2020-2021 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
College of Education
Administration
Dean: Soman
Associate Dean: King
Associate Dean: Shinsky
Website
Mission
Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.
Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.
Values
The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.
Program Information
The College of Education offers programs leading to initial certification (Michigan standard teaching certification) both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Certification is available at the undergraduate level in elementary and secondary general education and special education. Candidates complete a teachable major in one of the content areas and a second major in education. The graduate-level initial certification program, graduate teacher certification (GTC), is for candidates who already possess an approved baccalaureate degree.
The teacher preparation program reflects a belief in strong backgrounds in the liberal arts, familiarity with learning theory, and practical experience in diverse settings. College of Education faculty members teach courses and seminars in educational philosophy and psychology, methods and materials, school organization and management, and technology and assessment. Faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences teach content area courses.
Graduate level programs offer the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, Michigan standard teaching certification, administrator certification, school counseling license and endorsement, certification renewal, and programs leading to approvals, endorsements, and professional development.
The major function of the graduate program is to create opportunities for professional renewal and development. The graduate program attempts to increase knowledge and understanding of the learning process and the repertoire of teaching methods and skills. The graduate program offers the M.Ed. degree in seven major areas: educational technology, higher education, instruction and curriculum, educational leadership, literacy studies, school counseling, and special education.
Beyond the graduate program, the College of Education offers the educational specialist degree in leadership (Ed.S.). This degree program builds on the master's degree and develops leadership practitioners for school and/or central office administrative positions. The program provides district leaders with meaningful clinical experiences, case methods of teaching, and pragmatic curriculum geared to the specific knowledge and skills required by district leaders and superintendents at different career stages. See the Education section under Academic Programs in this catalog for specific program requirements.
Units
Academic Departments
Educational Foundations
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Literacy and Technology
Teaching and Learning
Administrative Departments
Administrative Services
Center for Educational Partnerships
Dean's Office
Student Information and Services Center
TRIO
Educational Talent Search
Teacher Preparation Student Support Services
Upward Bound
All offices are located at the Richard M. DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, with the exception of the Educational Talent Search office which is located at the Depot on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Accreditation
The College of Education is an upper-division and graduate unit. Programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education and follow the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) guidelines.
Admission
Graduate Admission
For specific graduate College of Education admission requirements, see the Graduate Teacher Education Program Description.
Secondary Admission for Undergraduates
For specific undergraduate College of Education initial certification admission requirements, see the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program Description.
Student Services
The College of Education Student Information and Services Center (SISC) provides advising and information that supports undergraduate and graduate students through a variety of transitions within the College of Education. The service center offers centralized services for admissions, placement, advising, and certification. A full service professional staff is available for advising and assistance. Contact [email protected] or phone (616) 331-6650.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistant positions are available in the College of Education to assist with research, writing, data collection and analysis, grant proposal development, student services, computer projects, and serving on graduate committees.
Refer to gvsu.edu/gs/policies-and-procedures-58.htm or The Graduate School section in this catalog for additional information on Graduate Assistantships.
Scholarships
Each year, the College of Education assists students through the generosity of individuals and organizations dedicated to the preparation of educators. All scholarship awards require formal admission to the College of Education. Please refer to the university's scholarship website at gvsu.edu/scholarships for more information or to apply through myScholarships, the online application database.
- Baldwin Foundation Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Greta and Arthur DeLong Scholarship for Teacher Education
- Kenneth and Irene Fridsma Endowed Special Education Scholarship
- Faculty Teaching and Learning Center Scholarship for Minority Students in Education
- Mack-Jackson African American Teacher Scholarship
- Joe E. Reid Memorial Scholarship
- Telephone Pioneers of America Scholarship
- J. Patrick Sandro Education Scholarship
- Graduate Teacher Certification Scholarship
- The David G. and Mary L. Annis Education Scholarship
- Paul '81 and Pamela '80 Schweitzer Scholarship
- College of Education Future Teacher Scholarship
- PNC Early Childhood Education Scholarship
Refer to gvsu.edu/financialaid or the Costs and Financial Aid section in this catalog for scholarship details.
Student Organizations
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honor society in education that fosters excellence in education and promotes fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. The Grand Valley KDP Student Chapter provides service opportunities in schools and throughout the community to positively impact the education of all children.
The Grand Valley National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Student Chapter provides professional opportunities for students wishing to pursue careers in K-12 science education.
The Grand Valley Student Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa is Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT), which is under the umbrella of Phi Delta Kappa's Future Educators Association. Monthly meetings concentrate on topics of interest for future educators and service-learning/volunteer opportunities. Grand Valley is recognized as a Phi Delta Kappa International member with all the opportunities afforded by that organization.