Pennsylvania · Career guide
How to become a English Teacher in Pennsylvania
English / Language Arts teachers cover reading, writing, literature, and (at the secondary level) composition and rhetoric. Demand is steady at the elementary level and modestly competitive at the secondary level outside the highest-need districts. ELA teachers play a central role in district-wide literacy goals, which gives the role outsized professional-development opportunities.
No English / language arts 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
- 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.
- 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
A content-area endorsement in English / Language Arts is standard. Some states also offer separate Reading Specialist credentials for K-6.
- 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 →
- Job-search in Pennsylvania. We'll track English / language arts 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.