Elementary and Secondary Teaching Programs: Initial Certification

Teacher Education Program: Policies and Procedures

The Teacher Education Program at Saginaw Valley State University is built upon a foundation in the liberal arts, proficiency in Basic Skills, attainment of subject matter specialties and competency in professional studies. A recommendation by the University to the Michigan Department of Education for a provisional teaching certificate is based upon the successful completion of specific requirements in those four areas.

Students should follow the planned program in this catalog established by the College of Education for completing General Education requirements, Basic Skills requirements and approved majors and minors for teachers.

The steps leading to a recommendation for teacher certification are:

1. Fulfill application requirements for admission to the University.
2. Gain admission into the Teacher Education Program.
3. Each student may be required to submit a set of assessments to an electronic portfolio storage system. Contact a program advisor for more specific information.
4. Attain acceptance for student teaching.
5. Successfully complete student teaching.
6. Fulfill the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
7. Successful completion of State required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Basic Skills and appropriate content area major and minor tests.

In addition to the requirements listed here, candidates for teacher certification must complete any new requirements established by the state Board of Education.

Application Requirements

Students must apply and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrollment in 300-level professional studies courses. The requirements listed below must be completed or in progress for application to the teacher education program. The following must be successfully completed prior to filing an application with the College of Education:

1. All Basic Skills requirements.
2. Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA based on most recent 60 credits.
3. Passing scores on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Basic Skills Test, as established by the Michigan Department of Education.
4. Minimum 61 credits with a grade of “C” or better.

The following may be in progress when filing an application with the College of Education, but must successfully be completed by the end of winter semester for fall admission, or the end of fall semester for winter admission:

1. Psychology 100 with a grade of “C” or better.
2. Teacher Education 100 with a grade of “C” or better.
3. 15 credits in the major and nine credits in minor (Secondary majors only).

Admission into the Teacher Education Program

Students will be selected for admission into the Teacher Education Program on the basis of several admissions criteria. These criteria include a cumulative GPA based on the most recent 60 semester credits; passing scores on the MTTC Basic Skills; and the results of an interview with professional educators. Other criteria include consideration of potential contributions to a pluralistic society, and demonstrated interest in content areas of high need determined both locally and nationally. Students will be notified in writing of the results of their application.

Effective Jan 1, 1998, any candidate who is denied admission may reapply up to two additional semesters. After three denials, a student’s application for admission will not be accepted.

Progression and Return Policies

All students admitted into the Teacher Education Program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.50 in the professional studies course sequence to remain in the Teacher Education Program. College of 126 Education faculty will review and determine the readiness of any student whose GPA is below 2.50 in the professional studies sequence or upon the written request of a professor in the professional studies sequence or a professor in a student’s major or minor fields. Students who receive a grade of “D” in a professional studies course will be subject to review by College of Education faculty prior to continuing in the program.

Seven Year Time Limit for Professional Studies/Methods Courses

All professional studies/methods courses (credits and requirements) must be completed within seven (7) years prior to the date on which the degree is to be granted.

Acceptance for Student Teaching

Student teaching placement generally occurs at the end of the professional studies sequence. Students must apply during the year preceding the one in which they will be ready for student teaching. It is recommended that students complete the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Content Area Tests prior to student teaching. Contact the Student Teaching Office for specific deadlines for application for student teaching.