Education

Welcome to Pitt Johnstown's Education Division!

Our Mission

At Pitt-Johnstown, our mission is to provide high-quality education programs that prepare you to become a knowledgeable, resourceful, and well-equipped educator. We’re here to support your transformation into a teacher who inspires students and makes a lasting impact on their communities. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue optional certifications and endorsements, helping you gain real-world experience and increase your marketability.

Degree Programs

With over 16 areas of study, Pitt-Johnstown’s education programs guide you from your first year to graduation through a cohort model built on collaboration and practical experience.

Explore Our Degree Programs 

• Early Childhood Education »
• Middle-Level Education Programs » 
• Secondary Education Program » 
• Dual Major Early Childhood/Special Education (PreK-12) »​​

An Immersive Education

From your freshman year forward, you’ll step into K-12 classrooms through:

• Observations
• Volunteer work
• Clubs & organizations

Pitt-Johnstown partners with local public and private schools to ensure meaningful classroom experiences that prepare you to teach with confidence.

Marketability Opportunities

Enhance your degree and stand out in the job market with these specialized pathways:

STEM Endorsement

Strengthen your skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Approved by the PA Department of Education, this endorsement prepares you for today’s most in-demand classrooms.

What is the STEM Endorsement Certificate?

The STEM endorsement provides documentation of an educator's specialization in an emerging area where formal certifications do not exist. The coursework associated with the endorsement program intends to improve a teacher's knowledge, skills, and practice in dealing with complex classroom settings.

Who can earn the STEM Endorsement? 

All UPJ education majors who are working toward their teaching certification (Early childhood, middle level, and secondary)
Practicing teachers who hold a level I or level II PA teaching certificate (post-baccalaureate)

Click here to access the full STEM requirements.​

Certification as an English as a Second Language [ESL] Program Specialist

Approved by the PA Department of Education, this endorsement prepares you for today’s most in-demand and diverse classrooms.

Who can Earn Certification as an English as a Second Language [ESL] Program Specialist?

All UPJ education majors who are working toward their teaching certification (Early childhood, middle level, and secondary)
Practicing teachers who hold a level I or level II PA teaching certificate (post-baccalaureate)
Completion of a state-approved certification program

Click here to access the full ESL certificate requirements.​

_{** Students interested in adding a certification or endorsement should consult with their advisor early in their program to ensure proper planning and course sequencing.}

Teach Abroad. Grow Globally.

Expand your education with a seven-week student teaching experience in New Zealand or Bolivia. Gain international classroom experience, broaden your cultural perspective, and receive support with tuition and housing.

Learn More About Study Abroad

 

Study Abroad Program Contact

_{Bethany McConnell, Ph.D. | Associate Professor | bmm93@pitt.edu | 814-269-7107}

_{[Review Pitt-Johnstown's Institutional Statement on Global Experiences]}

Our Positive Program Outcomes

Our certification programs are designed to help you graduate on time—within four years—and prepare you to become a highly sought-after educator.

Here’s how our Graduates Succeed

 

»  90% employed in their field within one year

» 82% working in Pennsylvania

» 89% state assessment pass rate

» 98% accept teaching positions in Pennsylvania

Our programs provide the skills, support, and foundation you need to thrive in your teaching career.

_{Student Handbooks}

• 2025-2026 Handbook
• 2024-2025 Handbook
• 2023-2024 Handbook
• 2022-2023 Handbook
• 2020-2021 Handbook

Important General Timelines

This checklist offers a general guide for all education majors to stay on track throughout their academic journey. For detailed information and specific program guidelines, please refer to the Education Division Student Handbook that corresponds to the year you enrolled as a pre-education major.

A Year by Year Checklist

_{Freshman Year}

_September:

• _{Submit background clearances and fingerprinting results to the Office of Field Experience – Biddle 149. (See Required Background Clearances)}

_October:

• _{Sign up with your advisor for spring term registration advising prior to the registration date.}
• _{Sign-up sheet on the advisor's door or online. _ _ (1st term only). Continue this process every term.}
• _{Speak with your advisor about double majors, double certifications, and minors.}

_March:

• _{When registering for fall term courses, be sure you will have taken at least three of your program's selected courses, the two required math courses, one English composition course, and one English literature course by the end of the fall term of your sophomore year.}

_May:

• _{Register for a summer testing date for the Basic Skills Certifications tests if you haven't already taken and passed the tests during your freshman year or qualify based upon additional factors (check with your advisor).}

_{Sophomore Year}

_September:

• _{Begin to organize your Professional Portfolio.} 
• _{Fall Advising Period: Obtain upper-level application and letter of recommendation forms from the Division Office (Biddle 153)}

_{​Below: Please refer to the handbook or your individual program website for specific information:}

• _{Distribute letter of recommendation forms to faculty members before the end of the term. January 15 or May 15.}
• _{By the due date, submit the completed upper-level application form to the Division Office 153 Biddle.}

_{Junior Year}

_September:

• _{Register for graduation online in PeopleSoft}
• _{Check your program audit online to verify that you have met all program requirements.}

_October:

• _{If appropriate, during the advising session, have your advisor complete the Degree Audit Course Substitution/Waiver Form for courses substituted or waived in your program.}

