Welcome to the Grand Valley State University College of Education
Preparing Exceptional Teachers
"As a teacher recruiter, I have actively recruited teacher candidates from Grand Valley State University for the past 15 years because their students understand educational pedagogy, the learning process, and instructional skills necessary to help students learn. Woven into students' classroom and field experiences is an understanding of the special needs of English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Teaching in a culturally-diverse classroom is also emphasized as a result of our changing world.
I have not just recruited teacher candidates at GVSU, but I have also lectured in education classes and discussed educational issues with faculty members. As a former Associate Professor of Education at the University of Oregon for 11 years, I am aware of what constitutes a quality teacher preparation program. Grand Valley has all the ingredients necessary for a quality teacher preparation program: a qualified and supportive faculty; contemporary curricula; relevant classroom and field experiences; and a learning environment conducive to dialogue and inquiry.
I must also commend this university's career services center. Center personnel... have always assisted me in the recruitment process and arranged opportunities for me to speak to education classes and meet with College of Education faculty. It has always been apparent to me that the career services center personnel strongly support students seeking employment opportunities. They are accessible, knowledgeable, and student-focused.
In summary, I value and respect my symbiotic relationship with Grand Valley State University because it provides a quality education to its students and the support necessary to be successful during and after their tenure on campus."
Dr. David Santellanes
Teacher Recruiter, Cartwright School District
Phoenix, Arizona
Why Study Education at GVSU?
Grand Valley State University's College of Education is an ideal choice for undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of education, teaching, and counseling. Offering courses since 1964, the college provides high quality programs with small class sizes. With a commitment to educational principles such as active learning, interaction of theory and practice, and learning relevancy, the College of Education offers students the type of personalized attention needed to become leaders in their fields.
News
February 07, 2019
Lisa M. Perhamus has been appointed as the inaugural Director of the Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Program for GVSU.
COE Alum Named Science Teacher of the Year
January 22, 2019
Jeff Bouwman, '03, a science teacher at Shumate Middle School in Gibraltar, Michigan, has been named the 2019 Middle School Science Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Science Teachers Association.
Events
Safe Learning Environments for Our Students
February 27, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
“Safe Learning Environments for Our Students,” featuring guest speaker Samantha Fuentes, a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, is an...
GVSU's Spring Break Week
March 3, 2019 All Day
GVSU's Spring Break week runs from March 3-10. Please confirm with your program faculty if your education courses follow the university Spring Break schedule or the P-12 Spring Break schedule.
P-12 Schools' Spring Break Week
April 1, 2019 All Day
The P-12 Spring Break week for many school districts runs from April 1-7, 2018. Please confirm with your program faculty if your education courses follow the university Spring Break schedule...
Student Information and Services Center
The College of Education Student Information and Services Center (SISC) will assist with:
Teacher Preparation Programs: Initial & Undergraduate
Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program
Student Scholarships
Each semester, faculty from Grand Valley State University's College of Education considers scholarship opportunities for candidates in both initial certification and graduate programs. These scholarship opportunities have been made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations dedicated to the preparation of teachers and other educators.
