Undergraduate Programs

Teacher Education Program

*Teacher certification requirements listed are subject to changes mandated by the Michigan State Board of Education.

The process for pursuing teacher certification has four steps, whether a student is enrolled in baccalaureate, post-degree or graduate programs. Each step requires an application and admission process. Students should be aware that should they have a history of court action(s), particularly felonious actions, they may have difficulty, ultimately, obtaining teacher certification from the State of Michigan. Any court activities should be self-disclosed early on or if they occur during the program, as soon as they occur. Additional helpful information for education students is available at http://research.udmercy.edu/academic/resources.php?disciplineID=23

Step 1. Entry into Teacher Education.

After being formally admitted to the University, contact will be made by the College of Liberal Arts & Education, in the assigning of an academic advisor. Students who wish to begin taking teacher education courses must schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor, who will, then, assist the student with a plan of work toward the desired level of certification. At the initial advising meeting the advisor will ask the student to complete a Felony Report Form-Initial Inquiry.

In order to continue their studies in Education, beyond EDU 400, undergraduate students are required to pass all sections (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the State-required Michigan Basic Skills Test (MBST) within the first two semesters of enrollment in Teacher Education (post-degree and graduate students are required to have passed the MBST prior to full admission to the University). At this point, students can begin taking courses to complete the University Core, their major and their minor. See appropriate Program of Studies for Elementary and Secondary in the Teacher Education Handbook for a list of these courses and their prerequisites.

Step 2. Entry into the Teacher Education Program.

Upon completion of the MBST and at least 9 credit hours in the major and 6 credits in the minor with a 2.7 gpa, students are eligible for entry into the Teacher Education Program. Two personal recommendations, an evaluation of work with groups of children at the desired certificate level (K-8 or 7-12) and a felony statement are required, as well as an overall grade point average of 2.50. See the "Path to Teacher Certification" in the Teacher Education Handbook. Application packages for the Teacher Education Program are available from the Department of Education (Reno Hall 247 and Briggs 122). Upon acceptance into the Teacher Education Program, students must complete all remaining education courses, including the methods courses. See appropriate Program of Studies.

Step 3. Student Teaching.

After finishing all Education coursework, with a "C" grade or better, the student must apply to do student teaching. UDM students are ONLY placed in K-12 licensed schools and ONLY during a Fall or Winter term. Students should plan far enough in advance to successfully complete all MTTC Content Area Tests necessary for certification being sought prior to submission of the Application for Student Teaching. Application must be made by February 1 for the following fall semester (Term I), and by October 1 for the following winter semester (Term II). Applications are available from the Coordinator of Student Teaching Placements in Reno Hall.

Step 4. Recommendation for Certification.

Students may apply for certification after successful completion of student teaching. Students cannot be recommended for certification to the State of Michigan until all degree requirements and certification requirements have been completed, including the passing of the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) content area tests in the candidate's major and minor. Those seeking certification at the Elementary level MUST also pass the Elementary level test. Whereas, those seeking certification at the Secondary level MUST pass BOTH the major AND minor tests. Candidates at both levels MUST now show proof of current First Aid & CPR Certification.