Music Education at Penn State
Instructional I Teacher Certification Program
Program Goals
The Instructional I Teacher Certification in Music program is designed for students already holding a baccalaureate degree in some field of music other than music education. All students must meet University requirements for entrance into a teacher certification program (these must be completed prior to student teaching). Completion of the program requirements leads to Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification in Music K-12.
Although certification requirements vary among states, Pennsylvania certification requirements meet those of at least 45 other states. It is usually possible to obtain temporary certification in other states while preparing to meet their additional requirements. A teacher in Pennsylvania holding an Instructional I Certificate may teach up to six years on that certificate, regardless of the time he or she starts teaching or the number of interruptions. After six years of teaching, the teacher must apply for an Instructional II Certificate. This requires the teacher to complete 24 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, to have three to six years of successful teaching, and to have the recommendation of his or her immediate supervisor.
Program and Admission Information
Graduate Student handbooks can be found on the School of Music's web site or contact music-gr-adm@psu.edu for more information.