Elementary Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC)
Are you a prospective student?
We would encourage you to start by watching the Informational Recording for the Elementary GTC program. This recording provides valuable insight about the program itself, eligibility requirements, and important considerations when deciding whether this program meets your needs.
Access the slides from the presentation here!
The journey to becoming a teacher is rigorous, but the knowledge, experiences, and guidance gained through this program lay a strong foundation for future success.
Program Overview
Highlights
The Elementary GTC emphasis is designed for Teacher Candidates interested in teaching the "core" subject areas (literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies) within a PK-6th Grade setting.
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Total Credits |
39 credits
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Cost |
Preview current "Tuition & Fees" on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website
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Educational Format |
Hybrid
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Program Outcomes |
Initial, standard teaching certificate (PK-3rd and/or 3-6th Grade)
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Elementary GTC Coursework
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. Teacher Candidates will be considered full-time graduate students (enrolled in 9+ credits) throughout each semester of the GTC Cohort.
Teacher Candidates will receive a Registration Guide in March (prior to starting the GTC Cohort), which will outline their designated sections of coursework to enroll in each semester. Course scheduling is dependent on faculty availability, therefore, specific course details (i.e., meeting dates/times, locations) will be finalized once registration is live.
Offered Fall and Winter Semesters
- HPE 267: Health and Movement Education for Elementary Teachers (3 credits)
- EDT 619: Introduction to Learning, Design, and Technology (3 credits)
*Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to starting an Elementary GTC Cohort. You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits a semester to be eligible (credit-wise) for financial aid.
May through August
- EDI 631: Teaching Science: PK-6
- EDI 633: Teaching Social Studies and Diversity
- EDI 635: Development and Needs of Students
- EDR 621: Foundations of Literacy
Total Semester Credits: 12
August through December
- EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Experience
- EDI 630: Teaching Mathematics: K-8
- EDI 638: Facilitating School Environments
- EDR 628: Literacy Instruction Across Disciplines
Total Semester Credits: 12
You will also serve as a Teacher Apprentice this semester. Teacher Apprentices attend placement Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the full academic day.
January through April
- EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Experience
- EDS 652: Foundations of Special Education
Total Semester Credits: 9
You will also serve as a Teacher Intern this semester. Teacher Interns attend placement Mondays - Fridays for the full academic day.
Eligibility Requirements
Criteria for Admission
- you're not yet certified to teach
- you hold a bachelor's degree or higher
- and are at least a year out from earning your bachelor's degree when starting a GTC Cohort
- you have a 3.0 GPA in your final 60 undergraduate credits (waived if you have a master's degree)
- you have or can complete 30 hours of relevant experience (paid or unpaid) with children within the PK-6th Grade age-range
- you can commit full time to your teacher preparation program
Elementary GTC Admission Process
First, you will need to apply for graduate studies, specifically for the semester you plan to start your prerequisite coursework. As a reminder, these courses must be completed prior to joining an Elementary GTC Cohort in May. Within this application, you will:
- upload your Essay/Personal Statement
- upload your current Resume
- send all official transcripts to GVSU
Review the Graduate Studies Application Guide - Elementary GTC to ensure your application is accurate and can be processed within a timely fashion. Early applications are recommended given seat availability in prerequisite coursework.
Once you are admitted for graduate studies and have followed the instructions to activate your GVSU network account, you can register for your prerequisite coursework in myBanner. This Banner Registration website provides step-by-step instructions for accessing the registration page, as well as a Course Registration tutorial video.
HPE 267: Health and Movement Education for Elementary Teachers
EDT 619: Introduction to Learning, Design, and Technology
Please note: degree-seeking students must enroll in at least 6 credits each semester to be eligible (credit-wise) for financial aid. Both courses are offered Fall and Winter semesters.
Next, you will verify your participation and eligibility to start the GTC Cohort beginning this May. Within this application, you will:
- provide your GVSU email address and G-Number
- confirm your enrollment in the prerequisite coursework
- disclose if you have a felony or misdemeanor
- provide consent to share educational records
- upload your Verification of Experience form
- upload your Educator Resume
Application Window: August 1st through November 1st
Application Deadline: November 1st
*Late applicants should contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation at [email protected] or 616-331-6650
Following the November 1st application deadline, the Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA) will take a few weeks to review applications for the upcoming GTC Cohort. From there, OCA will coordinate one-on-one meetings with each applicant to review their submission and discuss next steps. Please be sure to check your GVSU Student Email (@mail.gvsu.edu) regularly, as this is how the university will initiate communications once admitted, including how to register for an Application Review Meeting.