Port Huron Regional Education Center

Secondary Education

Academic Requirements

Saginaw Valley State University is authorized by the State of Michigan to recommend students for initial certification at the secondary level (Grades 6-12). The Secondary Education degree program consists of the following components: SVSU Basic Skills Requirements, General Education Requirements, Academic major and minor requirements, and Professional Studies courses (taken upon admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program).

SVSU Basic Skills Requirements

Each student must satisfy basic skills course requirements in mathematics, reading, and writing. Placement into or exemption from required courses in mathematics, reading, and writing will be determined by results of ACT scores and/or course placement tests. For transfer students, placement into or exemption from these required courses also may be determined by results of the Transfer Evaluation Report which is completed upon admission to SVSU. This requirement must be complete prior to applying to the SVSU Teacher Education Program. Please refer to the SVSU Catalog for detailed information regarding the Basic Skills Requirements.

SVSU General Education Requirements

SVSU students are required to complete 35 credit hours of General Education course work. General Education refers to that part of a student’s education that contributes to the breadth of knowledge needed to be a more effective citizen of a complex and culturally diverse world. It is intended to help each student become more broadly knowledgeable, adaptable, and capable in their many life roles.

By graduation, students will have been given opportunities to develop their insight, creativity and intellectual curiosity, as well as analytical and critical skills. General Education courses may also be used to satisfy content major and minor requirements.

The General Education Requirements do not need to be complete in order to apply to the Secondary Teacher Education Program.

Students interested in obtaining a teaching certificate in Secondary Education, may choose a major, a double major, or two minors from the lists below:

MAJORS (30-36 credits):

Biology, Chemistry, Communication & Theatre, English, French, History, Math, Physical Education, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish

MINORS (20-24 credits):

Biology, Chemistry, Communication & Theatre, Computer Science, Economics, English, French, History, Math, Physical Education, Physics, Political Science, Spanish

Special Education Endorsement

A Special Education endorsement (Emotionally Impaired or Cognitive Impairment) requires an additional 31-33 credit hours of Special Education coursework and an additional semester of Special Education student teaching, including seminar. The endorsement in Learning Disabilities is not available as an initial endorsement. Students are required to seek advisement with a Certification Advisor, followed by advisement with a Special Education faculty member.

Cognate Requirements:

* Psychology 315 (3) Adolescent Psychology
* Psychology 317 (3) Educational Psychology

If students have not met the coursework requirements for their major and/or minor as part of their undergraduate degree, then they must complete these major/minor courses in addition to the professional studies requirements. In order to determine outstanding course requirements in each of the above areas, students are required to bring copies of their transcripts (from community colleges and universities) to their advising appointment.

Professional Studies Coursework:

The final component of the program, is the completion of the Professional Studies courses. These courses prepare students to become introspective teachers who are reflective in the decisions that they make, and who are able to interact with their environments in a meaningful and responsive way. Students will continually evaluate theory and practice as they work in the University classroom and the field classroom. All students admitted into the Teacher Education Program must maintain a GPA of 2.50 in the Professional Studies courses to remain in the Teacher Education Program.

Note: Grades of "D" may not be used to fulfill any of the minor, planned program, or Professional Studies Requirements.

Program Notes:

• EDL 300 may be taken prior to or after admission to the program.
• TEMS 302 must be taken before TEMS 308 and TEMS 312.
• The Department recommends that students take TEMS 310 with TEMS 308 and 312.
• All Professional Studies courses may not be taken in the same semester. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• English majors are encouraged to take ENGL 380 during Semester 1 of the Professional Studies courses and ENGL 482 during Semester 2 in the program sequence. See English Department for further information on these courses.

Michigan Test for Teacher Certification

Students must complete and pass all sections of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Basic Skills Tests one semester prior to applying to the Teacher Education Program at SVSU. It is recommended that students take the MTTC test in their subject area majors and minors prior to enrolling in Student Teaching. This will expedite the application process for a teaching certificate upon the final semester at SVSU. Students do not need to have their MTTC subject area tests complete to enroll in Student Teaching.

Course Substitutions/Waivers Requirements

Students must complete a course petition form to obtain written approval of any course substitutions or waivers and submit it to the SVSU Port Huron Regional Education Center  for processing.  Please allow at least three weeks for processing.

To receive advising on course petition requests and assistance on completing the course petition form, it is recommended that students schedule an appointment with Kathy López, Certification Officer.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program

Students must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Education Program prior to enrollment in 300/400 level Professional Studies (TEMS) courses.

Students may apply to the Teacher Education Program during the application period in January for Fall Semester admission.

First Aid/CPR Requirement

Michigan legislation passed in June 2003 requires that individuals complete a course in First Aid and Child and Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation prior to being recommended for their initial teaching certificate. The law requires that a student complete a course or training program offered by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross that includes first aid and child and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a test demonstration on a mannequin, and instruction in foreign body airway obstruction management.

For more information, or to schedule an advising appointment, please contact:

SVSU Regional Education Center - Port Huron
M-TEC Building, Room 251
Phone: (810) 982-5530
E-mail: lmkramp(at)svsu.edu