Special Education Certification Changes

Students seeking Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification in Special Education PK-8 or Special Education 7-12 should note changes to the Special Education certification structure. Act 82 of 2018 established a Special Education Grades PK-12 standalone certificate. This legislation discontinues the Special Education PK-8 and Special Education 7-12 certificates. Temple University must now prepare students to teach prekindergarten through grade 12 or up to 21 years of age. The Special Education Grades PK-12 certificate does not require certification in an additional content area.  

Deadline for Special Education PK-8 and 7-12 Certifications - December 2021

All students seeking Special Education PK-8 OR Special Education 7-12 must complete all requirements for these certifications, apply, and have their certification issued by PDE before the end of December 2021.  Any student applying for certification after December 2021 must complete the revised requirements specified for Special Education PK-12 certification, including additional coursework and required testing. Additional information from PDE is available online at Certification Preparation Program Guidelines for Special Education Grades PK-12 [pdf].