Certification Office

Certification Office

Debra Seyerle Certification Officer Email: dseyerle@umflint.edu

General Requirements for Teacher Certification Before they can be considered candidates for teacher certification, students must complete a written application and be admitted formally to a teacher certificate program (TCP). If a teacher education student has been away from the University for one calendar year or more, the student must reapply for admission to the teacher certificate program and must satisfy the admission and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission. There are two admission periods each year, in January and in September. Deadlines for applying are January 15 and September 15. Applications are available through the Education Department during these times. At the time of applying, the student must have formulated a reasonably firm academic plan. The choice of certificate level (elementary/secondary) should be firm, major(s) and minor(s) should be identified, and a probable completion date should be projected.
Students apply and are accepted to the Teacher Certification Program one semester prior to taking EDE 360 and courses requiring EDE 360 or EDS 360 as a pre- or co-requisite. For example, a student must be admitted to a certificate program before registering to take EDE 300, EDE/EDS 302, EDE 360, EDS 300 or EDS 360 the following semester. Students not admitted to a teacher certificate program may enroll in education courses which do not have EDE 300, EDE/EDS 302, EDE 360, EDS 300 or EDS 360 as prerequisites. Admission is selective. Enrollment decisions will be based upon student qualifications as well as faculty and program resources. Certificate Requirements in Other States The teacher's certificate issued by the State of Michigan is valid only in the state of Michigan. A student who plans to teach in a state other than Michigan should become acquainted fully with the certification requirements of that state before entering the senior year. The student should then consult an advisor regarding the courses which must be elected in order to meet these requirements. Many states now require that the applicant pass a test before a teaching certificate is issued. For information, addresses of state departments of education are available from the office of the Education Department Registrar or at the following website: Teacher Certification Requirements in Other States Website Certification for Students Holding Bachelor's Degrees A student who has completed a bachelor's degree at an approved institution may meet state requirements for teacher certification without earning a second degree. Such students should contact the Education Department Registrar for information concerning a coursework evaluation or contact by email: Rachel Biocchi Email: biocchir@umflint.edu Students with Bachelors degrees may qualify for the MA in Education with Elementary Certification program. Interested students should refer to the “Graduate Study” section of this Catalog.

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