Secondary Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program

Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to pursue initial teacher certification. The full-time Secondary GTC program is designed for individuals interested in teaching a state-approved content area in either a 5-12th (English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies) or K-12th (Health & Physical Education, Visual Arts Education, Music Education, or a World Language - French, German, Latin, and Spanish) grade setting. Throughout the program, Teacher Candidates will be engaging in rigorous undergraduate and graduate coursework while also participating in two semesters of clinical field experience. The Secondary GTC program should be thought of as two separate parts:

1. Content Area Requirements (undergraduate level)

Teacher Candidates must first complete the requirements for a state-approved content area (credits vary; see Content Area Requirements section below). This coursework is aligned with the state’s teaching standards and will prepare you for your content area licensure exam (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification). Coursework and requirements will be outlined on a personalized GVSU Planned Program.

2. Secondary GTC Cohort (graduate level)

Once all content area requirements are complete, Teacher 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.

  • Graduate Coursework: The Secondary GTC coursework will cover topics such as adolescent literacy development, classroom management, teaching students with disabilities, and technology integration. Teacher Candidates will be considered full-time graduate students (enrolled in 9+ credits) during the Fall and Winter semesters of the GTC Cohort.
     
  • Clinical Field Experience: Across two academic semesters, Teacher Candidates will have the opportunity to apply their learning directly to the secondary or K-12 classroom. GVSU will coordinate an appropriate placement, where the Teacher Candidate will act as a Teacher Apprentice and Teacher Intern, while under the guidance and supervision of an experienced Mentor Teacher.

Program Outcomes: After successful completion of all program and certification requirements, GVSU will recommend Teacher Candidates for their initial, standard teaching certificate; however, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will be the educational entity that issues the teaching certificate/license. Additionally, Teacher Candidates can choose to continue with the 5 remaining courses and graduate requirements for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Instruction and Curriculum – Secondary Education degree.

Secondary GTC Eligibility Requirements

The GTC Program is for those who have not completed a teacher preparation program nor have a teaching certificate.

If you already have a teaching certificate and are looking to expand your licensure (i.e., add an additional endorsement), please contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation to inquire about programming options that may be more appropriate for your educational/career goals.

You must have an awarded bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, you must be a year out from having earned your bachelor's degree when starting the GTC Cohort. 

You must be able to complete all content area requirements as outlined on the GVSU Planned Program prior to being eligible to start in the Secondary GTC Cohort. This coursework must be completed at a 3.0 GPA or higher. See additional information and details in the Content Area Requirements section.

You must have at least a 3.0 GPA in your final 60 undergraduate credits (this will be calculated by GVSU's Admissions Office when you submit your Graduate School application). This would be waived if you hold a master's degree. Please note: your content area course requirements from your GVSU Planned Program will be factored into this GPA calculation. Additionally, you must meet all content area requirements at a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Before fully committing to the Secondary GTC Program, it's important that you engage with the age group you intend to teach. Early exposure to diverse classroom settings and student needs provides a realistic view of the teaching profession. Additionally, this perspective can help you, as a prospective teacher, identify if the intended age group truly aligns with your personality and preferred teaching methods.

Therefore, you must have at least 30 hours of documented, paid or unpaid experience working with the 5-12th grade age group or K-12th grade age group (based on your content area of interest and certification range you'll be obtaining) prior to starting the GTC Cohort. Responsibilities should fall within an educational setting. These hours will be documented on the Verification of Experience form (see Application and Admission Processes section), which will be completed and signed by a supervisor for verification.

Examples of Relevant Experience: substitute teaching, tutoring, volunteering, working at a before/after school program, summer camp counseling

Secondary GTC Program Details

Content Area Requirements: vary per individual; personalized GVSU Planned Program will identify maximum credits following transcript evaluation

Secondary GTC Cohort: 27 credits

Content Area Coursework: Verify rates with the Admissions Office at 616.331.2025 of [email protected]

Financial planning prior to starting any content area coursework at the undergraduate level will be imperative. Additionally, we HIGHLY recommend connecting with a Financial Counselor regarding financial aid eligibility, as it may be dependent on the amount/type of aid you already received during your bachelor's degree.

Secondary GTC Cohort: See current "Tuition & Fees" on the  Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. Please note, rates are subject to change as the board renegotiates each summer. Graduate Tuition Rates will fall under the Education - Instruction and Curriculum (M.Ed.) program.

Content Area Coursework: likely in-person, during the day, on the Valley Campus in Allendale (please do not count on online or evening options)

Secondary GTC Cohort: online (synchronous and asynchronous); may be required to attend in-person meetings held on the City Campus in Grand Rapids

Given that course scheduling is dependent on faculty availability, specific course details (i.e., meeting dates, times, and locations) will be finalized once registration is live each March.

Full-time; GTC Faculty have shared it's incredibly challenging to work while participating in the program given the accelerated pace, rigor of being a full-time graduate student, structured sequence, and clinical field experience requirements. Please take this into consideration when deciding whether this program is right for you!

