Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Candidacy

Teacher Candidacy is the written process that confirms your intent to pursue certification at West Chester University in an educator preparation program. All students must apply for entry into their education preparation program through Teacher Candidacy at the Undergraduate level or the Graduate level. Teacher Candidacy enables students access to designated advanced professional education courses approved by the PA Department of Education.

Requirements

  • Baccalaureate graduate from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Pennsylvania’s Chapter 354 and therefore, the PA Department of Education, requires a 3.0 for candidacy. However, those with a 2.8 or above may be conditionally admitted.
  • Admission to a WCU program leading to a Pennsylvania Department of Education certification
  • Department approval (Signature from program coordinator on Approved Program of Study (APS) – Graduate Teacher Candidacy form; Departments may have additional and/or more rigorous requirements for their students.)
  • Completion of an Ethics Module
    • Only for Early Grades, Middle Grades, Special Education, All Secondary Education, and World Languages

Graduate students must access and complete an Approved Program of Study & Grad/Post-Bacc Teacher Candidacy form, found in RamPortal. This form outlines the certification requirements and entry into the program in consultation with your faculty reviewer. Please review these directions to submit .

WCU graduate-level educator preparation candidates who achieve Teacher Candidacy must maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to retain Teacher Candidacy status. In most cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be earned to qualify for Pennsylvania certification.

How do I check my Teacher Candidacy status?

  • Verify your Teacher Candidacy status by logging into Navigate and clicking on the "Courses" tab.  Under the Pre-Enrollment and Progression section you will see the Teacher Candidacy status.
  • WCU undergraduate-level educator preparation candidates who achieve Teacher Candidacy must maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 to retain Teacher Candidacy status. In most cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be earned to qualify for Pennsylvania certification.
  • Email CandidateServices@wcupa.edu, to have your Teacher Candidacy status reinstated once you have earned a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA again.