Are you seeking a career change that brings fulfillment and makes a real difference? Many professionals are finding a rewarding second act in education. With a growing demand for qualified teachers, especially in key areas, transitioning to teaching offers a stable and impactful career path. Drexel University’s School of Education provides accessible and comprehensive Second Career Teaching Programs designed to help experienced individuals like you become certified educators in Pennsylvania.
Why Choose Teaching as Your Second Career?
The education sector offers a unique blend of personal satisfaction and professional growth. Unlike many fields, teaching provides the opportunity to shape future generations, impart valuable knowledge, and witness the tangible impact of your work daily. Pennsylvania, like many states, is experiencing a significant need for qualified teachers, particularly in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). This demand translates into job security and diverse opportunities for those entering the teaching profession. Drexel University recognizes this need and is committed to supporting career changers in becoming exceptional educators.
Streamlined Pathways to Teacher Certification for Career Changers
Drexel University understands that career changers need flexible and efficient routes to teacher certification. Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree or are still completing your undergraduate education, Drexel offers multiple pathways to help you achieve your goal of becoming a certified teacher in Pennsylvania.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification: Leverage Your Existing Degree
If you already possess a bachelor’s degree, Drexel’s post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs are designed for you. These programs focus specifically on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for teacher certification, allowing you to gain the necessary credentials without pursuing another full degree. These programs are available in key areas such as:
- Early Childhood/Elementary Education (PreK-4): Ideal for those passionate about shaping young minds in the earliest years of education.
- Elementary Education/Middle Grades (4-8): Cater to the unique developmental stage of middle schoolers, with options in subject-specific concentrations like Math & Science, Math & English, or Science & English.
- Secondary Education (7-12): For those with subject matter expertise who wish to teach at the high school level. Certifications are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, English, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies.
These post-baccalaureate programs are designed to be completed efficiently, with elementary certification typically taking up to 2.5 years and secondary certification around 2 years. Coursework is offered part-time and online, accommodating the schedules of working professionals.
Master’s Degree with Teacher Certification: Enhance Your Credentials and Earning Potential
For those seeking a more in-depth educational experience and potential salary advantages, Drexel offers the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum with a Teacher Certification track. This program integrates the state-required certification coursework with advanced master’s level studies in pedagogy and curriculum development. Earning a master’s degree can lead to a higher starting salary in many Pennsylvania school districts and opens doors to future career advancement opportunities, such as principal certification. This program is available for both elementary (PreK-4) and secondary (7-12) certifications and generally takes 2.5 to 3 years to complete.
Bachelor of Science in Education: A Foundational Path for Aspiring Teachers
If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, Drexel’s BS in Education program provides a comprehensive foundation for a teaching career. Offered both online and on-campus, this program combines general education coursework with specialized teacher preparation, culminating in eligibility for Pennsylvania teacher certification. The online BS in Education program focuses on PreK-4 certification, while the on-campus program offers a wider range of certification tracks, including elementary, middle, and secondary grades, as well as special education.
Graduate Intern Teaching Program: Earn While You Learn
Drexel’s Graduate Intern Teaching program offers a unique “learn and earn” opportunity for individuals already working in Pennsylvania classrooms without certification. To qualify, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area and pass the Praxis content exam. This program allows you to take graduate-level certification courses while gaining practical classroom experience, typically leading to certification in 9-16 months.
Philadelphia Teacher Residency Program: Accelerated STEM Teaching in City Schools
For those passionate about STEM education and committed to serving urban communities, the Philadelphia Teacher Residency Program is an intensive, 12-month program focused on preparing STEM teachers for Philadelphia schools. Residents work alongside experienced mentor teachers while completing certification coursework, offering a deeply immersive and supported pathway into teaching. This program is particularly beneficial for career changers seeking a rapid and impactful transition into education.
Diverse Teaching Certifications to Match Your Passion
Drexel University offers a wide array of teaching certifications, allowing you to align your second career with your specific interests and skills. Options include:
Early Childhood & Elementary:
- Early Childhood/Elementary Education (PreK-4)
- Elementary Education/Middle Grades (4-8) with concentrations in:
- Math & Science
- Math & English
- Science & English
Secondary Education (7-12):
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
Additional Certifications & Endorsements: For certified teachers seeking to expand their expertise, Drexel also offers add-on certifications and endorsements in areas such as Special Education, ESL, STEM Education, and more.
Competitive Teacher Salaries in Pennsylvania
While the rewards of teaching are immeasurable, financial stability is also a key consideration. Teacher salaries in Pennsylvania are competitive, with averages around $61,730 for elementary teachers and $64,380 for secondary teachers, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on experience, education level (master’s degrees often command higher pay), and additional certifications. Investing in a master’s degree or specialized certifications can significantly enhance your earning potential as a teacher.
Hear from Drexel Alumni: Why They Chose Teaching
“To be a teacher means to be a positive influence on every on every student, every single individual. You have to know their strengths, and weaknesses and their personality styles. To be a teacher is to be a motivator, to be a lover of knowledge and to implement that on other students.”
-Angelique Giannascoli, BS in Elementary Education ‘16
“The unique community of young educators, mentor teachers, site directors, facilitators, and professors created by the Philadelphia Teacher Residency Program has been invaluable to my first year teaching and I believe it is the most important asset to the program”
-Ethan Rioux, Philadelphia Teacher Residency Program Graduate
Take the Next Step Towards Your Rewarding Second Career
Transitioning to teaching is a significant and exciting decision. Drexel University’s School of Education is committed to providing you with the support, resources, and high-quality programs you need to succeed in your second career as an educator.
Ready to learn more? Request more information about Drexel’s second career teaching programs or visit our Admissions page to begin your application today.
