Education

Professors A. Boerema, C. Joldersma, R. Keeley, J. Kuyvenhoven, J. Rooks, R. Sjoerdsma (chair, fall), D. Smith
Associate Professors D. Buursma, M. Terpstra (chair, spring), S. Verwys
Assistant Professors K. Sevensma, P. Stegink, J. Walcott, N. Westbrook

Undergraduate Teacher Education Program

In Michigan, teachers are generally certified to teach at the elementary (K-8) or secondary (6-12) level. There are a few specialty areas in which students can be certified to teach in grades K-12 (e.g., art, world languages, music, physical education, and special education). All teacher education students are required to complete a liberal arts core and a series of education courses. In addition, students are required to complete a major or two minors as described on the Education Program website.

Since teacher education students have a complex and comprehensive preparation program, they should seek assistance in choosing appropriate courses as early as possible. Students who are interested in teacher education should inform the office of academic services so that they can be assigned to an advisor who is knowledgeable about education program requirements. Since some core courses are designed in particular for education students, programs must be carefully planned. It is especially important for students who are considering endorsements in special education, early childhood education, bilingual education, or English as a second language to work with the advisor in their specialty area early in their programs.

The Education Program website describes specialized core requirements, criteria for admission to the teacher education program, criteria for admission to directed teaching (the full-time student teaching semester) and requirements for teacher certification. Normally, students apply to be admitted into the teacher education program during their sophomore year. Education course requirements are described in this section of the catalog. Major and minor requirements are described under the appropriate department. The specialty area majors and minors offered are listed below. Note that group majors and minors are associated with multiple departments. Practicum experiences for EDUC 202 , EDUC 303 , EDUC 307 , EDUC 322 , EDUC 326 , EDUC 330 , EDUC 343 , EDUC 345 , EDUC 346 , and EDUC 347 occur at a variety of sites in the greater Grand Rapids area. Students are responsible for their own transportation to those settings. Students may be able to arrange a car pool or use the city bus line.

Post Baccalaureate Non-Degree Program Leading to a Michigan Provisional Teacher Certificate

This program is designed for students who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution without having obtained a teaching certificate. To be eligible for this program, students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or above and two letters of recommendation. Students must complete the required courses in the education sequence for elementary or secondary certification including a semester-long directed teaching experience. Certification requirements for specialty area majors and minors (including successful completion of state certification tests) must also be met. Only courses in which a grade of C- or higher is earned can be used to meet program requirements. Requests for admission to this program should be addressed to the Education Department.

Major and Minor Education Concentrations

Some of these majors and minors are available for K-12, secondary, or elementary only. See each department’s section of the catalog to determine the certification levels available and to obtain a list of required courses for these majors and minors.

Art
Bilingual Spanish
Biology
Chemistry
Chinese
Communication arts and sciences
Computer science
Early childhood education (see education)
Earth/space science (see geology )
Economics
English
English as a second language
Fine arts group (see art , music  or communication arts and sciences )
French
Geography
German
Health education (see kinesiology )
History
Integrated science (see science education studies )
Language arts group (see English  or communication arts and sciences )
Mathematics
Music
Physical education (see kinesiology )
Physics
Political science
Psychology
Religion
Social studies group (see history , economics , political science  or geography )
Sociology
Spanish
Special education-cognitive impairment

Departmental advisors for each concentration are listed on the Education Program website.

Programs

Major

Minor

Special Education Studies Minor

Certificate

Master’s

Education, MEd

Program

Secondary Education Professional Courses

Courses

Education