Program Overview

Program Overview

The online master's program in PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification is designed for candidates with a bachelor's degree who wish to be certified to teach in special education classrooms. Candidates must fulfill the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and program requirements for degree completion and certification.

Program Requirements

Coursework includes competencies in:

• Educational foundations
• English language learners
• Transformative educational technologies
• Classroom management
• Educational assessment
• Trauma-aware mental health and wellness
• Structured literacy
• Special education assessment and methodology

The program requires in-person participation for required PDE field experiences, which include:

• Exploration practicum
• Per-student teaching
• Student teaching internships

Certification Requirements

Candidates seeking PA teacher certification must successfully complete the teacher education program at Westminster, along with current Praxis Series Examination requirements. Candidates seeking teaching certification in another state may apply through that state's Department of Education and must meet its specific requirements, which typically include:

• Submitting an application
• Providing proof of out-of-state certification
• Completing a background check
• Fulfilling additional coursework or state-specific exam requirements

Many states participate in Interstate Reciprocity Agreements through NASDTEC, and a significant number accept Pennsylvania teacher certification.

Admission Criteria

Admission into the Graduate Teacher Certification Program is based upon a careful review of the following requirements:

• A total college-level GPA of 3.0 or higher in the undergraduate degree program
• NOTE: Applicants with a minimum 2.8 GPA will be accepted into the post-baccalaureate program
• Applicants must demonstrate academic aptitude by the end of the first semester in the program by reaching an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Two letters of professional reference addressing the applicant's potential as a teacher candidate
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended
• A virtual interview with the Graduate Program Director of the School of Education

Program Details

The program is designed to provide candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach in special education classrooms. The program's coursework and field experiences are designed to meet the requirements of the PDE and to prepare candidates for certification.