Steps for Becoming a Teacher
“I am in awe of the opportunities that Grand Valley gives students to become the best versions of themselves, whether that's through academic development, leadership development, or professional development.”
—
Selena Brown, Comprehensive Science and Arts for Teaching Major / Class of 2020
1. Become a GVSU Student
The first step to becoming a teacher is to apply to GVSU. You need to be a GVSU student before you may enroll in Education courses. You will begin taking courses in your first year at GVSU, then apply for a Teacher Apprenticeship in your junior year.
2. Explore Education Program Options
GVSU offers multiple undergraduate programs for teachers to become certified to teach specific grade levels. In your Education courses, you will learn the most effective, research-based teaching methods to help you meet the unique needs of each of your students.
3. Connect with Your Advisor
Meet with a professional advisor in one of GVSU’s advising centers to ensure you are taking the correct courses for your major(s). Education has very specific courses, and your advisor can help you plan each semester of your program. They can also help you declare an Education major.
4. Plan Your Course Sequence on myPath
GVSU provides all students with myPath, an online tool to plan and track your academic progress toward graduation. It encompasses both a degree analysis audit and an educational planner. This tool is not intended to take the place of an advisor. We strongly recommend meeting with your advisor periodically to review your academic plan.
5. Take Your Teacher Certification Test
Plan to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) after you have completed your content majors courses. The MTTC must be completed before you apply for your teacher certification. If you are unsure which tests to take, reach out to the Office of Certification and Accreditation at [email protected].
6. Apply for Teacher Apprenticeship
You typically apply for Teacher Apprenticeship in your junior year at GVSU. There is an application and materials due the semester before you plan to be a Teacher Apprentice. During your apprenticeship, you work alongside a mentor teacher in an area school as you gradually take on the responsibilities of teaching.
7. Apply for Teacher Internship
During your Teacher Apprenticeship semester, you will apply for a Teacher Internship by completing a simple application and submitting an updated resume. As a Teacher Intern, you will work independently as a full-time teacher in a classroom with a current teacher serving as your mentor.
8. Apply for Graduation
Students should submit their application to graduate the semester before their degree requirements will be completed.
9. Apply for Teacher Certification
Once you have completed all the requirements for teacher certification, you will need to apply through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). All Michigan teachers seeking certification of any kind must register with MOECS to receive their certificate.