam.

    The pedagogy coursework consist of seven courses in education. The names of the courses depend on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student:
    UndergraduateGraduate
    PSED161 Foundations of Education PSED510 The Teacher and the School Community
    PSED242 Educational Psychology PSED516 The Learner and the Learning Process
    MCOM242 Educational Communications MCOM520 Selection and Utilization of Instructional Media
    REED321 Teaching of Reading in the Secondary School REED527 Reading in the Content Area
    PSED420 Seminar in Secondary Education I PSED520 Seminar in Secondary Education I
    PSED421 Seminar in Secondary Education II PSED521 Seminar in Secondary Education II
    PSED446 Teaching of Science in Secondary Schools PSED546 Teaching of Science in Secondary Schools
    Note: In 2008, Pennsylvania instituted new regulations (see Chapter 49), which go into effect in January 2013. One piece of this was the creation of a new middle school certification program for grades 4-8. Another piece requires cousrework in "adaptations and accommodations" and "English Language Learners" (ELL). Thus, if you expect to receive your certification after December 31, 2012, you will need a different sequence of courses than the ones listed above. The new sequence should be available starting in Fall, 2009. Once the new sequence is approved, I will list the sequence here.

    The content coursework consist of the science courses and are usually somewhat equivalent to the coursework required for a B.A. in the content area.

  • Biology: For more information, see the Biology section of the catalog under Bachelor of Science Biology major (Secondary Education).
  • Chemistry: For more information, see the Chemistry section of the catalog under Bachelor of Science Chemistry major (Secondary Education).
  • Earth/Space: For more information, see the Earth and Space Science section of the catalog under Bachelor of Science Earth and Space Science major (Secondary Education).
  • General Science: For more information, see the General Science section of the catalog under Bachelor of Science General Science major (Secondary Education).
  • Physics: For more information, see the Physics section of the catalog under Bachelor of Science Physics major (Secondary Education).

    For each certification area you are interested in, make sure you see the contact person in that area (for undergraduates, this would be your advisor):

  • Biology: For biology certification, see Professor Brunkard (x3705) in Biology.
  • Chemistry: For chemistry certification, see Professor Doherty (x3244) in Chemistry.
  • Earth/Space, General Science, and/or Physics: For all other science certifications (General Science, Physics, Earth&Space Science), see Professor Cohen (x3428) in Physics or pick up the transfer information forms outside his office (208 Gessner; also available in Word format).

    Note: For transfers and those already possessing a degree, the three people listed here are the ones who handle the evaluation of your previous transcripts to determine the extent to which you have met the criteria for certification and, if not, which coursework still needs to be completed.

    If I already have an undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree, do I really need to take all of those education classes?

    Many people who already hold an undergraduate degree in the content area prefer to go directly into teaching without the education coursework. This is not considered to be a viable option because we feel the education classes provide the candidates with crucial experiences. It has been our experience that those who do not complete the coursework are not adequately prepared. See above for some options.

    However, faster-track options may be available elsewhere. When choosing a program, consider the following recommendations listed in A Difficult Balance: Incentives and Quality Control in Alternative Certification Programs.

  • Consider carefully whether a fast-track program is right for you. Completing training and having a license does not make one ready to teach. Candidates should candidly assess whether they have solid knowledge in their subject area and adequate practice using it; whether they have sufficient experience working with youth; and whether they are familiar with, and comfortable working in, schools today.
  • Choose a program that fits your career plans and training needs. Consider locally-grounded programs vs. statewide programs vs. longer, more comprehensive programs; pay particular attention to whether access is available to expert training in how to teach the subject and experience working with teachers and students in the kind of setting you plan to enter and whether you will be able to practice under the supervision of a skilled mentor.
  • Prepare for continuous learning in a teaching career. Search for a job in a school where continuous learning is the norm; try to secure a job before the program begins. Recognize that the training is designed to offer an adequate start to teaching, not to sustain candidates over the long-term. Therefore, identify various strategies for finding resources, securing support, and learning new skills over the course of a career.

