Upon successful completion of ÃÛÌÒapp's education program, candidates are eligible for the Michigan Teaching Certificate.

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Michigan Teaching Certificate

Elementary Education

The Michigan Elementary Standard Certificate qualifies the holder to teach:

• Grades K-5, all subjects
• Grades 6-8, all subjects, self-contained classroom
• Grades 6-8, major(s) and minor(s) subject areas
• Grades PreK-K, early childhood
• Grades K-12, cognitive impairment, French or Spanish

Secondary Education

The Michigan Secondary Standard Certificate qualifies the holder to teach:

• Grades 6-12 or K-12, major subject area
• Grades 6-12, minor subject area

Details

The major and/or minor subject areas listed on your certificate are known as "endorsements." Know your endorsement codes and which .

When the certificate expires, you may apply for a renewal.

Other States and Provinces

If you hope to teach a particular subject in a certain state or province, it is wise to investigate your options early to determine which majors, minors, and grade levels you should pursue at ÃÛÌÒapp. Although the Michigan certificate will transfer to other states, not all states offer certification in the exact same subjects and grade level combinations that Michigan offers. Contact ÃÛÌÒapp's certification officer for advice about choosing a major/minor and program (elementary or secondary) to complete at ÃÛÌÒapp.Ìý

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates the movement of educators among the states that have signed the agreement. The agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction. Receiving states may impose certain requirements thatÌýmust be met in a reasonable period of time, for example:

• Additional tests, such as the PRAXIS Tests
• Copies of your MTTC score reports
• Additional courses (such as a course in the history of the particular state)
• Application fees
• Official transcripts
• A copy ofÌýyour Michigan Teaching Certificate
• Criminal background check and/or fingerprinting
• Validation that the candidate has completed a collegeÌýprogram—send verification forms to the ÃÛÌÒapp certification coordinator (Email forms toÌýcertification@calvin.edu. If the form asks for your social security number, only include the last four digits.)
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If you obtain the Michigan certificate, most states and provinces will give you a temporary license allowing you to begin teaching immediately while any of the above additional requirements are completed.

If you decide not to be certified in Michigan, the state or province will evaluate your ÃÛÌÒapp transcripts and may require you to complete additional college or universityÌýcourses. You will not be able to begin teaching until those courses are completed, which could cost you significant time and money. For this reason, we recommend that everyone who completes ÃÛÌÒapp's education program complete all requirements for the Michigan teaching certificate.

is an option for teachers with at least three full years of experience, usually in addition to certification in one or more states.

Some Christian schools require the . ÃÛÌÒapp alumni report that they were able to obtain this certificate by reading a few required books and submitting a paper on Christian educational philosophy. Be sure to check if they will accept any of your ÃÛÌÒapp courses in place of these requirements, such as EDUC-398.

Eligibility for Teacher Certification

Education program faculty members are dedicated to the success of each candidate. It is possible, however, for a candidate to complete the education program and graduate with a bachelor’s degree without being recommended for certification. The following circumstances may result in denial of teaching certification at the discretion of the Dean of Education:

1. Unsuccessful performance during education program courses and/or the student teaching internship semester.

2. Fraud, material misrepresentation, or concealment in any materials or documents provided to ÃÛÌÒapp or the education program.

3. Candidates with any misdemeanor or felony convictions and/or charges pending cannot be guaranteed teacher certification. The university will report to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) all convictions and/or charges pending at the point an individual requests teacher certification. MDE reviews each case on an individual basis.