In Our Words: Josy's Early Degrees Josy started college at the University of Pennsylvania School of Education in 1942, and earned her Bachelors degree in 1946. She also received several certificates of distinction for exceptional quality, graduating with honors. The Education curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania required practice teaching in a student’s fifth year, and the state of Pennsylvania required additional course work for a teaching certificate to become permanent. Through a combination of this extra undergraduate course work and the additional courses required for her teaching certificate to become permanent, Josy earned her Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Education in 1948. She and José earned their Master’s degrees at the same time and were featured in the local newspaper.