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Teacher Certification Initiative


Do you know a temporary emergency-certified teacher looking for a long-term future in education?

In response to the teacher shortage, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ is partnering directly with local school districts to provide a streamlined initial Level I certification track for those individuals already teaching on temporary emergency/intern certificates. Specifically, districts have the opportunity to coordinate cohorts of emergency-certified teachers to complete their certification in 18-24 months via online coursework from ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, allowing them to continue working in the classroom while pursuing long-term certification.

Why choose ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Teacher Certification Initiative (TCI)?

ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Graduate Program in Education has a rich history of providing teacher certification programs, directly benefiting local school districts and communities. The Teacher Certification Initiative prepares individuals for permanent teaching careers.

We collaborate directly with districts to form cohorts of emergency-certified teachers, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Teachers can complete their certification within 18-24 months through online courses, allowing them to continue teaching while advancing their qualifications.

ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s longstanding relationship with local school districts, who have successfully hired our graduates and benefited from our programs, underscores the quality and reliability of our teacher education.

The Teacher Certification Initiative offers a wide range of certification areas to meet diverse educational needs.

Elementary education

  • Elementary (PreK-4)

Grades 7-12

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • English
  • Math
  • Physics
  • Social Studies

Grades PreK-12

  • Art
  • Chinese
  • Family Consumer Science
  • French
  • German
  • Health and P.E.
  • Music
  • Spanish
  • Special Education

Teacher Certification Initiative outcomes

Through our program, participants not only attain Level I state certification, opening doors to broader career opportunities, but also experience substantial professional growth, fostering confidence and competence in the classroom.

Participating districts

While new districts are being added, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Teacher Certification Initiative is proud to partner with the following school districts at this time:

  • Capital Area Intermediate Unit
  • Cumberland Valley School District 
  • Manheim Central School District
  • Millersburg Area School District
  • School District of Lancaster
  • Steelton-Highspire School District
  • Susquehanna Township School District

Next steps

If your district is interested in participating in the Teacher Certification Initiative program, please contact Dr. Christina Simmons at simmons@messiah.edu for more information.

I can help!

Dr. Christina Simmons

(717) 796-1800