Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
Programs Leading to Certificates / Certification Professional Educator Certification Programs of study leading to teacher certification are available in:
• Early Education, PreK – 4
• Early Education PreK – 4 / Special Education PreK – 12
• Special Education PreK – 12
• Secondary education( 7 – 12) in the area of Social Studies with or without Special Education
Upon completion of the program requirements, the student is eligible to receive an Instructional I Provisional certificate, which permits the holder to teach in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in those states which carry reciprocity. Those seeking their Instructional I certificate must demonstrate that they have successfully completed a teacher preparation program and pass Pennsylvania certification exams( Praxis, PECTs). Note: In late 2025, Act 47 of 2025 was signed into law; among its provisions is a shift of the Grade PK-4 certification to PK-6, beginning in July 2028. In anticipation of this change, program curricula and certification testing recommendations will be adapted to prepare students enrolled in the Early Education( PK-4) majors for the shift to PK-6.
In order to be certified as a teacher, supervisor, administrator, or educational specialist by PDE, an applicant must be a U. S. citizen, or legally authorized to work in the U. S. Non-citizens can obtain Pennsylvania Department of Education( PDE) certification if they are legally authorized to work in the U. S., which includes holding a permanent resident visa( green card) or a valid Employment Authorization Document( EAD). Recent legislative changes( S. B. 700) now allow non-citizens with work visas and DACA to apply for certification to teach in public schools.
Bachelor of Science in Education Studies( non-certification) The Education Studies major provides students with the option of completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in education without completing the requirements for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification. Students in Education Studies must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better. Any grade below a C in a course within the major must be repeated. Students may elect to complete a degree in Education Studies and add a minor in Speech Language Pathology. Adding the minor will satisfy some or all of the required pre-requisite courses leading to a Masters in SLP. Secondary Education Programs Students can obtain Instructional I Provisional certification for teaching in the public schools of Pennsylvania in the following areas: Social Studies. To complete the requirements for certification, the student must major in History and complete the designated education courses. The student may elect to add Special Education( PreK – 12) to the Social Studies certification.
The recommendation for this certificate is contingent upon earning a passing or qualifying score on the required Praxis II tests for the specific discipline. The admission and retention procedures are the same as those described for other education programs. Secondary students are advised within their respective majors and work with the Education program liaison in the College of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies.
Certification Programs Students who complete certification programs satisfactorily are eligible for Instructional I Provisional certification for teaching in the public schools of Pennsylvania. The recommendation for these
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