Education

Dean B. Bolt
Professors A. Boerema, C. Joldersma, R. Keeley, J. Rooks, D. Smith
Associate Professors D. Buursma, M. Terpstra (chair), J. Walcott
Assistant Professor K. Strater

Undergraduate 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, 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 at least one certifiable major or minor, 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 registrar’s office 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.

Graduate Education Program, Master of Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program engages educational practitioners in rigorous education. By engaging students with substantive scholarship, they develop educational expertise in various areas, to become leaders in the field of education. The program includes five concentrations in the M.Ed. program: Curriculum & Instruction, Literacy, Inclusion Education, Educational Leadership, and Science Education. The M.Ed. program serves teachers, administrators, and educators more generally who desire to grow personally and professionally through advanced education.

Major and Minor Education Concentrations (Undergraduate)

Some of these majors and minors are available for K-12, secondary, or elementary only. See each department’s section of the catalog or the Education Program website to determine the certification grade levels available and to obtain a list of required courses for these majors and minors. Recommended non-certifiable majors and minors are designated by +.

Art
Bilingual Spanish
Biology
Chemistry
Computer science+
Early childhood education (see education)
Earth/space science (see geology )
Economics
English
English as a second language
Fine arts group (see visual and performing arts or communication )+
French
Geography
German
Health and physical education (see kinesiology )
History
Integrated science (see science education studies )
Language arts group (see English or communication )
Mathematics
Ministry leadership (see congregational and ministry studies)+
Physics
Political science
Psychology
Religion+
Social studies group (see economics , historical studies , political science , or geography )
Spanish
Special education studies (see education)+
Special education - cognitive impairment
Urban studies in education (see urban studies)+

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

Programs

Major

Minor

Special Education Studies Minor

Certificate

Program

Courses

Art Education

Education

Other Courses