Cooperative Education Teacher Coordinator Certification

The Cooperative Education Teacher Coordinator Certification Program prepares individuals with the skills needed to function as a Cooperative Education (Co-Op) teacher coordinator. Co-op coordinators are responsible for planning, organizing, and administering work experience programs for high school students, which correlate the theoretical learning activities of the classroom with practical learning experiences on the job.

Cooperative Education Certification at IUP

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all individuals who teach cooperative education programs of study or provide work placement services for students in a state-approved secondary school setting hold a state-issued Cooperative Education certificate. IUP is the approved provider for Cooperative Education certification in western Pennsylvania and offers the standards-based program that you need to become a cooperative education coordinator.

The undergraduate certification program is offered in a blended format with the majority of instruction completed online, utilizing video conferencing technology, and led by experienced CTE and certified co-op instructors. Coursework requirements may vary depending on your educational background and current certification. Your Center advisor will evaluate submitted transcripts to determine which courses you need to take. A 3.0 GPA must be maintained through all program coursework.

The program is designed to be completed in two to two-and-a-half years and is based on standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Courses include:

• VOED 406 - Planning, Development, and Evaluation of a Cooperative Education Program (3cr)
• VOED 407 - Legal Considerations for Cooperative Education Programs (2cr)
• VOED 408 - Planning School-Based Instruction for Cooperative Education (2cr)
• VOED 409 - Practicum/Field Experience (2cr)
• VOED 410* - Foundations of Career and Technical Education (1cr)
  *Pre-requisite course taken first semester of enrollment depending on current certification
• EDEX 458 (recommended) - Serving Students with Special Needs (3cr). Program requirement includes a course in accommodating students with special needs. Course substitution will be determined after transcript review by program advisor.

Admission to the Program

Candidates applying for admission must hold a valid Pennsylvania Career and Technical Instructional I or II, or an Instructional I or II certificate and submit the following items:

• Online application
• Official post-secondary transcripts
• A copy of valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II or Career and Technical Instructional I or II certificate
• Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form (PDE-6004)

Certification Requirements

To earn a Pennsylvania Cooperative Education certification credential, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a Cooperative Education program from a certifying institution.
• Successfully complete the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cooperative Education Assessment.

Once these requirements are met, you are eligible to submit your online application to PDE to have the Cooperative Education certification added to your Pennsylvania teaching certificate.

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