Our teacher education programs prepare highly qualified teachers, ready to transform education using student-centered practices in a variety of school settings. All programs emphasize our commitments to diversity and equity, practice, and inquiry. Learn more about the Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE, home to our teacher education programs and our research in teacher education.

 

Master's Degree Programs in Teaching

Our several degree and certification programs are united by their extraordinary commitment to the preparation of teachers who are able to bring research and practice together so as to be able to use the power of teaching to deepen student learning, transform schools, and increase educational equity.

 

Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program (UTAP)

Earn initial Pre-K-12 certification in 10 months while apprenticing in an experienced teacher’s classroom in a wide range of schools in Philadelphia.

  • M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education + Pennsylvania PreK-4 Certification
  • M.S.Ed. in Middle Level Education + Pennsylvania Grades 4-8 Certification
  • M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education + Pennsylvania Grades 7-12 Certification
 

Urban Teaching Residency Program

Earn Pre-K-12 certification in 2 years while working as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or Teach for America Corps member in an urban school in Philadelphia.

  • Master of Science in Education
  • Teaching Certification in Pennsylvania
  • General Education Certification or Special Education (dual) Certification
 

Independent School Teaching Residency

Become a teacher for grades 7-12 in an independent day or boarding school in a program that combines a 2-year, school-based fellowship with weekend and summer classes.

  • Master of Science in Education 
 

M.S.Ed. in Literacy Studies

Study literacy and language from sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, linguistic, and literacy perspectives in this interdisciplinary program. Internships in schools and community and social service agencies allow you to work with learners across generations and cultures.

  • M.S.Ed. in Literacy Studies
 

M.S.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 

Gain extensive hands-on experience in becoming a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in Philadelphia-area community settings and schools. 

  • M.S.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Continuing Education

Penn GSE offers continuing education and professional development through additional certifications and certificate programs.

Additional Pennsylvania Certifications

Teaching in Philadelphia

  • TeachPHL is a resource for educators looking to work in Philadelphia.

 

Choosing a Teaching Program

Our programs are best for people who wish to...

Urban Teaching Apprenticeship

Earn initial Pre-K-12 certification in 10 months while apprenticing in an experienced teacher’s classroom in a wide range of schools in Philadelphia.

Urban Teaching Residency

Earn Pre-K-12 certification in 2 years while working as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or TFA Corps member in an urban school in Philadelphia.

Independent School Teaching Residency

Become a teacher for grades 7-12 in an independent day or boarding school in a program that combines a 2-year, school-based fellowship with weekend and summer classes.

Engage in student teaching  
Obtain PA certification 
Learn while working as an employee in a school 
Assigned an experienced mentor
 
Teach in an urban public or charter school 
Teach in an independent or private school 
Earn a master’s degree

Accelerate into an M.S.Ed. program

(A special option available to Penn, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore juniors and seniors.)

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