Graduate Teacher Certification - Elementary
Certification (C)
Graduate Certification
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 36 Credits
The Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to pursue initial teacher certification.
Overview
Grand Valley's full-time, hybrid Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program prepares students to become certified PK-6 elementary educators. Part of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in instruction and curriculum in elementary education, the GTC program leads to a recommendation for an initial standard teaching certificate in PK-3 and 3-6.
This accelerated, one-year program in elementary education includes 11 courses and 36 credits over three semesters, covering evidence-based practices in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, classroom management, culturally responsive pedagogy, and special education foundations, paired with robust clinical field experiences. Completing an additional 15 credits fulfills the requirements for a Master in Education, Instruction and Curriculum - Elementary Education.
The GTC prepares individuals to become certified PK-6 elementary educators in just one year, spanning three semesters. GTC faculty members are experts in their field an d provide flexible, available, and supportive guidance throughout the program. With quality elementary educators in high demand in today’s job market, this program offers a valuable pathway to a rewarding elementary school teaching career.
College of Education and Community Innovation
gvsu.edu/education/grad
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
[email protected]
(616) 331-6650
Program Director
Kelly Margot, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6247
Application Deadline
Applications for the GTC program are due by November 1, with an additional application for the College of Education and Community Innovation due by January 15. The $30 application fee is waived for previous GVSU applicants.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in the Elementary GTC program, candidates:
- must be seeking initial PK-6th grade certification.
- must have an awarded bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- must be at least a year out from earning their bachelor's degree.
- must have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the final 60 undergraduate credits (waived if applicant holds a master's degree).
- must successfully complete two prerequisite courses.
- must have 30 hours of paid or unpaid experience working with the PK-6th grade age group.
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