Graduate Teacher Certification Program
                 "Transition to Teaching"

"Great teachers fill you up with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life."
                           Pat Conroy-My Losing Season

                         
                                                                         Kathie Carruth

Individuals who are thinking about making a transition to a  teaching career may consider the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program. It is an intensive, one-year, full-time teacher training program for adults who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and who already have, or are willing to acquire, a "teachable" major (and possibly a teachable minor) prior to joining the program, as well as meet additional entrance requirements.  Teachable majors and minors are referenced below.

The program combines teacher education course work with two consecutive semesters of field placement in a local school. At the completion of the program, students will have earned a teaching certificate as well as graduate credit toward a master's degree. The full master's degree can be completed following certification. All prospective candidates are advised to attend an information session for more detailed explanations. Please call 616-331-6650 to register for one of the monthly information sessions. 

Elementary Level Teaching: An individual interested in elementary level teaching is required to have to a teachable subject major, and would be certified to teach all subjects K-5. In addition, the elementary certification allows an individual to teach grades 6-8 (middle school) in the subject major. 
 
Secondary Level Teaching: An individual interested in teaching at the secondary level is required to have a teachable major and minor and would be certified to teach grades 6-12 in the subject major and/or minor.

Those who wish to become certified as elementary or secondary level teachers are required to have a teachable subject major completed before entering the GTC program.  Secondary level candidates also need to have a nearly complete teachable minor.   Please see the online catalog at www.gvsu.edu/catalog/ to review the required courses in each major.


Admission Requirements for the GTC 
             Certification Program

1. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution at least three years prior to application with a 3.0 GPA or higher for the final 60 semester credits.
2. A 3.0 GPA in the teachable subject major/minor.
3. A completed Masters of Education graduate application submitted to the GVSU Admissions Office by November 15.
4. A separate GTC application packet is also needed and is available at the College of Education Student Information and Services Center. 
5. Evidence of 25 hours of paid or volunteer work with children within the age group you wish to teach (due January 15 unless given permission for extension).
6. Passing scores on the Michigan Basic Skills and Subject Major tests.
7. Completion of a required course in Computers in Education, EDG 619 for elementary candidates or EDG 627 for secondary candidates; see advisor before taking the course.
8. Negative TB test (due January 15). 
9. Resume (due January 15).
10. A personal essay (due January 15). 
11. A personal interview with the program advisor.   

"If you have harbored or developed a passion for teaching the next generation, the Graduate Teacher Certification Program at Grand Valley State University can allow you to pursue that dream.  Challenging class work and field experience taught and supervised by experienced and dedicated faculty may revise preconceived notions about teaching but only strengthen the determination for a goal meant to be. The GTC program is a rigorous academic experience - the result is thorough preparation for a second career as an effective educator of young people."  

Robert Johnson, MD

GTC Program Coursework
Sequence 
Candidates who meet admission requirements are accepted into the program in February and are placed in either an elementary or secondary level cohort group. The cohort groups are a resource for friendship and support throughout the program. The sequence of teacher education courses leading to certification begins spring/summer term. Both groups conclude their studies at the end of April the following year. 

Elementary Certification with Elementary Minor
 36 Credit Hours

Spring/Summer Sessions 

May - June  (six weeks)
EDG 631 Teaching Science: K-12 (3 credits)
EDG 632 Teaching Creative and Performing Arts (3 credits)

May  - July  (on-line course)
ED 652  Foundations of  Special Education (3 credits) Online

June  - August  (six weeks)
EDG 610 Advanced Studies in Child Development (3 credits)
EDG 633 Teaching Social Studies and Diversity (3 credits) 
 

                                         Fall Session

August  - December

EDG 685  Practicum/Graduate Field Placement, (20 hours per week, 3 credits) plus cohort group meeting and four seminars
EDG 638  Facilitating School Environments (3 credits)
EDG 630 Teaching Mathematics:  K-8 (3 credits)
EDR 622 Developmental Literacy for Children (3 credits)

                                     Winter Session

January  - April
EDG 685 Practicum/Graduate Field Experience, (full days, 6 credits)
Monday through Friday all day, plus cohort meeting and seminar
EDR 627 Literacy Strategies for the Content Areas (3 credits) 

Secondary Certification
 27 Credit Hours

                                       Summer Session
June  - August
EDG 635  Development and Needs of Adolescents (3 credits)
ED 652  Foundations of Special Education (3 credits)

                                          Fall Session
August  - December
EDG 685  Practicum/Graduate Field Placement, (20 hours per week, 3 credits) plus cohort meeting and four seminars
EDG 638  Facilitating School Environments (3 credits)
EDR 623  Development Literacy for Adolescents (3 credits)
EDG 636 Instruction in Middle and High Schools (3 credits)

                                       Winter Session

January 11 - April 30
EDG 685  Practicum/Graduate Field Placement (6 credits)
Monday through Friday all day, plus cohort meeting and seminar
EDG 627 Technlogy Integration for Secondary Teachers (3 credits on-line)   
 

                              

 "Grand Valley's GTC Program has been a wonderful experience for me. I was blessed to not only be placed at historic Grand Rapids Central High School, but with an awesome mentor teacher as well. Ms. Baker allowed me to try various teaching strategies to enhance student learning. Thanks to her tutelage and my GTC instructor's encouragement, I have found my niche so to speak. I am what is known as a "teacher performer." My job is not only to teach my students English; but to "infotain" them. It is important for my students to be able to relate the literature to their lives! The GTC Program gave me the opportunity to touch many young minds and hearts. I just gave my students what they (GTC instructors and staff) gave me...a chance."  Kate Carpenter

To speak with an advisor, call 616 331-6650.