Teacher candidacy
In Pennsylvania, teacher candidacy is a crucial milestone defined by the standards set forth in Title 22, Chapter 49 of the Pennsylvania Code. These regulations outline the essential requirements and competencies for aspiring educators, ensuring they possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to excel in today’s educational environments. Candidates are assessed on their mastery of subject content, pedagogical skills, and professional ethics as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Achievement of candidacy status authorizes individuals to progress in their teacher preparation programs, engage in advanced coursework, and participate in intensive field experiences, including student teaching. This structured pathway, guided by Chapter 49 standards, ensures that teacher candidates are prepared to foster positive, inclusive, and effective learning environments, equipped to meet the varied needs of Pennsylvania's students. To help students achieve this status, the Saint Vincent College Education Department has put in place a set of guidelines and application process.
In order to be formally admitted into teacher candidacy, the following must be met:
saintvincentcollege.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/EducationDepartmentTeam/ESXpyUpibMtCmWCbFJ7xSpoBkBTOGB7ovaVBtfXgOOenEA?e=1mDK8F
Additional information about formal entry to a teacher preparation program in Pennsylvania can be found on the PDE website here.
Achievement of candidacy status authorizes individuals to progress in their teacher preparation programs, engage in advanced coursework, and participate in intensive field experiences, including student teaching. This structured pathway, guided by Chapter 49 standards, ensures that teacher candidates are prepared to foster positive, inclusive, and effective learning environments, equipped to meet the varied needs of Pennsylvania's students. To help students achieve this status, the Saint Vincent College Education Department has put in place a set of guidelines and application process.
In order to be formally admitted into teacher candidacy, the following must be met:
- Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 48 credits in general education and content area coursework and be in their third or fourth semester at SVC. Students who do not meet Candidacy Admission requirements by the time they complete 60 credits may not take professional core courses and must either take steps to remediate and delay candidacy or change their major.
- Candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for candidacy.
- Candidates with a GPA of 2.8 to 2.99 must meet the following criteria to be considered for candidacy:
- A 2.8 GPA and a combined score of 1050 on the SAT, with no score lower than 500 on either the verbal or mathematics subtests;
- A 2.8 GPA and a score of no less than 23 on the English subtest and 20 on the mathematics subtest of the ACT; or
- Qualifying scores on the preprofessional skills test (Praxis Core or PAPA)
- Candidates with a GPA of 2.8 to 2.99 must meet the following criteria to be considered for candidacy:
- Candidates must earn at least a B- in ED-205 Strategies and Techniques of Instruction (you can repeat this course one time).
- Candidates must have up-to-date, clean clearances on file in the Education Department (Act 126, Act 24, Act 34, Act 151, Act 114, TB Screening)
- Candidates must demonstrate proficiency on the disposition evaluation.
- Candidates must demonstrate competency in the Pennsylvania Core Standards and PA School Code requirements.
- Sign a FERPA disclosure. During the formal education admission process, candidates will be given a FERPA disclosure to sign acknowledging that a limited number of supervising faculty will receive information about individuals’ college disciplinary records. This information is provided to these specific faculty members to ensure the safety of the children served at partner schools in advanced fieldwork settings.
- Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the program to remain eligible for teacher candidacy.
saintvincentcollege.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/EducationDepartmentTeam/ESXpyUpibMtCmWCbFJ7xSpoBkBTOGB7ovaVBtfXgOOenEA?e=1mDK8F
Additional information about formal entry to a teacher preparation program in Pennsylvania can be found on the PDE website here.
Applying for Teacher Candidacy
Application Deadlines: October 31 for Fall Registration; March 30 for Spring Registration Your advisor will not accept an incomplete application. Please follow directions listed on the back of this application.
Directions for Submitting this Application
1. Read/Review the entire application and directions. If you meet all requirements, complete the application. If you do not meet all requirements, do not complete the application.
2. Read and complete each block on the application. Follow directions for each block as indicated in the “Criteria/Documentation” column. Initial in the “student” column as you complete each block.
3. Complete the Dispositions Self-Assessment.
4. Meet with your advisor to review your application packet, verify dates and content, have your advisor initial each block in the “advisor” column and sign your application.
5. Take completed & signed application to the Department Secretary in the office of your major department.
Directions for Submitting this Application
1. Read/Review the entire application and directions. If you meet all requirements, complete the application. If you do not meet all requirements, do not complete the application.
2. Read and complete each block on the application. Follow directions for each block as indicated in the “Criteria/Documentation” column. Initial in the “student” column as you complete each block.
3. Complete the Dispositions Self-Assessment.
4. Meet with your advisor to review your application packet, verify dates and content, have your advisor initial each block in the “advisor” column and sign your application.
5. Take completed & signed application to the Department Secretary in the office of your major department.
