Education

Dean B. Bolt
Professors A. Boerema, J. Rooks, M. Terpstra (chair), D. Smith
Associate Professor J. Walcott
Assistant Professors S. Leo, K. Strater
Lecturers E. Cho, E. Kooyman

Undergraduate Education Program

In Michigan, teachers are certified to teach according to the following grade bands:

Birth–Kindergarten (B-K)
Pre-Kindergarten–Third Grade (PK-3)
Third Grade–Sixth Grade (3-6)
Fifth–Ninth Grade (5-9)
Seventh–Twelfth Grade (7-12)
Pre-Kindergarten–Twelfth Grade (PK-12)

Students should consult with a School of Education advisor as early as possible for assistance in program selection and planning. The education program website describes specialized core requirements, criteria for admission to the education program, criteria for admission to student teaching, and requirements for teacher certification.

Students are considered to be part of the teacher education program once they select their education programs in the Workday software and complete the Education Program Application and Release Form.

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. Practicum experiences for EDUC 115 , EDUC 215 , EDUC 303 , EDUC 308 , EDUC 330 , EDUC 343 , 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 carpool 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 bachelor’s degree grade point average of 2.75 or above and one recommendation. Previously completed courses with grades of C- or higher may be used to meet program requirements. Contact the Teacher Certification Coordinator for admission.

In addition to the Professional Course Sequence, students also complete at least one of the following grade band programs:

Birth–Kindergarten (B-K)
Pre-Kindergarten–Third Grade (PK-3)
Third Grade–Sixth Grade (3-6)
Grades 5-9 English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies
Grades 7-12 English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies
Grades PK-12 art, French, health and physical education, special education, Spanish, or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)

Graduate Education Program, Master of Education

The Master of Education (MEd) 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 four concentrations in the MEd program: Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy, Inclusion Education, and Educational Leadership. The MEd program serves teachers, administrators, and educators more generally who desire to grow personally and professionally through advanced education.

Programs

Major

Minor

Certificate: Undergraduate

Master’s

Other Programs

Post-Bachelor Teacher Certification

Courses

Art Education

Education

Life and Career Studies