The COE has these approved options for completing the required 18 semester hours needed beyond the bachelor degree for continued professional certification. Note: Students returning to teaching after an absence should consult with Career Services to discuss credentials and educational offerings that will prepare them to meet employment requirements.

Option 1. Master's Degree

If the 18 semester hours are part of a master's degree program in an approved teacher education institution, the applicant for a professional certificate must submit a list of courses to be signed by an appropriate College of Education advisor. The planned program requirements will be met by following course work prescribed for the M.Ed. No further documentation is necessary.

Option 2. Additional Major or Minor

The applicant may earn additional endorsements consisting of at least 18 hours within the College of Education or with approved subject area majors or minors. Program advisors must approve all additional endorsements. Applicants adding additional subject area endorsements must also pass Michigan Subject Area tests.

Option 3. Additional Certificate Level

Applicants may earn endorsements allowing them to teach at a new level. See the following areas in the graduate degree section of this catalog for endorsements of 18 credits or more that will expand the certification level.

a. Early Childhood Endorsement
b. Elementary Endorsement
c. Middle Level Endorsement
d. Secondary Endorsement

Option 4. Professional Development

Candidates choosing an 18-credit professional development program should contact the Student Information and Services Center. Courses may be chosen from professional education or from the candidate's major or minor. No more than one elective course may be applied without advisor approval.

Reading Requirement

All candidates for provisional or professional certification must show evidence of coursework in reading methods, six credits for elementary, three for secondary. It is recommended that students have their College of Education advisor establish these courses when planning their official program of study if they have not yet met the requirement. If a Michigan Provisional Certificate was granted after July 1983 from a Michigan accredited teacher preparation institution, the candidate has fulfilled the reading requirement.

In addition, effective July 1, 2009, an approved course in the diagnosis and remediation of reading disabilities and differentiated instruction, including field experiences, is required before obtaining the Professional Certificate.