Admission to Teacher Education Programs

As per PA Act 168 and Chapter 354, students in an educator preparation program must be formally admitted prior to taking upper-level coursework. At ESU this is referred to as Teacher Education Council (TEC) Approval.

Education majors who have completed a minimum of 48 credits of coursework may apply for formal admission through a digital and student-driven application process via the linked red button above. Prior to applying, education majors should consult with their adviser to ensure that all items needed for formal admission are complete.

Program Admission Criteria for Undergraduate & Graduate Students

• NEW! Basic Skills Competencies - As per Act 55 of 2022, this requirement has been waived for students with a GPA of 3.0 through July 8, 2025.
• Academic Ability: Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 as determined by Pennsylvania law.
• Complete 6 credits of mathematics courses and 6 credits of English courses (including one composition and one literature as designated by ESU English Department course list) as outlined by Chapter 354 of the Pennsylvania School Code. *Graduate students are exempt as their undergraduate degree demonstrates this requirement.
• Complete a minimum of 48 credit hours
• Infraction-free Clearances: Complete Act 34 (Criminal Background Clearance), Act 151 (Child Abuse Clearance) and FBI Background Clearance. Clearances must be uploaded to Anthology. All clearances must be free of violations. If a candidate has a violation, he/she must successfully appeal for admission via the College of Education’s Appeals Process through the Office of Field Experiences.
• Complete Disposition Self-Assessment

Teacher Education Council (TEC) Approval Process

Steps to completing and submitting your TEC Approval application online:

1. 1. Gather all required evidence in PDF format: Unofficial ESU Transcript, Current clearances (Act 34, Act 151, & FBI)
   2. Upload and submit clearances to Anthology Portfolio (clearances must be current, within 1 year of TEC application)
   3. Complete the Disposition Self-Assessment
   4. Complete all requirements, including finalized coursework, and review all evidence with your advisor prior to submission (grades should be posted on ESU transcript, transfer grades included)
   5. Complete the TEC Approval application and submit

For more information

For basic application process questions, please visit the TEC Approval Application How-To document. This resource will walk you through all steps of the application process and provides video tutorials of the process.

TEC Approval Applications undergo a two-step review process. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis but reviewed only one time per month. TEC applications for approval are due by the first Thursday of each month. If you have submitted evidence successfully, your application will be formally presented at the monthly TEC Meeting, which meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. You will receive notification if you are missing anything from your application or if your application has been approved. If necessary, you may re-submit your application the following month. You must be TEC Approved in order to register for upper level courses.