Core Skills

  • PA 100 Orientation to the Education Profession
  • PA 200 Planning and Preparation
  • PA 300 Learning Environment and Classroom Management
  • PA 400 Human Growth and Development
  • PA 500 Clinical Experience (Observation and Participation)
  • PA 600 Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education and Inclusion
  • PA 700 Professionalism, Ethics and Reflective Practice

Certifications You’ll Earn

Full list of Certifications included in Task List linked above

Students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage children’s safety, prevent illness and respond to emergencies while also obtaining certification for employment in schools.

Students learn how to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect, understand their responsibilities as future education professionals, and properly report suspected abuse. Pennsylvania offers approved online training, including free training through the state.

Students learn essential fire prevention, emergency response, evacuation, and school safety procedures to help maintain a safe learning environment. Pennsylvania school safety requirements include annual emergency training covering fire and other emergency situations.

Career Pathways

Classroom Instructional Aide

Supports teachers and students with classroom activities, instructional materials, individual or small-group learning, and daily classroom routines. Teacher Assistant — Works alongside classroom teachers to support instruction, student learning, classroom management, and educational activities.

Child/Youth Program Support Staff

Works with children and adolescents in school, community, after-school, or youth programs to support learning, development, and positive experiences. Substitute Teacher — Provides classroom instruction and maintains the learning environment when the regular teacher is absent. Eligibility requirements vary. May require post-secondary education or additional qualifications.

Elementary School Teacher

Plans and delivers instruction across multiple subjects while supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of elementary-age students. Requires post-secondary education and teacher certification.

Middle School Teacher

Teaches one or more subject areas while supporting the academic and developmental needs of middle school students. Requires post-secondary education and teacher certification.

High School Teacher

Provides specialized instruction in a subject area, develops lessons and assessments, and prepares students for college, careers, and life after high school. Requires post-secondary education and teacher certification.

Special Education Teacher

Provides individualized instruction and support for students with disabilities while collaborating with families, teachers, and other educational professionals. Requires post-secondary education and teacher certification.

School Counselor / School Psychologist

Supports students’ academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and career development within the school setting. Requires advanced post-secondary education and appropriate certification.

Educational Administrator / Instructional Leader

Leads schools or educational programs, supports teachers and curriculum, and helps guide instruction, student achievement, and school improvement. Requires advanced post-secondary education and certification.