    I am transferring to ESU. Who decides whether my courses will count toward the certification requirements? What about the general university requirements?

    The faculty in the certification area (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, etc.) decide what counts toward the particular certification requirements. The PSED faculty, however, make decisions on the education and general education courses.

    Is there a minimum GPA I need to satisfy? What is it?

    Yes, there is a minimum GPA you need to satisfy. There is one GPA requirement to get into the program (i.e., get screened in) and another GPA requirement to exit the program (i.e., obtain certification).

    • Entrance Requirements:

      Undergraduates typically don't screen in until their sophomore or junior year - see the secondary education department for more information. Graduate students typically screen as early as possible.

      As of August 22, 2002, to get admitted into the ESU teacher education program, you must have at least a 2.8 overall grade point average and pass the Praxis I exam (before August 31, 2003, the Praxis I exam was not required for admission). You also need two math courses and two English courses (one composition and one literature; see above for specifics).

      Note: Starting Fall, 2003, ESU students must have a 2.5 in order to take the Educational Psychology (or Learner and the Learning Process) course. If you already have an undergraduate degree or are a transfer student with coursework elsewhere, you will need at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA to be in the teacher preparation program. If you don't have that GPA, you can enter as a non-degree student or in another major, take content coursework, pass Praxis I and pursue initial education courses. If you attain a B or better in each course taken, you can then reapply for the teacher education program (or change your major, if you are an undergraduate student).

    • Exit Requirements:

      To exit the program and get certified, you must have at least a 3.0 overall grade point average (before August 31, 2003, the requirement was 2.8). Again, each certification area may have their own requirements in addition to this.

      Note: According to an October 5, 2009, memorandum, one can receive certification with as low as a 2.8 grade point average if you have earned a score on the subject area PRAXIS exam that is at least one standard error of measure above the established qualifying score for that assessment.

    If I need a 3.0, will a 2.98 count? How close to the cut-off can I be?

    According to PA regulations, the cut-off is rounded to the tenth place (e.g., 3.0 or 2.8). However, ESU follows a more stringent standard because its grades are reported to the hundredth place. As such, all of the GPA requirements must be interpreted as rounding to the hundredth place (e.g., 3.00 or 2.80). This is a requirement specific to this college. Other colleges may round to the tenth (following the PA regulations).

    What courses count toward the GPA requirement?

    • Entrance Requirements:

      For entrance into the program, the grade point average is obtained via your ESU courses only (both in the major and outside the major), unless you have more than 12 hours of coursework taken elsewhere. In that case, the combined average will be used.

      Note: If you already hold an advanced degree, you don't need to include your undergraduate GPA in the entrance requirement (see Memorandum 07).

      Note: If you hold an emergency permit, you can take up to nine credits on a provisional basis and then use those credits for the GPA requirement (see Memorandum 06).

      Note: Students may appeal to request the use or non-use of transfer courses to be used in calculating the QPA for admission, but if they are used, all courses taken at other institutions must be used, not only selected ones.

    • Exit Requirements:

      For exit from the program, the ESU average (all courses) will be used, regardless of how many courses were taken elsewhere.

      Note: individual majors may have separate content-specific GPA requirements. Thus, you may meet the GPA requirement for one certification but not another.

    I've heard different things about the GPA requirement from different people and schools. What's the deal with that?

    These regulations are stipulated by the state so ESU has only a little bit of leeway in regard to minimum grade point averages. Still, there is some ambiguity about the state regulations and so other institutions in Pennsylvania may have slightly different interpretations of the Pennsylvania regulations. In addition, to clarify the regulation, Pennsylvania has put out several memoranda since the original regulation. Consequently, the differences may just be due to the time you happened to inquire about the requirement and chances are the answers would be roughly the same if you asked today.

