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CSIU Educator Preparation Program

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Start Here: CSIU Certification Initial Interest Program Application

Application Questions (and to begin your application): EdCert@csiu.org

If you have further questions about the documents requested, please see below.

To make a payment for tuition, click here.

Resources

Below are some links to relevant information for the program. 

The CSIU Certification Programs have been designed to provide high-quality educational opportunities for future educators with a focus on continuous quality enhancement and professional learning. Through strategic collaborations, these programs aim to empower networks of educators and families to drive school improvement initiatives, ensuring that every student benefits from a high-quality education centered on effective teaching and learning practices.

Upon successful completion of these programs and the requisite state testing, participants will achieve PDE Certification, qualifying them to work in public schools.

Program Description
The new post-baccalaureate programs at CSIU, in partnership with BloomBoard, are designed to enrich and expand educational opportunities in PK-4 Elementary Education and PK-12 Special Education. Our programs embody a commitment to ongoing quality improvement and professional growth, empowering a community of educators and families to spearhead school improvement initiatives, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education focused on comprehensive teaching and learning strategies.

PK-4 Elementary Education 

The PK-4 Elementary Education program at CSIU provides an integrated curriculum that aligns with Pennsylvania's educational standards. This program is dedicated to nurturing effective teaching practices that cater to the developmental needs of young children. It combines innovative coursework with practical learning experiences, aiming to develop educators who are equipped to foster an engaging and inclusive learning environment, enhancing student achievement and addressing diverse educational needs.

PK-12 Special Education 

Our PK-12 Special Education program focuses on creating inclusive educational practices that ensure all students, regardless of their learning abilities, have access to tailored and effective education. This program integrates specialized training with foundational coursework to prepare educators who can design and implement adaptive learning strategies. This program supports professional growth through continuous improvement, encouraging educators to become advocates for students with special needs and to lead efforts in school improvement.

Evidence-Based Certification (EBC)

The PK-4 and Special Education pathways are also available as intern opportunities which only require 18 credits for the PK-4 certification and 21 credits for the PK-12 Special Education certification.  These candidates must be serving as a teacher of record in a school district and have already passed the corresponding certification tests (PECT or Praxis) in order to be eligible for this opportunity.

Additional information on testing requirements can be found on the PDE website.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Empowerment

Through strategic partnerships with entities like BloomBoard, CSIU is poised to address critical educational needs and bridge gaps in educator preparation. These partnerships support our mission to empower communities of educators, enhance their capabilities, and expand their impact, ensuring that every child has access to transformative educational experiences.

Admissions and Program Information 

Candidates interested in joining our innovative programs must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Those with a GPA below this threshold may be considered for provisional acceptance, reflecting our inclusive approach to educator development. Prospective students are encouraged to contact us at EdCert@csiu.org for more information about eligibility and enrollment.

This enriched approach not only aligns with the standards delineated in the PA School Code but also integrates the progressive educational values and strategic goals of CSIU, fostering excellence in teacher preparation and educational outcomes.

The CSIU Certification Programs will:

  • Be delivered utilizing an online learning model for content and foundational coursework.
  • Integrate field experiences to prepare participants for the final full-time field experience.
  • Provide ongoing integrated support.

Programs:
PK-4 Post-Bacc - Elementary Education
PK-12 Post-Bacc - Special Education

PK-4 Evidence-Based Certification - Elementary Education

PK-12 Evidence-Based Certification - Special Education

Please reach out via the edcert@csiu.org email if you have any further questions.

Application InformationClearances

Required Background Checks and TB Testing

Clearances (background checks) are a requirement for enrollment to take teacher certification courses, as well as an obligation throughout the rest of your career as an educator.

Clearances are considered secure materials and should NOT be sent via email.

Required Clearances

Act 34 - 

Apply online at: https://epatch.state.pa.us.

  1. Click “Submit New Record Check,” choose “Individual Request,” and under reason for, click on “Other.”
  2. Input your personal information and click “proceed.”
  3. Confirm your information, and click “enter this request.”
  4. Click “view queued record check,” and then “submit.”
  5. Proceed to payment options. A $22.00 fee will be charged to your credit card.
  6. When your record has been processed, click the “R-Control” link and click “Certification Form.”
    1. Save your official results as a PDF.

 

Act 114 - 

Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO, not State Police or Department of Human Services. 

Please follow the steps in this order:

  1. Register with IdentoGO electronic fingerprinting service. You will need to enter the service code to get started.
    • For Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, the Service Code is 1KG6S7.
  2. Click the “Schedule or Manage Appointment” link to start the registration process. Complete the required (*) fields and click the blue “Next” button to continue.  You will need to complete all required information to create your bio and to answer all citizenship and other personal demographic questions.
  3. Choose the required identification material(s) you will bring to your fingerprinting appointment.  Then select a date and time to schedule your appointment.
  4. Please print the confirmation page and report to an approved IdentoGO fingerprint location for your scheduled appointment.  To find an approved location, please click here to enter your Zip code to find a list of local Fingerprint Enrollment Centers and Hours.
  5. Upon completion, keep the IndentoGO receipt that contains the UEID number, this can be submitted in your application packet to pull the formal clearance copy. You will also receive an email notification when the background check is complete, please keep this for your records.

 IdentoGo Customer Support: (844) 321-2124

Act 126 - 

  • Visit www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu.
  • Register for training.
  • Upon completing the course, download your certificate as a PDF and save for your records.

If you have already completed this training, you do not need to re-take it.

Act 151 - 

  • Apply online at: www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home.
  • Choose “Create an Individual Account” (if you don’t already have one). Create a Keystone ID and fill out the additional information.  Once you have logged in with your Keystone ID and set a password, click on “Create Clearance Application.” 
  • When prompted, choose “School Employee Governed by Public School Code” under Application Purpose. 
  • After answering all questions, be sure to check “yes” to have a paper version of the certificate sent to you (you will be able to print an electronic version later if needed). Processing takes approximately 14 days.
  • Pay the monetary fee by debit or credit card. 
  • Once you receive a copy of your results, keep the official report for your records.

TB Testing - 

  • TB testing may be administered by your private health care provider/family physician.
  • Results may be submitted on a script pad or doctor’s letterhead with your name, the negative result, date, and the original signature of your physician (no name stamps may be used).
  • Keep the testing results for your records.

Uploading Clearances

Scan and upload the results of your clearances to the document upload - Link to document upload. STARS Campus Solutions is the online application program used by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and a link is provided for your application.

Other Application Materials

In addition to uploading your clearances and TB testing, you will also need to provide the following information:

  • Writing Sample - this can be any writing sample written for the post-secondary or graduate level; if you aren't sure what to use, there are prompts in the PA Standards Teaching Application
  • Resume - please make sure it is up-to-date
  • Official Transcripts - please upload to the document center - Link to document upload

Important Notes:

  • All clearances must be obtained in Pennsylvania. Out-of-state clearances will be rejected.
  • If you have any arrest or conviction on a clearance, you must disclose it to the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. Failure to do so may prevent you from completing your Clinical Experience.
  • Save hard copies of your clearances and keep them confidential!  DO NOT send them via email.
  • Current students receiving their bill directly from the CSIU can choose to pay their tuition online here.

Points of ContactFor questions regarding enrollment, please contact Audrey Bickel at abickel@csiu.org.

For questions regarding billing, please contact Becky Roney at rroney@csiu.org.

For questions regarding course sequences, transcript audits, and certification, please contact Theresa Bartholomew at tbartholomew@csiu.org.