Elementary Education

Elementary Teaching Certificate holders are qualified to teach Pre-K--3, 3-6, or Pre-K--6 grades. There are also options for Special Education and ESL (English as a second language).  Click here to see the teachable majors and minors that are offered at GVSU.

Normally, students complete the majority of their degree, major, minor and pre-requisite courses before they apply to the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI). Click here for the list of Admission Requirements. Once admitted into CECI, students complete one semester of student assisting and one semester of student teaching. Most students wait to graduate with their Bachelor's degree until after they have completed their final semester of student teaching.

Students who plan to receive a Michigan teaching certificate must take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their major, minor, and endorsement(s), if applicable, as well as obtain passing scores on the OPI if they plan to pursue the CSAT/SPA program. Please discuss which tests are appropriate for you with your COE advisor. 

The advisors in the CLAS Academic Advising Center can help you understand the requirements for the teachable majors, admission to the College of Education and Community Innovation, and teacher's certification, and assist you in developing an academic plan. Please call us at (616) 331-8585 or stop by our office in C-1-140 Mackinac (MAK) Hall to schedule an appointment.



Page last modified August 21, 2023