    As a reference, Memorandum 07 states that "Pennsylvania currently requires an overall GPA requirement of a 3.0 for entry...and exit" so this is the current interpretation followed by ESU.

    To provide some context and history, the legislation governing certification in Pennsylvania (known as Chapter 354; see section 24) specifies that candidates must maintain the following "overall" GPA "in each certificate area":

    • Academic Year: 2001-2002 -- 2.6 GPA
    • Academic Year: 2002-2003 -- 2.8 GPA
    • Academic Year: 2003-2004 -- 3.0 GPA
    Since this section is about obtaining certification, I assume it applies to exit criteria. In addition, since it speaks of the GPA "in each certification area" and maintaining a certain level of performance in "each academic discipline", I assume the GPA requirement is for the major courses, despite their use of the word "overall".

    Part of the problem is that the language is applied to two sets of candidates. One set consists of those "who plan to teach" in an academic discipline. The other set consists of those "who plan to serve" in a certificate category. Within this section, the latter are described as "noninstructional". Consequently, the natural interpretation is to assume that the language used for "certificate categories" does not apply to those seeking secondary science certification. Instead, "certificate area" is interpreted to mean "academic discipline" (since those two phrases seem to be used interchangeably), in keeping with the emphasis later in this same section that "academic content area courses" are to be the same set of core and elective courses in the "bachelor of arts or bachelor of science major academic area the candidates intend to teach."

    The section applying to entrance criteria is in section 31. In this section, there is quite a bit about other options, e.g., a 2.8 GPA (for undergraduates) is okay if a certain score is obtained on the SAT (1050 overall, minimum of 500 on verbal and math portions) or Praxis I exams (still to be determined?).

    In that section, it seems clear that the same GPA requirements are to be applied to those entering a program. It is also clear that the GPA is the overall GPA (see comments on Chapter 354). Since chapter 354 was passed, PDE has issued several memoranda that are meant to clarify the legislation. Relative to exit criteria, a recent PDE memo implies that the GPA requirement is for overall GPA. More specifically, it states that those applicants exiting a program (i.e., applying for certification) submitting a Bachelor's degree transcript need an overall grade point average of:

    • 2.6 for applications received September 1, 2003,
    • 2.8 for applications received September 1, 2004, and
    • 3.0 for applications received September 1, 2005.
    For those submitting a Master's degree transcript, an overall grade point average of 3.0 is needed for applications received September 1, 2003. It is not clear if these dates are the last dates for application or first dates (i.e., the memo does not state whether these are for applications received by or after the dates listed above).

    Relative to entrance criteria, PDE has issued two memoranda. According to PDE memorandum-01, a candidate entering a program must have the above GPA on the "accumulation of 48 credit hours or the full time equivalent of college level study", which seems to imply an overall GPA (as inferred above). However, according to PDE memorandum-02, for candidates entering a program, "the inclusion of elective and transcripted courses is at the discretion of the institution." This seems to imply that it is the content GPA but an institution may choose to also apply the minimum to the overall GPA.

    What is a PRAXIS exam?

    The PRAXIS exam is a test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) periodically throughout the year. Registration fees and test times can be found in the Registration Bulletin, available from the Department of Secondary and Professional Education (2nd floor Stroud Hall), and the Dean of Professional Studies (2nd floor Rosenkranz West).

    There are several exams that are offered. You need to take the four core battery exams (called PRAXIS I; see list immediately below this paragraph) and one subject specialty exam for each area in which you wish to be certified (called PRAXIS II). See your methods instructor for the PRAXIS "Tests at a Glance" booklets, which describe the subject specialty exams in science.

    There are three*1,*3,*4 tests that make up the core battery exams:

    1. PPST: Reading (test code 10710 or 15710); passing score = 172*5
    2. PPST: Writing (test code 20720 or 25720); passing score = 173*5
    3. PPST: Mathematics (test code 10730 or 15730); passing score = 173*5 (no calculator)
    If you need help with these exams, you can check out practice tests on-line via Test Prep Review (not affiliated with ETS).

