There is a way of becoming a vocational teacher without having attended college. The program to which we refer permits the beginning teacher to obtain initial certification based on occupational experience and demonstration of competency in a specific occupation.This program is sometimes referred to as the non-degree certification program. In most cases, the beginning teacher has successfully completed the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) testing program and applies for and is issued a Vocational Intern teaching certificate.
However, on occasion a vacancy may occur within a vocational technical school but none of the applicants have successfully completed the OCA. In this case, the Bureau of Teacher Certification will issue an Emergency Permit that will enable an individual to fill the position until the OCA has been successfully completed.
Emergency PermitsOCA Test DatesEmergency permits are issued when an individual applies for and is accepted into the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) testing program and has been offered and accepted a full-time teaching position in an area vocational school. This means a completed OCA application and all supporting documentation (verification of the required work experience which is a two learning period and two years or the equivalent, of full-time wage earning work experience) and high school graduation (or G.Ed.) must be on file at Penn State before the application for the emergency permit will be endorsed. This permit is valid for the balance of the school year. For example, an emergency permit issued in September 2004 will expire on the last working day of the 2004-2005 school year.
Intern Certificates
You must successfully complete the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) in your occupational specialty before you are permitted to apply for the Intern certificate. This certificate is good for three calendar years from the date it is issued. You will not apply for the Intern certificate unless you are currently teaching or have been guaranteed a full-time teaching position. While on the intern certificate you will be required to complete 18 academic credits, eight of which are Observation and Practice Teaching (student teaching). The Intern certificate is good for three calendar years from date of issue. As an example, an Intern certificate issued any time in September 2004 will expire on August 31, 2007.
Vocational Instructional I Certificates
To qualify for this certificate, you must successfully complete the 18 credits required while teaching on the vocational Intern certificate. You must also successfully complete the PRAXIS Series of Computerized Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading and Writing. This certificate is good for six teaching years, but applicants must complete at least three years of successful teaching before applying for the next level of certification, the Vocational Instructional II certificate.
Vocational Instructional II Certificates
This certificate is valid for five years (renewable) and it is issued upon successful completion of 43 additional credits for a total of 61 credits, plus the Praxis Series Vocational General Knowledge Test. Students must also complete the Precertification Competency Exam on Educating the Handicapped OR Special Education (SPLED) 400 OR WF ED 413, Vocational Education for Special Needs Learners. |
Looking for a Teaching Position
Not yet hired by a Career & Technical School
but have 4000+ hours of paid work experience
Just completed:
- High School
Technical School
- Community College CTE program
but have less than 4000 hours paid work experience.
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Furthering Your Opportunities
Persons not holding a B.S. or B.A. degree
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