Pennsylvania · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in Pennsylvania

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

No elementary teaching positions are open in Pennsylvania right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Pennsylvania

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Pennsylvania typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores) — Basic academic skills
    • Praxis Subject Assessments (PA-approved tests) — Content knowledge for your certification area

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Pennsylvania Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Pennsylvania Department of Education →
  4. Job-search in Pennsylvania. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Pennsylvania

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Pennsylvania offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Intern Certificate: Teach while completing a preparation program (3-year maximum)
  • Emergency Certificate: Issued to districts in critical shortage areas
  • Career and Technical Education certificates for industry professionals

Pennsylvania salary context

Average teacher salary in Pennsylvania: $72,280/year (rank #5 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $44,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Pennsylvania salary guide for the breakdown.

Full Pennsylvania certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Pennsylvania salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Pennsylvania teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.