    The first three can be taken by computer (second test code list above). Notes: see below if any of these past requirements apply to you.

    *1 Before Jan 22, 2002, an additional exam, the Listening Skills exam*2, was required with a cut-off score of 172.
    *2 Before Sep 1, 2001, there was no cutoff for the Listening Skills exam.
    *3 Before September 1, 2000, the core battery exams consisted of three exams:
    1. General Knowledge
    2. Communication Skills
    3. Pedagogy Knowledge
    *4 If you entered the student teaching portion of the program before September 1, 2003, you are also required to take the Principles of Learning & Teaching: Grades 7-12 (test code 30524; passing score = 167) because before that time the statewide performance evaluation and inventory (based on PDE student teaching guidelines requirements) was not used on all student teachers.
    *5 As of September 15, 2005, candidates can pass with lower scores than those indicated provided the total combined score of all three is at least 521. The mininum in each area is 170 for the Writing and Mathematics exams, and 169 for the Reading exam. Note: Prior to January 1, 2009, the minimum was 171 for the Reading and Mathematics exams (the minimum for Writing remains the same at 170).

    When should I take the PRAXIS exams?

    The core battery exams are required in order to get admitted into the Teacher Education Program (see screening in process discussed above). Students are typically formally admitted into the Teacher Education program the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year (prior to that they are considered "pre"-education majors). So, you should probably plan on taking them your second year or so.

    The subject specialty exams are not required until you formally apply for certification. However, it is wise to take them earlier. For example, the earth science exam has a heavy emphasis on geology, so you should probably plan to take that exam immediately following the geomorphology course, if you happen to take that course. In addition, you might find that you don't pass it the first time. Taking it early will give you some time to identify your weaknesses and retake it.

    If you are a graduate student, you might be eligible for intern certification if you pass the praxis exam. That will allow you to accept a choice position if it happens to come up before (or while) you student teach.

    Which PRAXIS II (content or subject specialty) exam do I take?

    The required exam is determined by the state in which you wish to teach. In Pennsylvania, the following exams are required:

    Certification AreaTest titleTest codePA qualifying score*7)
    Biology*1,5 Biology: Content Knowledge 20235 147*3,5 (152)
    Chemistry*2 Chemistry: Content Knowledge 20245 154 (161)
    Earth and Space Science*3 Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge 20571 157 (162)
    General Science*4 General Science: Content Knowledge 10435 146 (152)
    Physics*4 Physics: Content Knowledge 10265*5 140*5 (146)
    Middle Level Science Middle Level Science 7-9 10439 144*6 (150)
    Middle Level Math Middle Level Math 7-9 20069 151*6 (158)
    Environmental Education Environmental Education 10830 600*6 (635)

    Notes: see below if any of these past requirements apply to you.

    *1 Before Nov 1, 1997, the Biology exam was required with a cut-off score of 580
    *2 Before Sep 1, 1998, the Chemistry exam was required with a cut-off score of 500
    *3 Before Sep 1, 1999, the following requirements were in effect
    • The qualifying score for Biology: Content Knowledge, Part I was 144
    • The qualifying score for Biology: Content Knowledge, Part II was 135
    • For Earth and Space Science, the Earth Space Science exam was required with a cut-off score of 570
    *4 Before Sep 1, 2000, the following requirements were in effect
    • For General Science, one could take either the Biology and General Science exam or the Chemistry, Physics and General Science exam; as far as I can tell, the cut-off scores were still waiting final adoption when the tests were replaced
    • For Physics, the Physics exam was required with a cut-off score of 440
    *5 Before Sep 1, 2001, the following requirements were in effect
    • For Physics, the required test was also named Physics: Content Knowledge but it was test code 10261 instead of 10265.
    • For Physics, there was no cut-off score set. It was then changed to 146 and then lowered to 140 (I believe in Jan, 2002)
    • For Biology, there were two tests required: Biology: Content Knowledge, Part I (20231) and Biology: Content Knowledge, Part II (20232), with cut-off scores of 156 and 137, respectively.
    *6 Effective September 1, 2003.
    *7 Effective October 5, 2009, one can receive certification with as low as a 2.8 grade point average if you have earned the score given in parentheses (one standard error above the regular qualifying score).

