Northern Michigan Graduate Teacher Certification Program
An Elementary Teacher Certification Program
In partnership with Northwest Education Services and Grand Valley State University's Traverse City Regional Center, the College of Education and Community Innovation will offer a six-semester certification program for individuals residing in Northern Michigan and who are employed by a participating school district. Beginning January 2024, Grand Valley State University will launch the Northern Michigan Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program, a pathway for individuals interested in earning their initial elementary teaching certificate (Prekindergarten through 6th grade). Please review the program information and eligibility requirements carefully.
Quick Links
Program Details
Program Overview
The Northern Michigan GTC Program consists of a combination of coursework and fieldwork experience to prepare individuals to teach all subject areas in a self-contained elementary classroom. The format of the program is structured with adult learners in mind, offering a combination of online and hybrid courses, with occasional in-person meetings at GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center. Upon completion of the Northern Michigan GTC Program, individuals will apply for their initial teaching certificate at the elementary level and will have earned graduate credit toward a master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum - Elementary Education.
Jade Bowman
Graduate Education Programs
GVSU's Pew Campus - Grand Rapids
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-6122
Jackie Abeyta
Director of Student Engagement
GVSU's Traverse City Regional Center
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (231)995-1858
GYO GTC Program Recording
Eligibility Requirements
Please note: It is important to first check in with your building principal OR Northwest Education Services about your eligibility as a grant participant. Your contact at Northwest Education Services is Matt Olson ([email protected]).
In order to participate in the Northern Michigan GTC Program, individuals:
- must be employed by a school district in Northwest Education Services' region.
- must be seeking initial PK-6th grade certification.
- must live in Northern Michigan with the ability to occasionally visit GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center for in-person meetings.
- must have an awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher for the final 60 semester credits (waived if applicant holds a master’s degree).
Traverse City Regional Center
Sample Schedule
The Northern MI GTC program will follow a structured schedule. Candidates will be provided a registration guide before their start semester.
Winter 2024 Semester |
Spring 2024 Semester |
Summer 2024 Semester |
Fall 2024 Semester |
Winter 2025 Semester |
Spring 2025 Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EDI 635 - Development and Needs of Students |
EDI 630 - Teaching Mathematics (PK-6) |
EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education |
EDI 631 - Teaching Science (PK-6) |
EDI 685a - Practicum / Graduate Field Experience (Elementary Education) |
EDI 685b - Practicum / Graduate Field Experience (Elementary Education) |
EDR 621 - Foundations of Literacy |
EDT 619 - Introduction to Learning, Design, and Technology |
EDI 633 - Teaching Social Studies and Diversity |
EDR 628 - Literacy Instruction Across Disciplines (PK-6) |
EDI 638 - Facilitating School Environments |
Admission Process
Applications for this program are currently closed.
Application Deadline: November 1st, 2023
Pathway to Master's Degree
Upon completion of the Northern Michigan GTC program, students may continue coursework toward the Master of Education - Instruction and Curriculum - Elementary Education or look into another approved master's degree program. Interested students should contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation at [email protected] or (616) 331-6650 to meet with an advisor.
Visit the online catalog for a list of the Masters of Education Degree in Instruction and Curriculum, Elementary Education Courses and degree requirements.