Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program
The Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program prepares students to teach young children, ages 4-9, in
Pre-kindergarten and K-4 classrooms, and to work collaboratively with parents and other professionals. Students
will develop skills for employment in public and private schools and early childhood centers. Through coursework
and field experiences with pre-kindergarteners and children in grades K-4, students will acquire an integrated
understanding of academic content and child development in diverse, inclusive settings. The program must be
completed as a full-time student. No part-time option is available.
The Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program is intended for individuals from a wide range of
undergraduate degree and work backgrounds. A student who successfully completes the program and passes both
the PECT (Pennsylvania Education Certification Test) in PreK-4 and the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for the
Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430) is eligible to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I
certificate for PreK-4.
The Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program:
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Prepares qualified graduates for initial certification in PreK-4 Early Childhood Education
Lasts three consecutive terms for full-time students (summer II, fall, spring) beginning in late June of the
admission year and concluding in late April of the following year
Requires two full days per week in a PreK practicum, and one full day per week at a K-4 student teaching
site during the fall term
Requires twelve full weeks of student teaching in a K-4 classroom in the spring term
Requires obtaining all Federal and PA state clearances before entering schools
Admissions Requirements:
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Submitted a completed School of Education application form and the $50 (USD) application fee:
www.education.pitt.edu/apply. The application deadline is January 15 of the admission year.
An official transcript from each institution attended. A minimum undergraduate QPA of 3.0 is
recommended.
Official, third-party evaluation of all international transcripts for applicants who have not received a
master's degree within the United States. We strongly recommend using World Education Services (WES)
to complete this service. Please note that per PDE requirements, an individual pursuing teacher certification
in this area must be a citizen of the United States or hold a resident alien visa (green card); additionally, the
individual must have filed a declaration of intent to become a citizen.
A copy of the spring registration form if enrolled in spring term courses.
Completion of the appropriate number of prerequisite credits with a letter grade of C or higher .
Three letters of academic/professional recommendation.
A thoughtful, clearly written goal statement of at least two to three double-spaced typewritten pages.
Submitted a résumé including work history and volunteer work with school-age children
Revised 10/13
Academic Prerequisites
Students applying for the Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program are required to complete the
following academic prerequisites, in addition to the required education prerequisite courses*.
(12 credit minimum)
Prerequisite Courses
Credits
College Level Math
3
Science Laboratory or Field Course
3
American History
3
Child Development
3
Education Prerequisites
*All Primary Plus: PreK-4 Teacher Certification Program applicants must complete the following education
prerequisites, in addition to the required academic prerequisites listed above.
The following approved clearances are required before taking Introduction to Early Childhood Education (IL 1041)
and Foundations of Special Education (IL 1580):
(1) Federal Criminal History Record,
(2) Act 34 – PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and
(3) Act 33/151 PA Child Abuse History.
Forms may be obtained in 5300 Wesley Posvar Hall or from our clearances information page on our website.
Prerequisite Courses
Credits
Introduction to Early Childhood Education or equivalent
3
Math for Elementary Teachers or equivalent
3
Foundations of Special Education or equivalent
3
Young English Language Learners or equivalent
3
Language and Literacy for the Young Child or equivalent
3
Teaching Health and Wellness or equivalent
3
Please note: Meeting or exceeding the application and/ or prerequisite criteria DOES NOT guarantee
admission.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Marjorie K. Schermer, PhD
Graduate Enrollment Manager, Admissions and Enrollment Services
School of Education
University of Pittsburgh
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412.648.2283
Fax: 412.648.1899
mks32@pitt.edu
Revised 10/13
Curriculum (36 Credits)
Summer II Session
Course Number
IL 2433
IL 2907
Course Name
Math/Science Methods I
Partnerships with Families
Credits
3
3
Credits
3
3
3
3
IL 2707
IL 2800
Course Name
Reading/ Writing Methods I
Math/ Science Methods 2
Social Studies Methods
Students with Disabilities in the
Elementary Classroom
Field Seminar (PK)
PK Practicum
Spring
Course Number
IL 2047
Course Name
Integrated Curriculum
IL 2209
Reading/Writing Methods II (2-4)
IL 2523
Literacy, Assessment, and Instruction
IL 2804
Student Teaching K-4 (12 weeks)
IL 2803
Student Teaching Seminar
Fall
Course Number
IL 2208
IL 2434
IL 2268
IL 2501
1
2
Credits
3
(4 days/week for 3 weeks)
3
(4 days/week for 3 weeks)
3
(online)
5
(begins after completing
IL 2702 and 2209)
1
To apply online, please visit our website at: www.education.pitt.edu/apply
If you have any questions, please contact:
Marjorie K. Schermer, PhD
Graduate Enrollment Manager, Admissions and Enrollment Services
School of Education
University of Pittsburgh
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412.648.2283
Fax: 412.648.1899
mks32@pitt.edu
Revised 10/13