    Note: If you expect to teach in New Jersey, see the question about teaching in New Jersey.

    Do I have to take the Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge PRAXIS exam?

    No. Secondary areas (grades 7-12) do not have to take that test. However, all other areas (N-3, K-6 and K-12) do.

    I want to teach in New Jersey (or another state). Are the requirements any different?

    Yes. The requirements can vary from state to state in three ways: certification areas, NTE/Praxis Exams, and content background. Some states have a reciprocity agreement that allows teachers in one state to automatically be eligible to teach in another state (see, for example, New York).

    Pennsylvania and New Jersey do not have such an agreement (except via the Meritorious New Teacher Candidate designation; if you have good grades and good PRAXIS scores, this is a good option). So, the information here will focus on how to teach in New Jersey. For general information about certification in New Jersey, see the Licensing and Credentials page from the NJ Dept of Education.

    For other states, see:

    New licensing regulations, N.J.A.C. 6A:9, were adopted by the New Jersey State Board of Education, effective January 20, 2004. Detailed information can be obtained from An Educator's Guide, School Year 2004-2005. In the past, the initial steps for certification in New Jersey was handled through county offices, which oversee their local districts. So, once a position was obtained, candidates went through the county office or the school district (see appendix B of An Educator's Guide, School Year 2004-2005). Now it seems that out-of-state residents should apply through the state office. See page 5 of the Educator's Guide for specifics.

    Basically, if you complete a teaching training program in Pennsylvania, you are eligible for New Jersey certification as long as you complete the required PRAXIS exams (see below; have the scores sent to the NJ Dept of Education) and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.*3 After you graduate, you need to submit (1) a completed application with notarized Oath of Allegiance, (2) official transcripts from ALL schools attended, (3) a verification of program completion form (completed by ESU), and (4) a certified check or money order for the amount of $170 made out to the Commissioner of Education.

    Note: I have been told that NJ is very slow processing applications (e.g., 8 weeks means 4 months). Also, make sure all your material is in exact order according to the website, or they won't even process it. One suggestion is to go to the county office for the school you want to work for and have them check over your credits to make sure you have enough.

    New Jersey has five science certification areas: Biological Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science. The following information can be obtained from New Jersey's list of NTE/Praxis test requirements.
    • Each area requires you to pass General Science: Content Knowledge*1 (10435) with score of 152.
    • For Biological Science, you also need to pass Biology: Content Knowledge*1 (20235) with score of 152.
    • For Earth Science, you also need to pass Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge (20571) with score of 153.
    • For Chemistry*2, you also need to pass Chemistry: Content Knowledge (20245) with score of 152.
    • For Physics*2, you also need to pass Physics: Content Knowledge (20265) with score of 141.
    • For Physical Science, you also need to pass Chemistry: Content Knowledge (20245) with score of 152 and Physics: Content Knowledge (20265) with score of 141.
    Notes:
    *1 Before Dec 1, 2007, the General Science: Content Knowledge/Part 1 exam was required with a cut-off score of 152. In addition, Biology required Biology: Content Knowledge/Part 2 with a score of 147 and General Science: Content Knolwedge/Part 2 with a score of 142.
    *2 Before Jan 20, 2004, there was not a separate chemistry and physics certification. Instead, there was a single physical science certification. There were also requirements in regard to the number of credits you needed in each area. There no longer appears to be such a requirement. However, many schools still like their chemistry and physics teachers to have Physical Science certification since it gives them more flexibility. To get this, you will need 13 credits in physics and 13 credits in chemistry (as well as pass both the 1-hr chemistry exam and the 1-hr physics exam, I believe). Again, see An Educator's Guide, School Year 2004-2005 for more information.
    *3 If you graduated on or after September 1, 2004, you can qualify for New Jersey certification with less than the scores listed above as long as your GPA is 3.50 or higher. See GPA/certification requirements for more information.

