Secondary Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program
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 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-12th 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.
Prospective students can preview GVSU DRAFT Planned Programs for their intended content area available on the CLAS Academic Advising website, 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.
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 – Secondary Education degree.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in the Secondary GTC program, individuals:
- must be seeking their initial secondary teaching certificate.
- must have an awarded bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
- must be at least a year out from earning their bachelor's degree.
- must have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the final 60 undergraduate credits (waived if applicant holds a master's degree).
- must already have or be willing to complete the teachable major requirements beforehand.
- must complete teachable major requirements at a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- must have 30 hours of paid or unpaid experience working with the appropriate age group.
GVSU PEW Campus
Content Area Requirements
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has been working to revise Michigan's teacher certification structure to improve teacher preparation and the educator workforce. Beginning Fall 2024, Grand Valley State University will be offering the New Secondary Education program to meet the state standards and certification requirements. Given these changes, candidates interested in the Secondary GTC program will select from the following content areas and complete their required Planned Program of coursework prior to joining a Secondary GTC cohort in May. Candidates interested in Music Education (K-12) or Art Education (12) must follow the instructions indicated below. 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.
Additional Step for for Music Education (K-12)
Prospective students interested in Music Education must audition with the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Please contact Bridgett Vanderhoof, [email protected] for additional information.
Additional Step for Art Education (K-12)
Prospective students interested in Art Education must complete a portfolio review with the Department of Visual & Media Arts. Please contact Hsiao-ping Chen, [email protected] for additional information.
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K-12 Certification |
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Health and Physical Education |
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Music Education |
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Visual Arts Education |
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World Languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish) |
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5-9 and 7-12 Certification |
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English |
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Math |
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Science |
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Social Studies |
Outline of Secondary GTC Cohort Course Schedule
The 3-semester GTC Cohort will be offered in an online format. Please note this is not referring to the undergraduate content area courses taken prior to the GTC Cohort, as their educational format will vary. Secondary GTC candidates must follow the sequence of coursework as outlined.
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Spring/Summer Semester (May-June) |
Fall Semester (August - December) |
Winter Semester (January - April) |
|---|---|---|
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EDI 635: Development and Needs of Students |
EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Placement |
EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Placement |
Admission Process
Step One: Watch Informational Recording
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 the specific process for how to apply. We are not offering Informational Sessions for the Secondary GTC Program at this time.
The PowerPoint presentation used in the Informational Recording is made accessible for candidates using Google Drive. You can access the copy of the presentation using this link.
Step Two: Complete Planned Program Requirements
As outlined in the Informational Recording, candidates will need to apply to Grand Valley as a "degree seeking" undergraduate student to have their transcript evaluation completed by a Professional Advisor in the CLAS Academic Advising Center. Please be sure to follow the steps outlined in the Informational Recording to have your transcripts evaluated and a Planned Program created.
Step Three: Secondary GTC Cohort Application
Complete this application to confirm your participation in the upcoming May Cohort. Please have the following Application Materials ready:
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Educator Resume
- Verification of Experience Form
- Updated copies of your Content Area Planned Program(s)
Application window: August 1st through November 1st
Application deadline: November 1st
Step Four: Graduate School Application
Apply to GVSU's Graduate School for the upcoming Spring/Summer semester. Please have the following Application Materials ready:
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Resume
Additionally, you will need to request that all official transcripts be sent to GVSU (if content area coursework has been taken at an institution other than GVSU since first applying). Please use the Graduate School Application Guide - Secondary GTC for how to apply appropriately and have official transcripts sent to GVSU.
Application deadline: January 15th (prior to May start)
Application Materials
Personal Statement/Essay: prompt and cover page
Educator Resume: example resume template (feel free to personalize and make proper adjustments per academic year/program)
Verification of Experience: download form
Pathway to Master's Degree
Upon completion of the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program, students may continue coursework toward the master's degree in Secondary or another approved master's degree program. Interested students should contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation at [email protected] or (616) 331-6650 to meet with an advisor.
Visit the online catalog for a list of the Masters of Education Degree in Instruction and Curriculum, Secondary Education Courses and degree requirements.