Psychology

Background –

Teaching in Michigan requires a state specific license. There are many ways to obtain this license. Michigan requires the completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program (elementary and secondary education), a teachable major and/or minor (secondary education), and the passing of the certification exam (MTTC). If you have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, you will need to complete a Graduate Teaching Certification.

For more specific information, please meet with your advisor and review the Becoming a Michigan Teacher guide. 

For information about salaries, view our Average Salaries webpage.

What classes at GVSU may better prepare me for work in this career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals.

1. PSY 301 – Child Development
2. PSY 325 – Educational Psychology
3. PSY 326 – Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
4. PSY 304 – Education of the Exceptional Child
5. EDF 100 – Hands on experience volunteering in Grand Rapids Public Schools
6. EDF 315 – Diverse Perspectives in Education

What experiences outside of classes may prepare me to work as a teacher?

1. Grand Valley offers a Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program through the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI). 
   1. More information is available on the GTC program page.
2. Substitute Teaching
   1. Provides hands‑on classroom experience. Eligibility typically requires a minimum number of completed college credits, a qualifying GPA from a regionally accredited institution, a background check, and an application.
   2. More information is available through EduStaff. 
3. Volunteering with children in Grand Rapids
   1. Boys and Girls Club
   2. Creative Youth Center
   3. YMCA
4. Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
   1. Supporting Our Leaders (SOL) Youth Program – after school tutoring, college fieldtrips, leadership development, college and career preparation

What applicable skills are helpful to have in this field? Teachers strive to have superb communication skills (written and oral), patience, resourcefulness, empathy, and cultural competency.

Employer Possibilities - Public school systems (elementary schools, middle schools, high schools), private or charter schools.