    I want to get certified in multiple areas. Do I need to take a PRAXIS exam for each area?

    In Pennsylvania, yes. Starting in November, 1996, all people seeking certification must take the appropriate PRAXIS exam for each area. Those who are already certified in multiple areas need not take additional exams unless they are seeking to add a certification area (see above).

    Is there a minimum score I need to get in my PRAXIS exam?

    The minimum qualifying score is set independently by each state. For the PRAXIS I qualifying scores, see the info on PRAXIS I above. For the PRAXIS II (subject) qualifying scores, see the info on PRAXIS II above. Note: In Pennsylvania, the qualifying score is set only after a study of the exam by the state has been completed. Thus, exams that previously had no set qualifying score now have one.

    There is no qualifying score for the PRAXIS exam I need to take. What does that mean?

    When an exam is first introduced, it takes a few years before a qualifying score is set. Until then, no qualifying score is indicated. This means that any score will do as long as you apply for certification before a qualifying score is set. However, for some tests (most notably the middle level tests) the state will not accept the exam until a cut-off score is set.

    According to the PDE, "Applicants must meet the qualifying scores in effect at the time of application, regardless of the score in effect at the time the applicant takes the test." Thus, if a qualifying score is implemented before you apply for certification, then you must meet whatever qualifying score is in effect at the time of application.

    As far as I know, they don't re-check your score if you already have certification. Nor do I think they re-check your score when you apply for Level II certification, but I'm not sure about that.

    Pennsylvania keeps changing the requirements for certification. Do my old PRAXIS test scores still count?

    As long as the test was taken before the change was implemented, the scores should still count up to ten* years after the test was taken. If the test you took is no longer required (e.g., they changed the test), your score will still count if
    1. you took the test before it was officially replaced, and
    2. you achieved a score that is considered passing at the time you apply for certification.

    If the minimum score has been changed, then you must meet the qualifying score in effect at the time you apply for certification. To keep up to date, check out the PRAXIS II Testing Requirements for Pennsylvania put together by ETS.
    * Before May 1, 2008, PRAXIS scores were valid for only five years.

    I've finally gotten my certification. How do I find a teaching position?

    The most common ways are networking (e.g., contacts made via student teaching), job fairs and internet listings. Also check with the college career placement office.

    What is a typical salary for a first-year teacher?

    The TQ Source has data on the typical salary of first-year teachers (aggregated by state, school type, degree held, etc.). As of 2003-2004, the average starting salary in Pennsylvania was $31,400 (for BS) and $33,300 (for MS). The average starting salary in New Jersey was about $5,000-$6,000 more ($36,300 and $39,000, respectively). For comparison, the average salary with 10 years of experience (and MS degree) was $45,800 in PA and $48,400 in NJ.

    Certification Map has info on average teacher salaries for each state.

    How do I go about getting a teaching position in another state?

    Some states (like New York) have a reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania, which means that they will recognize your PA certification. However, you may still need to take additional exams if that state requires different exams for certification. For New Jersey, most people find a position first and then pursue certification through the school district. See the question on teaching in another state above.

    What problems do beginning teachers typically encounter?

    Public Agenda has pubished three articles on the challenges facing new teachers within their series entitled Lessons Learned: New Teachers Talk About Their Jobs, Challenges and Long-Range Plans.
    • Issue No. 1: They're Not Little Kids Anymore: The Special Challenges of New Teachers in High Schools and Middle Schools
    • Issue No. 2: Working Without a Net: How Teachers from Three Prominent Alternate Route Programs Describe Their First Year on The Job
    • Issue No. 3: Teaching In Changing Times

  • Last updated: March 2010.

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