University of Detroit Mercy
Experience Plus Teacher Education Program
Inspires Excellence Offering Teacher's Tools to Excel

The Experience Plus Program at the University of Detroit Mercy calls to those who find themselves desiring to make a difference in the lives of students in Catholic school classrooms.  Since the fall of 2000, this program has enabled teacher candidates to complete certification coursework in 15 months.  The intensive hands-on approach is rigorous and requires a significant commitment of time and energy from each teacher candidate.  The coursework occupies afternoons, evenings and weekends year-round during a 15 month period, culminating with a student teaching requirement that is done in a sponsoring Catholic school classroom.  The dedication of these Catholic school teacher candidates demonstrates the commitment to excellence so important to the success of schools.

One of the program's greatest assets is its curriculum, designed so that each cohort group progresses through courses at the same time.  This framework provides a support system in which candidate teachers get to know and grow with one another.  Another key benefit of the program is its field based approach, which gives teachers the opportunity to put theory into practice and begin to service the needs of students in the Catholic schools.

Data indicates that Experience Plus students have higher test scores ad are highly respected in the job market as professional educators.  The average Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Elementary Education scores of students in the Experience Plus Program has surpassed all other program in the department.  Since 2000, the average score has been 255 out of 300 with 100% pass rate.  Interested teacher candidates must meet UDM's normal admission requirements.  We will help you find an appropriate sponsor.

For more information on the Experience Plus Program, please email Patricia Gajewski at gajewspa@udmercy.edu or contact her by phone at 313-578-0479.