Temple University’s Graduate Certificate in Early and Elementary Education offers a streamlined, non-degree pathway to initial teacher certification for individuals who want to teach PreK-4 in Pennsylvania schools. Designed for those with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking a career change or alternate route into teaching, this certificate provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to support the developmental needs of young learners.

Through a focused sequence of coursework, you will develop effective instructional strategies for teaching core content areas—literacy, math, science and social studies—aligned with how young children learn and grow. You’ll also gain specialized training in supporting students with disabilities and English language learners, ensuring you are prepared to meet the needs of all students in inclusive classroom settings.

The program culminates in a full-time, supervised student teaching placement. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your learning in a real-world classroom, refine your teaching techniques and build confidence as a future educator.

Early and Elementary Education

In this program, you will:

• Learn to design and deliver instruction that supports the developmental and academic needs of children from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

• Create nurturing, inclusive classroom environments that foster curiosity, exploration and early learning across all subject areas.

• Develop strategies to support emergent literacy, foundational math and social-emotional growth in young learners.

• Adapt instruction for multilingual learners and students with disabilities through developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practices.

Graduates are well-prepared to teach in early childhood and primary grade classrooms and to support young children’s growth through engaging, equitable and responsive instruction

Classes & Curriculum

The Early and Elementary Education graduate certificate program consists of 22 credits. Choose to complete the program on a full- or part-time basis. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

Fieldwork 

In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational settings. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Develop a strong command of PreK–4 subject matter
• Plan and deliver effective, developmentally appropriate instruction
• Uphold standards of educator professionalism and ethics

Graduates are well-prepared to teach in PreK–4 classrooms and to create nurturing, developmentally responsive learning environments that support exploration, early literacy and foundational skill development across subject areas.

Teacher Certification

This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this graduate certificate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Current résumé or CV
• Official transcripts
• Statement of goals
• Two letters of reference
• Prerequisite Coursework: At least one math and at least one science course taken at the undergraduate or graduate level with a grade of C or better
• Note: Clearances required prior to field placement
• View a complete list of application requirements, visit the Bulletin.

How to Apply

Complete your application online at apply.temple.edu/cehd.

Application Submission Dates

For fall enrollment, apply by Mar. 1.
For spring enrollment, apply by Nov. 1.

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: [click-for-email]