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–Sixth Grade (3–6)
Fifth–Ninth Grade (5–9): English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies
Seventh–Twelfth Grade (7–12): English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies
Pre-kindergarten–Twelfth Grade (PK–12): art, French, health and physical education, music, special education, Spanish, or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)

Students should consult with a School of Education advisor as early as possible for assistance in program selection and information about program requirements.

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.

Major and minor requirements are described under the appropriate department. The specialty area majors and minors offered are listed below. Practicum experiences throughout the program occur at a variety of sites in the greater Grand Rapids area. Students are responsible for their own transportation to those settings, which can include arranging a carpool or use the city bus line.

Modified Overlap Policy for the Undergraduate Education Program

The following exceptions to the university’s overlap policy apply:

Both 5–9 and 7–12 programs may be completed within the same field of study (e.g., mathematics education 5–9 and 7–12).
Multiple elementary-education majors may be completed (e.g., birth–kindergarten and pre-kindergarten–third grade).
Both general and education programs may be completed within the same field of study (e.g., English major and English language arts education 5–9 minor; political science major and social studies education with a concentration in political science).

Post-baccalaureate Non-degree Program Leading to a Michigan Teaching 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.

Graduate Education Program, Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program provides an accelerated pathway to initial teacher certification and a master’s degree for post-baccalaureate candidates whose degrees include certifiable majors or minors. The program is designed for career-changers, those re-entering the workforce, and recent bachelor’s degree graduates. Students complete a condensed 12-month cohort program and benefit from a yearlong school practicum alongside intensive coursework. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates earn a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate qualifying them to teach middle and high school grades and the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

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