On Fifth Year Certification

What is unique and valuable about the program is that as a pre-service teacher, I spent much time and effort clarifying my vision, reflecting on my practice, and defining my pedagogical philosophy. Throughout the whole year, I was supported by a circle of knowledgeable and experienced educators (Professors, Subject Area Specialists, College Supervisor, and Cooperating Teacher) who gave me valuable advice and helped me identify my strengths and areas of improvement. The student teaching aspect of the program was the most challenging and rewarding; it was in the classroom where all the theory I learned was finally put into practice and I am grateful to my students for teaching me so much. By the end of the program, I realized that I had built a solid foundation on my path as a critical pedagogue and an unfinished learner. 

- Sarah H. Jang (BMC ’05, 5th Year Certification Program graduate ’07)

 

5th Year Secondary Teacher Certification

** 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 in a 5th year at reduced tuition through the Bryn Mawr/Haverford Education Program and Bryn Mawr's Continuing Education Program.

Students pay 1/4 of regular tuition per unit ($1,005 in 2008-09) for each education course (note that Education 303: Practice Teaching is a two-credit “course” and therefore the tuition is double). Therefore, if a student has completed all but the final courses (Education 301/302/303) as an undergraduate, she or he would pay a total of $4,020 for the 5th year program.

Students enroll for the courses through the Continuing Education Program at Bryn Mawr as non-degree students. They receive undergraduate credits for the courses.

Certification is available in the following areas:

* For information about the HHMI/Bryn Mawr College Science Teaching Fellowship, through which bi-college graduates seeking certification in math or science receive awards of up to $5,000 towards the 5th Year Certification 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.

Financial Aid

The type of aid available to students enrolled in the 5th year 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 2007-2008 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.

Enrollment Process

Students interested in this option should consult with the Education Program Administrator, Ann Brown, to plan a coherent program of study. Her phone number is (610) 526-5376.