Looking to Change Careers and Become a Certified Teacher?
Grand Valley offers the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program, a post-baccalaureate route to initial teacher certification. Candidates must already hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution and will need to be at least a year out from earning their bachelor’s degree when beginning a GTC Cohort (begins each May). Please note: the GTC program will require a full-time commitment given the accelerated pace and clinical field experience requirements.

Prospective students should first contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA) for initial information and to be connected to program resources for their intended route (Elementary vs. Secondary).

The Office of Certification and Accreditation
College of Education and Community Innovation
[email protected]
616-331-6650

Elementary GTC Program Overview

The full-time Elementary GTC program is designed for individuals interested in teaching the four core subjects (Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies) within a self-contained PK-6^th grade setting. Elementary candidates will engage in:

1. Initial Course Requirements

Elementary GTC candidates must first complete two initial courses offered Fall and Winter semester:

HPE 267: Health and Movement Education for Elementary Teachers

EDT 619: Introduction to Learning, Design, and Technology

2. Elementary GTC Cohort

Once the two initial courses are complete, Elementary GTC candidates would then be eligible to start in a three-semester GTC Cohort (33 credits). The Elementary GTC Cohort runs for three-consecutive semesters, beginning each May and concluding the following April. This coursework is housed at the graduate level within the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) and is currently offered in a hybrid setting (in-person coursework and meetings required). The Elementary GTC coursework will cover topics such as evidence-based practices in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, classroom management, culturally responsive pedagogy, and special education foundations. During the Fall and Winter semesters, candidates will also participate in a year-long clinical field experience under the guidance and supervision of an experienced mentor teacher.

Secondary GTC Program Overview

The full-time Secondary GTC program is designed for individuals interested in teaching English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies within a middle or high school setting, or Health and Physical Education, Music Education, Visual Arts Education, or a World Language (French, German, Latin, or Spanish) in a K-12^th grade setting. The Secondary GTC program should be thought of as two separate parts:

1. Content Area Requirements

Secondary GTC candidates must first complete the requirements of a state-approved content area (credits vary). This coursework is housed at the undergraduate level, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and will likely be offered in-person, during the day, and on the Allendale campus. Please do not count on online or evening course availability. 

Prospective students can preview DRAFT Planned Programs for their intended content area (see list below), however, should follow the initial steps outlined on the Informational Recording to have their transcripts evaluated by a professional advisor in the CLAS Academic Advising Center. Courses taken at other institutions must be equivalent to the objectives and standards of the Grand Valley State University courses and will be reviewed by a professional advisor and the respective department.

Secondary GTC DRAFT Planned Programs for State-Approved Content Areas

Visual Arts (K-12) 75 Credits
English 39 Credits
French 39 Credits
German 36 Credits
Health and Physical Education (K-12) 69 Credits
Science 89 Credits
Latin - in progress
Mathematics 42 Credits
Music (K-12) 90 Credits
Social Studies 63 Credits
Spanish (K-12) 39 Credits

2. Secondary GTC Cohort

Once all content area requirements are complete, Secondary GTC candidates would then be eligible to start in a three-semester GTC Cohort (27 credits). The Secondary GTC Cohort runs for three-consecutive semesters, beginning each May and concluding the following April. This coursework is housed at the graduate level within the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) and is currently offered online. The Secondary GTC coursework will cover topics such as adolescent literacy development, classroom management, teaching students with disabilities, and technology integration. During the Fall and Winter semesters, candidates will also participate in a year-long clinical field experience under the guidance and supervision of an experienced mentor teacher.

Program Outcomes

The GTC program prepares candidates for their initial teaching certificate. After successful completion of all program and certification requirements, GTC candidates will receive a recommendation from Grand Valley State University for initial, standard teacher certification. Following completion of all GTC requirements, only a few courses remain to complete the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instruction and Curriculum – Elementary or Secondary Education degree.