M.Ed. and Certification Specifications

The ESL program is designed for students/candidates to obtain a Master of Education. The program is also designed to meet the PA Department of Education ESL program specialist certification guidelines. Upon successful completion of the program candidates will earn a M.Ed. from California University of PA. If you are interested in seeking the ESL program specialist certification in the state of PA please review the following conditions.

ESL Program Specialist Certification Specifications

Completion of an approved certification program is a requirement for certification in PA. In the certification process, the university informs the state that a student has completed the university's state approved program. The state then reviews the student's credentials and determines eligibility for certification. We encourage all students to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education before beginning Cal U's program for further information about certification requirements in PA.

Those with PA teaching certification please note the following conditions for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate.

The Program Specialist certificate is issued in accordance with 22 PA Code Chapter 49.62a established in September 1999 and amended in July 2006 and is subject to the following conditions:

1. The educator must hold a valid Instructional I or II certificate or its equivalent from another state.
2. The certificate must be maintained as active by meeting the continuing educational requirements of Act 48.
3. Service on the Program Specialist certificate is counted towards Instructional II certification and against the validity of the Instructional I certificate held by the educator.
4. All public school teachers with primary responsibility for direct instruction in one or more of the core content areas are required to demonstrate that they satisfy the definition of a "highly qualified teacher" as mandated by "No Child Left Behind" Federal legislation

NOTE:Chapter 49, July 15, 2006, amendments allow teachers to apply for the Program Specialist certificate themselves. The Program Specialist certificate is transferable between school entities. As of 2004 Pennsylvania teachers working with ESL children as an ESL teacher must be certified.

OUT OF STATE STUDENT DISCLAIMER:

Out of state students are welcome to apply, but should first contact their State Department of Education for further information regarding certification requirements and reciprocity agreements.

IF YOU ARE SEEKING OUT OF STATE CERTIFICATION YOU MUST CHECK WITH YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE PROCESS IS FOLLOWED

OR

IF YOU LIVE OUT OF STATE AND ARE SEEKING PA CERTIFICATION YOU MUST CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DETERMINE THE PROCESS FOR OUT OF STATE APPLICANTS AND IF ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED BEYOND WHAT THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR OF THE REQUIREMENTS YOU NEED TO FULFILL YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC GOALS. OUR PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO MEET PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ESL PROGRAM SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES AND M.ED. REQUIREMENTS. ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT/CANDIDATE.