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2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Elementary Teacher Certification (General Education)

Michigan Elementary Provisional Certification allows the holder to teach any subject in kindergarten through fifth grade; major and minor subjects in sixth through eighth; all subjects in kindergarten through eighth in self-contained classrooms. In addition to degree requirements, candidates must complete the teaching major, minor, and education major/professional program.

1. Teaching Major Elementary Certification

In January 2008, the Michigan State Board of Education approved new Elementary Education standards. The new standards will ensure that teachers are prepared with depth and breadth of content knowledge. New students entering Grand Valley, pursuing an elementary provisional teaching certificate, will only be able to select from the following four state approved major programs:

  • Integrated Science
  • Mathematics
  • Group Social Studies
  • Language Arts

In addition to selecting one of the listed teachable majors, education candidates must complete requirements for the elementary teaching minor and the education major/professional program for elementary certification. Students should meet with their advisor before selecting courses for the elementary minor.

Website: www.gvsu.edu/coe

2. Requirements for an Elementary Teaching Minor Elementary Certification

Candidates must complete the following 31-credit program. At least one field semester must be done in a multicultural setting.

a. English

b. Mathematics

Elementary candidates must take each of the following courses, except the course listed in their chosen content major area:

c. Fine Arts:

  • MAT 300 - Music Art & Theatre for Elementary Education Credits: 3

d. Language Arts:

  • ENG 302 - Introduction to Language Arts: Teaching Writing & Children's Literature Credits: 3

e. Science:

f. Physical Education/Health:

g. Social Studies:

3. Requirements for the Education Major/Professional Program Elementary Certification

Candidates must complete the following 39-credit education major. At least one field semester must be done in a multicultural setting.

Prior to admission to Undergraduate Teacher Education:

Teacher Assisting semester:

Physical education majors also attend the ED 330 seminar in the major. The next two courses may be taken during OR after Teacher Assisting, but must be taken prior to Student Teaching:

Student Teaching Semester:



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