University Times

Pitt’s Bradford campus now is offering a one-year certification opportunity for people interested in a career in teaching who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

The professional year program allows students to complete all course work and student-teach in a single calendar year by taking courses on a summer, fall and spring schedule.

“The professional year program is ideal for someone who has already been through college but has the desire to become a teacher at the secondary level,” said Mary Todd, director of the teacher education program at Pitt-Bradford. “If someone is looking to make a career change or has a deep love for a specific area of study, then this program is something we encourage them to look at.”

In order to qualify for the program, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree in a content area that matches the area in which they are looking to be certified.

In addition, the student must have completed all Praxis exams that are required for the certification they plan to pursue. The student also must have current FBI and child abuse clearances and have undergone a criminal background check.

Students will apply to Pitt-Bradford and also apply for admission into the professional year certification program.

“The program will include field experience,” said Jody Burgert, assistant professor of education. “During their fall term, students will be placed with a classroom teacher for four hours per week for seven weeks at a high school and seven weeks at a junior high or middle school.”

For more information, contact the Pitt-Bradford Office of Admissions at 800/872-1787, or visit www.upb.pitt.edu.