Is GTC Right for You? Watch the Informational Recording!

Informational Recording - Secondary GTC Program Overview

If you have not done so already, please watch the Informational Recording for the Secondary 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.

Content Area Requirements

Teacher Candidates will select from the following content areas and complete all requirements as outlined on their GVSU Planned Program prior to joining a Secondary GTC Cohort. This coursework is housed at the undergraduate level in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and will likely be offered in-person, during the day, and on the Allendale campus. Official transcripts will be evaluated by the CLAS Content Area Department and CLAS Advising Center to determine any equivalent courses previously taken. However, to be approved as an equivalent, previous coursework must align with the GVSU course objectives and current state teaching standards. 

Candidates interested in Music Education (K-12) must follow the instructions indicated below, as additional steps are required. All other content area candidates should first preview DRAFT Planned Programs available on the CLAS Advising GTC Webpage to understand the commitment in content area requirements.

5-9 and 7-12 Certification

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

K-12 Certification

Health and Physical Education

Music Education
*must first audition with the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance*

Please contact Bridgett Vanderhoof, [email protected] for additional information.

Visual Arts Education

World Languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish)

Secondary GTC Sequence

The Secondary GTC Cohort follows a "cohort model." Teacher Candidates will progress through the program together, engaging in shared learning experiences and coursework across a fixed timeline. Teacher Candidates must follow the sequence of coursework as outlined. In March, prior to starting the Secondary GTC Cohort, Teacher Candidates will receive a Registration Guide that outlines the designated sections of coursework to enroll in each semester. Given that course scheduling is dependent on faculty availability, specific course details (i.e., meeting dates, times, and locations) will be finalized once registration is live. 

Secondary GTC Course Sequence

Teacher candidates will work with their CLAS Professional Advisor on a course plan to complete all requirements for the GVSU Planned Program. 

May through June

  • EDI 635: Development and Needs of Students
  • EDS 652: Foundations of Special Education

Total Semester Credits: 6

August through December

  • EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Experience
  • EDI 636: Instruction in Middle and High Schools
  • EDI 638: Facilitating School Environments
  • EDR 630: Literacy Instruction Across Disciplines (7-12)

Total Semester Credits: 12

You will also serve as a Teacher Apprentice this semester. See Clinical Field Experience Semesters section below.

January through April

EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Experience
EDT 627: Technology Integration for Secondary Teachers

Total Semester Credits: 9

You will also serve as a Teacher Intern this semester. See Clinical Field Experience Semesters section below.

GTC Clinical Field Experience Semesters

Clinical field experiences for Teacher Candidates occur across two semesters, the Teacher Apprenticeship (Fall Semester) and the Teacher Internship (Winter Semester). Within these immersive clinical field experiences, Teacher Candidates gain real-world teaching experience while gradually assuming a greater responsibility in the classroom under the guidance of their Mentor Teacher.

Every GVSU education program has a Placement Specialist who oversees the placement process of the semester-long clinical field experiences. The Secondary Placement Specialist works closely with our PK-12 partners and University Field Directors to coordinate appropriate placements and Mentor Teachers. Teacher Candidates are not responsible for finding their own placements and will not be placed in schools where they have personal connections—such as with friends, relatives, or schools where they are employed or were previously employed.

The clinical field experience requirements cannot be fulfilled by current or future district employment. GTC Teacher Candidates are not to be used as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, etc. to cover duties or supervision in other classrooms. Their time in the classroom is intended for guided learning and professional development under the supervision of the university-coordinated Mentor Teacher.

Secondary Endorsement Area Observation Hours: All Secondary GTC Teacher Candidates with a second content area (teachable minor) are required to complete 30 observation hours in their second endorsement area. The 30 hours can be completed at any time between the fall semester and GVSU’s spring break. Teacher Candidates are responsible for securing their own placements to complete the 30 hours of observation in the second endorsement area, if applicable.

K-12 Majors: Health and Physical Education, Music Education, Visual Arts Education, and World Language Teacher Interns are required to complete a full-time clinical experience at the opposite level of the primary clinical placement. Teacher Interns end their primary clinical placement in mid-March and will move into their second placement, where they will remain for the final five (5) weeks of GVSU’s winter semester. Teacher Interns will be placed in their new full-time clinical experience by the Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA).

Teacher Candidates enter the Teacher Apprenticeship with diverse backgrounds and experiences, so the pace of progression through different stages will vary. However, all Teacher Apprentices should gradually assume more classroom responsibilities over the Fall Semester.

Teacher Apprentices should steadily increase their involvement in the classroom by:

  • actively engaging with the class
  • mentoring individual students
  • preparing instructional materials
  • teaching small groups
  • progressing to teaching larger groups and the whole class

Typical Teacher Apprenticeship Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday for the full academic day

Teacher Candidates enter the Teacher Internship with diverse backgrounds and experiences, so the pace of progression through different stages will vary. However, all Teacher Interns should gradually assume more classroom responsibilities over time.

