​Educator Preparation: Professional Education and Teacher Quality

The Division of Professional Education and Teacher Quality (PETQ) is a division within the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality. PETQ provides information and support to new educators, approved PA Educator Certification Preparation Program Providers (EPPs), deans, chairs, certification officers, and faculty. PETQ liaises with EPPs, manages reviews of certification programs, and apprises EPPs of applicable changes in policy, regulation, or statute. PETQ also provides information and support to public school educators and school entities on appropriate certifications for staffing and for educators moving from an instructional Level I to Level II.

New Educators

There are currently 100+ colleges, universities, and providers that offer education preparation programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). To learn about the education programs that are available to you in Pennsylvania, explore your options at New Educators.

Program Framework Guidelines and Rubrics

The program approval process is based upon general and subject-specific guidelines, rather than a minimum number of credits, set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and implemented by the preparing institution.

Program Framework Guidelines and Rubrics established by PDE.

Institutional Program Approval

Designed to provide resources for approved program providers, the links below offer instructions, training videos, manuals, and other helpful materials.

• Endorsement Program Approval Process (PDF)
• Chapter 49 Post-Baccalaureate Program Information and Assurances Form (PDF)
• Accelerated Program Approval Process for Providers with a PDE Approve Program in the Matching Subject Areas (PDF)
• Post-Baccalaureate Program Approval Process – Providers with a PDE Approved Undergraduate Program (PDF)
• ESL Program Approval Process - follow the standard Initial Review process

Program Review Materials

• Professional Educator Program Approval Major Review Handbook (PDF)
• Program Review SharePoint Site - Submitter Training (PDF)
• Program Review SharePoint Site - Reviewer Training (PDF)

Contact Information

For questions regarding education preparation programs and becoming certified in Pennsylvania email RA-EDPREPPROGRAMS@pa.gov