PCKET Major Overview
The Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching (PCKET) major is an interdisciplinary major among the subject areas of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Health/Physical Education. In the PCKET major you gain both content knowledge (knowledge that will improve your own understanding of these seven subject areas), and pedagogical content knowledge (knowledge that is unique to teaching these subjects to children).
As a PCKET major, you will choose a grade band emphasis in PK-3 or 3-6, or a dual grade-band emphasis in PK-6. These emphases are based on the grade-band teaching certifications you can earn in the state of Michigan. We recommend that all students choose the dual grade-band emphasis so that you can be hired to teach both lower and upper elementary when you graduate from GVSU with both your PCKET and CECI majors.
If you choose the PK-6 dual grade-band or the 3-6 grade band and prepare to teach only General Education, you will also need a concentration in English, math, science, or social studies. If you choose ESL, Spanish, or special education, then you do not need a concentration. If you are in the Honors Program, there is a built-in concentration, so you do not need a separate concentration. A concentration comprises a small number of courses to improve your content knowledge of a particular subject area.
We have designed the coursework in the PCKET major so that it is possible for students who want to teach General Education to graduate with their two majors and both grade bands in four years. Even students who want to add specialized endorsements can graduate in five years.
BS/BA in PCKET Major
Students in the PCKET major at Grand Valley State University must follow all general education requirements as defined in the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science will meet requirements by following the PCKET major curriculum as proposed. Students desiring the Bachelor of Arts must complete additional courses to satisfy university requirements:
B.S. Course Requirements
- MTH 126 - Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (2 credits)
- STA 126 - Statistics for Elementary Teachers (2 credits)
- MTH 326 - Math for PK-6: Fractions, Decimals, and Proportional Reasoning (3 credits)
- PCK 495 - Integrated Discipline-based Research in the PK-6 Classrooms (Capstone) (3 credits)
B.A. Course Requirements
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in the PCKET major will have additional requirements. B.A. students must demonstrate third-semester proficiency in a foreign language by successfully completing a 201-level language course, passing a proficiency exam in the language chosen, or through AP credit.
“We receive informal feedback from schools on a regular basis that our students are well prepared in the content. Now, working with this integrated, interdisciplinary model, we want to ensure that continues.”
- Amy Masko, English Professor
Program Structure
As a PCKET major, you will choose a grade-band emphasis in PK-3 or 3-6, or a dual grade-band emphasis in PK-6. These emphases are based on the grade-band teaching certifications you can earn in the state of Michigan. We recommend that all students choose the dual grade-band emphasis so that you can be hired to teach both lower and upper elementary when you graduate from GVSU.
If you choose the PK-6 dual grade band or the 3-6 grade band and prepare to only teach general education, you will need a concentration in math, English, integrated science, or social studies. If you choose ESL, Spanish, or special education, then you do not need a concentration.
PCKET majors also have the option of taking courses to earn an endorsement to teach specialized populations or content at the elementary level. Students can add courses that will lead to an endorsement in Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Spanish.
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Explore More Opportunities in PCKET
Study Abroad
Scholarships
Professional Organizations
The PCKET offers several study abroad opportunities for students to earn credit in the major and in the grades 3-6 concentrations
PCKET students have access to funding opportunities design to support their education. Awards vary by eligibility, application process
We encourage students to get involved with professional organizations in their content areas. Joining these groups offers valuable resources, connections, and opportunities for growth as future educators