Teacher Preparation Programs

Become a Teacher or Advance Your Teaching Career

Our teacher preparation and professional development programs at Temple University provide individualized preparation and support as you work toward personal and professional goals. We’ve been doing that for nearly 150 years.

Our degree programs prepare students to earn their initial Pennsylvania teacher certification. Beginning in summer 2025, graduate students may also pursue certification through our new accelerated graduate certificate pathway.

The curriculum includes coursework to develop teaching skills and valuable fieldwork experiences. Applicants are not required to have a professional or academic background in education.

Our college also offers programs for current educators to advance their careers for professional development, or to pursue additional professional certifications recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Temple University is an approved provider of educational programs leading to Pennsylvania Department of Education Professional Certification.

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Graduate Certificate (non-degree) Programs for Initial Certification

Early and Elementary Education Graduate Certificate

Prepare to teach tomorrow’s leaders and creators with a program designed to prepare you to educate students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Designed for those with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking a career change or those currently serving as classroom assistants or teachers with emergency permits or temporary certification, this flexible, non-degree certificate provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to support the developmental needs of young learners.

Early and Elementary Education Graduate Certificate

Middle Grades (4-8) Education Graduate Certificate

Prepare to teach students in grades four through eight with a flexible program designed for career changers and those currently teaching on emergency permits. This flexible, non-degree certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills to teach upper elementary and middle grades in one or more academic content areas.

Middle Grades Education Graduate Certificate

Secondary Education Graduate Certificate

Prepare to teach grades seven through 12 in a flexible, non-degree program designed for career changers or professionals seeking certification in a secondary content area. Choose from English, math, science, social studies or world/foreign languages education.

Secondary Education Graduate Certificates

Special Education Graduate Certificate

Prepare to support diverse learners across PreK–12 settings with a certificate designed for currently certified teachers who want to add special education to their credentials. This flexible, non-degree certificate program equips educators with inclusive, evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Special Education Graduate Certificate

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I don't think any other college would give me this raw insight into a successful career. Temple ensures you are prepared.

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Emily Davis, '23, '24

Collaboration among participants was always encouraged, which allowed me to gain - as well as share - important insights with other participants."

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Florenca Shaho, Temple Teacher Residency graduate, currently employed by the School District of Philadelphia