Pennsylvania Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Pennsylvania guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania
NASET is here to support Pennsylvania educators in navigating one of the most rewarding careers in public education. Pennsylvania uses a two-level certification pathway for special education teachers. For a broader look at how PA compares nationally, see NASET’s complete state-by-state special education guide.
To earn your New York teaching certificate, you’ll need to:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an approved four-year college or university
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including student teaching
- Pass the PECT (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests) — Special Education PreK–8 or 7–12
- Pass a full background check, including criminal history and child abuse clearances
- Apply for your Level I certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
- After 3 years of teaching and 24 continuing education credits (including 6 in special education), upgrade to a Level II certificate,which is permanent with no renewal required
👉 Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to nearly 80 Act 48-eligible courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s continuing education framework is governed by Act 48, which requires all certified educators to complete professional development every 5 years to keep their certificate active, whether employed or not.
To satisfy Act 48, Pennsylvania sped teachers must complete one of the following every 5 years:
- 180 hours of continuing professional education through a PDE-approved provider
- 6 semester credits of collegiate study from a regionally accredited university
- 6 CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits from a PDE-approved provider
- Any approved combination of the above
NASET is a PDE-approved Act 48 provider. All NASET certifications, courses, and webinars count toward your Pennsylvania renewal requirements. Whether you need to log hours or earn a new credential, the NASET course store offers a full catalog of PDE-eligible professional development built specifically for special educators.
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania
- Average statewide salary: ~$61,245
- Philadelphia average: ~$63,642
- Entry-level salary: ~$52,713
- Senior-level salary (8+ years): ~$89,962
- Salary range: $50,100 – $84,201 (25th–90th percentile)
Job Market:
- 21,000 special education teachers statewide across 3,292 public schools
- 16.5% of Pennsylvania students have an IEP, which is significantly above the national average of 13%
- Pennsylvania earned a “Meets Requirements” rating from the U.S. Department of Education, the department’s highest ranking
- Ongoing demand for qualified special educators across urban, suburban, and rural districts
Advanced certifications and credentials backed by organizations like NASET can meaningfully move sped teachers up the salary schedule.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
IEPs In Pensylvannia
Pennsylvania follows federal IDEA requirements for all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). A strong understanding of landmark cases in special education helps Pennsylvania teachers understand the legal foundation behind IEP requirements and student rights.
Key facts for PA special education teachers:
- IEPs must be reviewed annually
- Pennsylvania uses the PennData system to track IEP and special education data statewide
- Special education teachers are required to actively participate in IEP development, meetings, and implementation
Writing strong, measurable IEP goals is one of the most critical skills a sped teacher can develop. NASET’s guide to determining measurable annual goals in an IEP is a practical resource for both new and experienced Pennsylvania educators. For ready-to-use templates, NASET’s forms, checklists, and procedures for special education teachers covers everything from eligibility checklists to structured observation tools.
NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country resource also provides real-world IEP examples that help teachers see what compliant, high-quality IEPs look like across different states and settings.
Assessment in Special Education
Understanding how to assess students accurately is a core competency for any Pennsylvania special education teacher. NASET’s Assessment in Special Education Series provides in-depth guidance on evaluation methods, eligibility determination, and data-driven instruction, all directly applicable to Pennsylvania’s IEP and certification requirements.
Become a NASET Member and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Pennsylvania Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
Advance Your Career With NASET!
NASET is the leading professional organization for special education teachers in the United States, and Pennsylvania educators are among the most engaged in the NASET community.
NASET Membership gives you unlimited access to professional development resources, publications, job boards, and Act 48-approved courses — everything a Pennsylvania special education teacher needs in one place.
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) certification through NASET demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field, and counts directly toward your Pennsylvania Act 48 hours.
Whether you’re working toward your Level II certificate, sharpening your IEP skills, or building toward advanced certification, NASET is your partner for every stage of your special education career in Pennsylvania.
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