Special Education Teacher Pathways
Pennsylvania needs more dedicated, caring, and properly certified special education teachers!
IU13 offers various pathways to become a Pennsylvania PK–12 special education teacher, whether you already hold another certification, have a bachelor’s degree in another field, or are just starting your education. With multiple job opportunities, emergency permit options, guest teaching roles, and internal Teacher Pathways with tuition support and paid internships, IU13 provides practical, supported routes to enter and grow in the special education profession.
IU13’s internal teacher pathways enable you to start your classroom experience as a paraeducator or personal care assistant while you pursue the credentials to be a certified teacher of special education in Pennsylvania. We offer:
- Tuition Reimbursement of up to 12 credits per year for full-time staff
- Paid student teaching/internship opportunities in special education
- Tuition Forgiveness of up to $1,000 for part-time staff after 12 months of employment
Select a box below, based on your current status, to learn about the pathway that may best suit your needs.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in another area and now realize teaching is my calling!
You have options! Many colleges and universities offer special ed teacher certificate programs for folks with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any area.
The Commonwealth of PA has an extensive list of resources and teaching pathways available here.
Specifically, below are lists of institutions that offer Pennsylvania special education (PK-12) teaching certificate programs.
Please note: These lists are subject to change, and are, by no means, exhaustive. Inclusion on either list does not imply endorsement by Lancaster-Lebanon IU13.
Work for IU13 While Pursuing Your Special Ed Teacher Certification
IU13 partners with its support staff and teachers unions to offer its staff an option to undergo a PAID student teaching option for full-time employees when they get to that place in their PK-12 special education teacher preparation program.
- “ESPA on Assignment:” a program for staff experienced in Special Ed, with a Bachelor’s degree in some other area, to try their hand at being the classroom leader for short-term classroom needs.
- Staff with Bachelor’s degrees in other areas or who have teaching licensure from other states, and who also have experience in special education, have an emergency permit path option to work as a teacher while pursuing coursework to obtain PA certification.
Guest Teaching: Have you retired, or are only interested in teaching on a part-time, per diem basis? IU13 has an ongoing need for daily substitute teachers in classrooms and centers throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Learn more on our Substitute Teachers and Paras page.
Get a foot in the door at IU13 while pursuing your Pennsylvania special education teaching certification!
I want to be a Teacher of Special Education, but I don’t have a Bachelor’s Degree…yet
We’re excited that you want to pursue a career in special education! Here are a few resources to get you started:
- The Commonwealth of PA has a helpful teaching pathways site.
- Which colleges are in the IU13 region and offer Special Education Certification programs? Here’s a map of the ones in our area.
- Millersville University
- West Chester University (in-person program)
- Elizabethtown College “4+1” Accelerated Master’s in Special Education
- Lancaster Bible College Early Childhood Education + Special Education Program (a “4+1” Accelerated Master’s in Special Education)
- Lehigh University “4+1” Accelerated Master’s in Special Education
- Penn State “4+1” Accelerated Master’s in Special Education (resident program at University Park, PA)
Get Started NOW at IU13!
Gain valuable classroom experience at IU13 while pursuing your Pennsylvania special education teaching certification!
I have Special Education Teaching Certification and classroom experience from another state. What options do I have?
Emergency Certification: If you have Special Education Teacher Certification and classroom experience from another state, and would like to teach at IU13, you have options with us! If selected for a position with IU13, we can seek an emergency permit on your behalf for you to be actively employed as a teacher while you pursue any requirements set forth by the PA Department of Education to obtain PA special education teaching certification. We also have staff who can help you understand and/or navigate the steps set forth by the PA Department of Education as well!
For more information, please call 717-606-1849 or email humanresources@iu13.org.
I’m ready to start! I have my certification to teach special education in Pennsylvania.
Great! IU13 has many job opportunities, with excellent benefits and room to grow professionally.