_August

• _{Apply for updates to background clearances around August 15 (before your senior year if student teaching in the spring term)} 
• _{Early Childhood with Special Education, please complete and submit the student teaching application (see individual program website or student handbook for details)}

_{Senior Year}

_September:

• _{Middle and Secondary education candidates obtain applications for spring term student teaching during the first week of the term from the Field Placement Office (Biddle 149).}
• _{Early Childhood education candidates will receive applications in your student teaching seminar.}
• _{Meet with your advisor by September 23 to review your application. (If the teacher candidate is teaching in the fall term, obtain an application in January prior and meet with the advisor by January 23 to review your application.)}
• _{By September 30 submit the completed application, updated background checks, and TB test results to Field Placement Office 149 Biddle.}

_November:

• _{Take Praxis II (Content Area or Specialty) and PECT Test for Prek-4 certification tests.}

_February:

• _{Meet with your advisor to review your completed Education Division Graduation/Certification Application, returning it to 153 Biddle by the deadline.} 

_{Quick Access to Forms}

_{Pre-Service Forms}

• _{Application for Upper-Level}
• _{Pre-Service Service (Volunteer) Clock Hours Form for Upper-Level} 
• _{Faculty Recommendation Form for Upper-Level} 

_{Upper-Level/Student Teaching}

• _{2025-2026 Student Teaching Handbook} 
• _{Student Teacher Analysis Form}
• _{Student Teaching Clock Hours Form} 
• _{Student Teaching Clock Hours Summary Form} 
• _{Student Teaching Observation Form}

_{Prospective Students}

_Clearances

• _{Please click here for the required Clearances for Education Division}
• _{Please click here for the required Act 126 Training instructions}

_{Post-Baccalaureate FAQs}

_{Q: What are the Post-Baccalaureate admission criteria for the certification program?}

• _{A: To be admitted as an applicant an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Applicants must have teaching certification and have passed the teaching concentration(s) PRAXIS II subject assessment. To remain in a certification program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.}

 _{Q: How long will it take to complete the post-baccalaureate program?}

• _{A: After review of transcripts candidates will have a projected program timeline.  Availability to take courses when they are offered should be factored.}

_{Q: When are courses offered?}

• _{A: Courses will be offered during summer and evening formats to accommodate teachers in the field.  After applying please be sure to follow the survey link to fill out the survey monkey which will help to target desired times for availability.}

_{Q: Will I have to student teach?}

• _{A: Yes, PDE now requires experiences to be fulfilled for classroom course work through core competences.  Each candidates requirements will vary depending on current teaching experiences.}

_{Q: When are the application deadlines?}

• _{A: Please have your application and all materials in at least one month before the start of the new course session. Courses begin in June, August, and January.}

_{Q: What kind of advising is available for post-baccalaureate candidates?}

• _{A: All candidates will have a faculty program advisor. Candidates will meet with the advisor to develop a program plan and schedule courses. Candidates can also meet with their advisor to develop a professional development plan to meet specific career needs.}

_{Q: Are there other requirements for PA certification?}

• _{A: PDE requires that candidates pass the required Praxis, and PECT Examinations for Early Childhood Certification. Additionally, teacher candidates will be required to complete a Professional Educator Portfolio.}

_{Basic Skills Testing}

_{***Reminder: BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS are TEMPORARILY WAIVED for Pre-Education Majors.***}

_{Information is provided below for a time when Basic Skills Tests are reinstated:}

• _{PA Department of Education (Basic Skills Video) Pathways to Demonstrate Basic Skills for Teacher Certification Candidates}
• _{Certification Test and Score Requirements »}

_{Pre-Education Majors are required to show competency in THREE areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.} 

_{Pre-Education Majors have several avenues for which they may show basic skills competency:}

_{Competencies to meet WRITING Basic Skills: (Only one of the areas below is necessary to meet the writing requirement)}

• _{SAT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{ACT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{PAPA: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{CORE: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}

       _{OR, through Successful Coursework:}

• _{Completed writing course: Comp I or II with a grade of B or Better}

_{Competencies to meet READING Basic Skills: (Only one of the areas below is necessary to meet the writing requirement)}

• _{SAT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{ACT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{PAPA: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{CORE: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}

_{​       OR, through Successful Coursework:}

• _{ENGLIT | 0055, 0088, 0401, 0557, 0574, 0598, 1241 (B or Better)}

_{Competencies to meet MATH Basic Skills: (Only one of the areas below is necessary to meet the writing requirement)}

• _{SAT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{ACT: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{PAPA: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}
• _{CORE: Passing Score (see above Cert. Test and Score Requirements)}

_{​       OR, through Successful Coursework (check with your advisor)}

 

_{Preparation Resources (From the Praxis Website)}

• _{Find Available Prep Materials by Test}
• _{Khan Academy® Official Praxis Core Prep}
• _{Praxis Testing Demonstration (Video) | View transcript}

_{Charline Barnes Rowland, EdD,  Associate Professor of Education and Division Chair 
814-269-7961  | chr163@pitt.edu}

_{Douglas Ledney, EdD, Director of Field Practicums and Clinical Experiences
814-269-7013  |  dol19@pitt.edu
Karen Clites, Division Administrative Assistant, Teacher Certification Officer
814-269-7010  |  clites@pitt.edu | Fax: 814-269-7084}