Teacher Intern Certification Route

• Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree
• Cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or above
  • Note: If admitted under probationary status (GPA of a 2.99 or lower), students must meet the 3.0 GPA requirement prior to applying for the Teacher Intern certificate.
• Have a full time or long-term substitute position in your certification area
  • Position must be within 50 miles of Millersville University
  • You must have an on-site individual to serve as your mentor teacher.
    • Millersville University requires mentor/cooperating teachers working with students to meet Chapter 22, Code 354.25 of the PDE Guidelines stating the mentor/cooperating teacher must:
      • Have the appropriate professional educator certification
      • Have at a least three years of satisfactory certified teaching experience
      • Have at least one year of certified teaching experience in the school entity where the student is placed
    • Take and pass the required PDE Content Area tests.
      • For testing information view PDE’s Certification Test and Score Requirements
• Additional information is available on PDE's website here. 

Step 1 - Apply to a Post-Baccalureate Certification program through Graduate Admissions.

Step 2 - Take and pass the PDE required tests.

• For required tests and score requirements, view PDE's Certification Tests & Score Requirements worksheet here. 
  • This link will re-direct you to the PDE Certification Testing Requirements website.
  • Click the link on the right side of the screen titled 'Certification Test and Score Requirements'.
  • Select the 'Instructional' tab within the document for your particular certification area.
• Millersville University must receive test scores from the test vendor.

Step 3 - Register for your TIMS Account.

• Review PDE's 'Step-by-Step Guide' when registering for your TIMS account. 
• Go to TIMS Log In on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website to register for your account and receive your Professional Personnel Identification (PPID) number.
  • The PPID number is a unique, permanent number issued to all students upon their first entry into the PA public school system.
  • This number will remain with you throughout your PA teaching career. 
  • Keep your PPID number. You will need it throughout your career. 

NOTE: If you already have a TIMS account, do not create a new one. You will use the same account to apply for your certification. Move directly to step 4. 

Step 4 - Complete the MU Request to Recommend Form

• What you will need to complete the form:
  • PPID number from your TIMS account.
  • Test scores
    • If you are unsure of your test scores, log back into your Praxis or PECT account.
  • Note: Make sure to select 'Teacher Intern' under the Certification Area drop-down box on this form. 

Step 5 - Submit a letter on district letterhead from your employer/district to Field Services. 

• The letter should included the following:
  • Student Name
  • Date the job began
  • What the job is (E.g. Secondary Math Teacher)
• The letter can be emailed to Field.Services@millersville.edu

Step 6 - Submit a TIMS Application for Teacher Intern certification

• Visit the 'Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)' webpage.
  • Select login to start your TIMS application (at the top of page).
  • Scroll down and select the Help/User Guides to be directed to more information.
• View a list of PDE's Subject Area's and Codes here. 

After all the above steps have been completed, your student record will be reviewed for recommendation to PDE for a Teacher Intern certificate. 

After PDE awards your Teacher Intern certificate, you must complete part 2 to be recommended to PDE for licensure.

Step 1 - Program Completion

   Students must complete the post-baccalaureate certification program to be recommended to PDE for licensure.

• Prior to the start of your student teaching semester - Start checking your 'Course Requirement' worksheet that you received upon admission to the university to confirm all course requirements have been completed.
• Both PDE 430 evaluations must be on file prior to recommendation to PDE.
  • These forms are submitted to Field Services by your supervisor. 
• Millersville University will not be able to recommend you to PDE for licensure until all required coursework is complete.

Step 2 - Complete the MU Request to Recommend Form

• What you will need to complete the form:
  • PPID number from your TIMS account
  • Test Scores
    • If you are unsure of your test scores, log back into your Praxis or PECT account.
  • Make sure to select the appropriate certification area on this form. Do not select Teacher Intern. 

Step 3 - Submit a TIMS Application for your Instructional I certification area

• Visit the 'Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)' webpage.
  • Select login to start your TIMS application (at the top of page).
  • Scroll down and select the Help/User Guides to be directed to more information.
• View a list of PDE's Subject Area's and Codes here.