Secondary Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program
Program Overview
The Secondary Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program is an accelerated, traditional, full-time preparation program for those interested in a specific content-area and earning their initial teaching certificate. Candidates must first successfully complete teachable major requirements prior to beginning a Secondary GTC Cohort. With cohorts beginning each May, candidates engage in a combination of coursework and fieldwork for three semesters (spring/summer, fall, and winter). During the fall and winter semesters, individuals will participate in fieldwork to gain experience leading a classroom under the supervision and guidance of an experienced mentor teacher. Upon completion of the Secondary GTC program, individuals will apply for their initial teaching certificate through the Michigan Department of Education at the secondary level. Additionally, participants in the GTC program will provide candidates with graduate credit toward a master's degree.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in the Secondary GTC program, individuals:
- must be seeking their initial secondary teaching certificate.
- must have an awarded bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
- must be at least a year out from earning their bachelor's degree.
- must have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the final 60 undergraduate credits (waived if applicant holds a master's degree).
- must already have or be willing to complete the teachable major requirements beforehand.
- must complete teachable major requirements at a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- must have 30 hours of paid or unpaid experience working with the appropriate age group.
GVSU PEW Campus
Teachable Major Requirement
New Secondary Education Program
Due to candidates having varying interest in the content area they plan to teach, Secondary GTC candidates must first complete their content-preparation coursework as a "prerequisite".
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has been working to revise Michigan's teacher certification structure to improve teacher preparation and the educator workforce. Beginning Fall 2024, Grand Valley State University will be offering the New Secondary Education program to meet the state standards and certification requirements. Given these changes, candidates interested in the Secondary GTC program will select from the following "teachable majors" and complete the required Planned Program of coursework prior to joining a Secondary GTC cohort in May. Planned Programs for teachable majors are being finalized, so please work closely with the Professional Advisors in the CLAS Academic Advising Center to ensure you have the most appropriate plan.
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PK-12 Certification |
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Health and Physical Education |
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Music Education |
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Visual Arts Education |
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World Languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish) |
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5-9 and 7-12 Certification |
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English |
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Math |
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Science |
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Social Studies |
Tentative Course Schedule for Secondary GTC Cohort
The 3-semester GTC Cohort will be offered in an online format. Please note this is not referring to teachable major courses, as their educational format will vary.
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Spring/Summer Semester (May-June) |
Fall Semester (August - December) |
Winter Semester (January - April) |
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EDI 635: Development and Needs of Students |
EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Placement |
EDI 685: Practicum/Graduate Field Placement |
Admission Process
Step One: Watch Informational Recording
If you have not done so already, please watch the Informational Recording for the Secondary GTC Program. This recording provides valuable insight about the program itself, eligibility requirements, and the specific process for how to apply. We are not offering Informational Sessions for the Secondary GTC Program at this time.
The PowerPoint presentation used in the Informational Recording is made accessible for candidates using Google Drive. You can access the copy of the presentation using this link.
Step Two: Complete Planned Program Requirements
As outlined in the Informational Recording, candidates will need to apply to Grand Valley as a "degree seeking" undergraduate student to have their transcript evaluation completed by a Professional Advisor in the CLAS Academic Advising Center. Please be sure to follow the steps outlined in the Informational Recording to have your transcripts evaluated and a Planned Program created.
Step Three: Secondary GTC Cohort Application
Complete this application to confirm your participation in the upcoming May Cohort. Please have the following Application Materials ready:
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Educator Resume
- Verification of Experience Form
- Updated copies of your Content Area Planned Program(s)
Application window: August 1st through November 1st
Application deadline: November 1st
Step Four: Graduate School Application
Apply to GVSU's Graduate School for the upcoming Spring/Summer semester. Please have the following Application Materials ready:
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Resume
Additionally, you will need to request that all official transcripts be sent to GVSU (if teachable major coursework has been taken an institution other than GVSU since first applying). Please use the Graduate School Application Guide - Secondary GTC for how to apply appropriately and have official transcripts sent to GVSU.
Application deadline: January 15th (prior to May start)
Application Materials
Personal Statement/Essay: prompt and cover page
Educator Resume: example resume template (feel free to personalize and make proper adjustments per academic year/program)
Verification of Experience: download form
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the program or admission process after watching the Informational Recording, please contact our Graduate Education Program Specialist.
Jade Bowman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616)331-6122
Pathway to Master's Degree
Upon completion of the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program, students may continue coursework toward the master's degree in Secondary or another approved master's degree program. Interested students should contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation at [email protected] or (616) 331-6650 to meet with an advisor.
Visit the online catalog for a list of the Masters of Education Degree in Instruction and Curriculum, Secondary Education Courses and degree requirements.