Teacher Education Program for Bryn Mawr/Haverford Graduates
** Open only to Bryn Mawr and Haverford Graduates **
Graduates of Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges may complete requirements for PA state certification to teach at the secondary level by enrolling in the Bryn Mawr/Haverford Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program. In general, students are able to complete the program in two consecutive semesters if they have majored in the subject they plan to teach.
The program offers certification in the following areas:
- English, 7-12
- Mathematics, 7-12*
- Biology, chemistry, and physics, 7-12*
- French, German, Latin, and Spanish, K-12(Chinese and Russian are also possibilities if student teaching placements can be found)
- Social studies, 7-12 (as well as Citizenship Education and Social Science)
The typical number of education course units required is seven (four courses in the fall semester followed by three units in the spring), but additional courses may be required.
* For information about the HHMI Math/Science Teaching Fellowship, through which bi-college graduates seeking certification in math or science receive awards of up to $10,000 towards this program, click here.
Entrance, Test, Coursework, and Student Teaching Requirements
For entrance, testing, and education coursework and student teaching requirements, go to the section of this website about the Secondary Teacher Certification Program.
Note that in addition to the education course requirements, there are content course requirements in the subject area in which the student or graduate is seeking certification. For more information about these, click on the appropriate certification area above. Students who major in the area in which they seek certification and take courses offered by the Education Program while they were at Haverford or Bryn Mawr are best positioned to complete the program in one year.
Please also note that some teacher certification candidates are able to use their regular teaching positions as their “student teaching” placements.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2009-2010 tuition is $1,755 per course unit. The rate is 50% of Bryn Mawr College's Post-Baccalaureate Tuition rate posted here: http://www.brynmawr.edu/treasurer/tuition_facts.html. In addition, students pay $100 in fees.
The type of aid available to students enrolled in this program is the Federal Stafford Loan. Private alternative loans are also available, but the Federal Stafford loan is the better option because the interest rate is lower. Brochures about private alternative loans are available from Bryn Mawr’s Office of Financial Aid. Note that 5th year students do not qualify for any other type of federal aid or a Bryn Mawr Grant.
You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to receive Federal Stafford Loan funds.
To apply for the Federal Stafford Loan, you will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The maximum amount you will be able to borrow is $5,500 if you are applying as a dependent aid applicant. If you meet the federal definition of an independent aid applicant, you would be eligible to apply for an additional $5,000 in the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed online. Alternatively, you may obtain a paper FAFSA from the Office of Financial Aid your public library or by calling 1-800-433-3243. If you are selected for verification by the federal processor, you will need to submit signed copies of 2005 federal income returns, but you won't know that until you receive the results of your FAFSA.
If you plan to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan as a 5th year education student, please contact Ethel Desmarais, Director of Bryn Mawr’s Office of Financial Aid, at (610) 526-5245 to ensure that the application process goes smoothly.
To Apply
Submit the following information by e-mail or mail to: Ann Brown (abrown@brynmawr.edu), Education Program, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
- A resume that details your work and volunteer experiences and highlights any teaching experience you have or experience working with youth;
- Copies of all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts (unofficial is fine)
- A "Letter of Intent" to enroll in the Teacher Education Program that answers these questions:
(a) Why are you interested in education?
(b) What unique and/or appropriate qualities and strengths would you bring to the profession?
(c) What are your anticipated career plans?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To ensure that you have a spot in limited enrollment education courses, we strongly encourage you to submit your applications by April 1. We will continue to consider applications until July 1, however.