Admission & Requirements

Upon completing EDUC 102: "Introduction to Education" with a grade of C or better, students are part of the pre-professional education program. Students need to be accepted into the professional education program before they can begin any 300-level education or special education courses. Students must also meet eligibility requirements before student teaching and before being certified by the state of Michigan. Plan your program carefully so that you are able to meet these requirements in time to take the needed courses.

Timeline

First and second years

Requirements to be admitted to the professional education program

• Complete at least 45 semester hours.
• Complete EDUC 102 and 202 with a grade of C or higher.
• Add your selected major(s) and minor(s) in Workday.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. 
• Complete the education program application and release form.
• Complete a background check through CastleBranch.
• Students are responsible for the fee, which is $28 plus $13 for each additional county of residence. International students: Enter your U.S. address(es) only. Do not order the optional CastleBranch Badge.
• Optional: If you might be interested in being certified in another state or province other than Michigan, stop by the education department and see the Teacher Certification Coordinator for advice.

Third year

Requirements to be admitted to student teaching

• Complete 75 semester hours, including at least 18 in each certifiable major or minor concentration.
• Elementary Education: Complete EDUC 302–303, 305, 309, 322, and 326 with a C or higher. Receive positive recommendations from the EDUC 302–303 instructors and a satisfactory evaluation from the EDUC 303 mentor teacher. In addition, complete SCES 313, MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 323, and KIN 223.
• Special Education: Complete EDUC 302–303, 305, 309, 310, 322, 326, and 330 with a C or higher. Receive positive recommendations from the EDUC 302–303 and 330 instructors and a satisfactory evaluation from the EDUC 303 mentor teacher. In addition, complete SCES 313, MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 323, and KIN 223.
• Secondary Education: Complete EDUC 302–303, 307, and departmental pedagogy courses (MATH 329, IDIS 375, IDIS 357 etc.) with a C or higher.
• Have a minimum cumulative, major, and minor GPA of 2.5.
• Receive the approval of the education department and of the major and minor department(s). Several departments have specified conditions, including departmental proficiency tests.
• Complete a background check through CastleBranch within three months prior to the start of the internship (students are responsible for any fees).
• Complete adult/child CPR and first aid classes.
• Apply to student teach by December 1 of the year prior to student teaching. 

Fourth year

Requirements for teacher certification

• Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject test for each major and minor. Elementary and special education students also need to pass the elementary education test.
• Complete EDUC 398 and EDUC 345, 346, and 347 with a C or above.
• Receive recommendations and satisfactory evaluations from the student teaching university supervisor(s) and mentor teacher(s).
• Complete the departmental 359 course (secondary only).
• Submit the student teaching timesheet(s) to the education department.
• Have a minimum cumulative, major, minor, and EDUC GPA of 2.5.
• Complete all requirements for a degree. Apply for your degree online and graduation at the Center for Student Success.
• Complete two online surveys evaluating Calvin’s teacher education program.
• Apply for the Michigan teaching certificate.