Teacher Interns should steadily increase their involvement by:

  • actively engaging with the class
  • mentoring individual students
  • preparing instructional materials
  • teaching small groups
  • progressing to teaching larger groups and the whole class for an extended period of time
  • co-planning and co-teaching with the Mentor Teacher
  • planning and delivering independent lessons
  • independently planning and delivering lessons

Typical Teacher Internship Schedule: Monday through Friday for the full academic day

Application and Admission Processes

Secondary GTC Admission Process

Completing the content area requirements is an investment of time and finances, so before beginning the application and admission processes for Secondary GTC, it's imperative that you preview the DRAFT Planned Program for your intended content area. This will give you perspective on all content area requirements, as well as the maximum number of credits you could expect to enroll in. Equivalent courses are determined by the CLAS Department/Professional Advisors, as it pertains to course objectives and alignment of current state standards.

New to GVSU: first you will need to apply to GVSU as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. 

Returning to GVSU: If it's been more than 2 semesters since attending GVSU, complete the Petition to Return form, found on the Registrar's website. Select the "Application for Re-Entry" option at the top and complete all relevant fields. Completed forms should be returned to the Registrar's Office. If it's been less than 2 semesters since attending GVSU, you can skip this step.

Music Education: must first audition with the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance before being admitted to GVSU and having a Planned Program created.

Once (re)admitted to GVSU, you will request a Planned Program be created for your intended content area. This process will include a transcript evaluation by the CLAS Department/Professional Advisors to identify the requirements you need to complete. Contact OCA at [email protected] so that our team can directly connect you with the appropriate Professional Advisor. Please be sure to state "I've been (re)admitted to GVSU and am ready to have a Planned Program created for [content area]."

Please allow 1-3 weeks to receive your Planned Program from the Professional Advisor, as there may be a need for submission of syllabi and official review by the CLAS Department.

New to GVSU: sign up for New Student Orientation through your Laker Portal. Be sure to indicate your interest in the Graduate Teacher Certification Program for Secondary Education, as well as your intended content area, if able. Your Orientation will connect you 1:1 with the Professional Advisor from CLAS Advising who will support upcoming course registration, as well as review important information about GVSU's campus and resources. 

Returning to GVSU: schedule an appointment with your Professional Advisor through Navigate. If, however, you are familiar and feel comfortable registering for your own coursework, you can skip this step and do so independently. This  Banner Registration website provides step-by-step instructions for accessing the Registration page, as well as a Course Registration tutorial video.

As you approach the end of your content area coursework, complete the Secondary GTC Cohort application to confirm participation in the upcoming Secondary GTC Cohort. New Cohorts begin each May. Within this application, you will:

  • provide your GVSU email address and G-Number
  • disclose if you have a felony or misdemeanor
  • provide consent to share educational records
  • upload your Essay/Personal Statement
  • upload your Verification of Experience form
  • upload your Educator Resume
  • upload an updated copy of your Planned Program, confirming that you're on track to complete all content area requirements prior to the Cohort start

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. Application Review Meetings typically take place early December. 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.

Lastly, you will need to apply to GVSU's Graduate School for the Spring/Summer semester in which you will start the GTC Cohort. Within this application, you will:

  • re-upload your Essay/Personal Statement
  • re-upload your Educator Resume
  • if content area coursework has been taken at another institution, send official transcripts to GVSU

Follow the  Graduate School Application Guide - Secondary GTC to ensure you apply appropriately. 

Application Deadline: January 15th

Application Materials

Essay/Personal Statement Prompt
Educator Resume Example
Educator Resume Template (with notes)
Educator Resume Template
Verification of Experience Form

Please note: You will also need to submit an updated copy of your Planned Program(s) with your Secondary GTC Cohort Application, which shows you are on track to complete content area requirements prior to the GTC Cohort. Please be sure to work with your Professional Advisor on this prior to the November 1st deadline.

Complete the Undergraduate Application (if new to GVSU)

Complete the Secondary GTC Cohort Application

Complete the GVSU Graduate School Application

Pathway to Master's Degree

Upon completion of the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program, students may continue with the remaining 5 courses and graduate requirements to obtain the Master of Education - Instruction and Curriculum - Secondary Education graduate degree. It is university policy that all courses for any graduate degree program must be completed within 8 years from the date of the first course counted toward the degree. This typically starts with the first semester of the GTC Cohort. Students planning to complete the Instruction and Curriculum - Secondary Education degree following the GTC Program can preview the 8-Year Time Limit Calendar to determine their eligible timeline.

Students interested in other graduate degree options or endorsements for teaching should review the Graduate Education website to learn more and to connect with the appropriate Graduate Program Director.

Masters of Education - Instruction and Curriculum -
Secondary Education Courses


Page last modified August 20, 2025
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