Elementary Teaching Certificate holders are qualified to teach Pre-K--3, 3-6, or Pre-K--6 grades. There are also options for Special Education and ESL (English as a second language).  Click here to see the teachable majors and minors that are offered at GVSU.  Click here for general guides for PCKET, PCKET ESL, and Special Education.

Normally, students complete the majority of their degree, major, minor and pre-requisite courses before they apply to the Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA). Click here for the list of Admission Requirements. Once admitted into OCA, students complete one semester of student assisting and one semester of student teaching. Most students wait to graduate with their Bachelor's degree until after they have completed their final semester of student teaching.

Students who plan to receive a Michigan teaching certificate must take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their major, minor, and endorsement(s), if applicable, as well as obtain passing scores on the OPI if they plan to pursue the CSAT/SPA program. Please discuss which tests are appropriate for you with the Office of Certification and Accreditation. 

The advisors in the CLAS Academic Advising Center can help you understand the requirements for the teachable majors, admission to OCA, and assist you in developing an academic plan. Please call us at (616) 331-8585 or stop by our office in C-1-140 Mackinac (MAK) Hall to schedule an appointment.