Teacher Certification

Individuals interested in joining the 2024-2025 ACR cohort must have all admission requirements complete by June 1st, 2024.

Elementary Education (grades K-5, K-8 self-contained)

Certifiable elementary education subject areas available are Integrated Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies.

Required Coursework (30 Credit Hours)

Summer Semester Coursework Requirements: 1 credit

• TE 494R Seminar 1 for Elementary ACR (1 cr)

Fall Semester Coursework Requirements: 15 credits

• TE 411R Teaching Elementary Reading I (4 crs)
• TE 414R Teaching Elementary Science (3 crs)
• TE 416R Diverse Learning Environments (3 crs)
• TE 417R Seminar 2 for Elementary ACR (1 cr)
• TE 497R Elementary ACR Residency I (4 crs)

Winter Semester Coursework Requirements: 14 credits

• TE 412R Teaching Elementary Reading II (2 crs)
• TE 413R Teaching Elementary Mathematics (3 crs)
• TE 415R Teaching Elementary Social Studies (3 crs)
• TE 418R Seminar 3 for Elementary ACR (1 cr)
• TE 498R Elementary ACR Residency II (5 crs)

Residency Requirement

ACR candidates should find a residency in a school that has open teaching positions or in a classroom with a teacher mentor, similar to a student teaching experience. Certification in elementary education is based upon a successful teaching experience in the subject area in which the candidate is seeking to become certified in. When finding a residency, ACR candidates must make sure they will be teaching all four core subject areas in a classroom K-5.

SVSU's Career Services is ready to assist ACR candidates with preparing a professional resume and cover letter, and give great tips on how to prepare for an interview. Once accepted to the program, candidates can get access to the Cardinal Career Network which has information on open teaching positions.  Employment Fairs sponsored by their office is also a great resource in locating prospective teaching positions. Candidates can either schedule an appointment to meet with a Career Services representative or utilize their online tutorials. http://www.svsu.edu/careerservices/

Secondary Education (grades 6-12 or K-12)

Certifiable secondary education subject areas available  – Biology, Chemistry, Communication & Theatre (Speech), English, French (6-12 or K-12), Health & Physical Education (K-12), History, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Physical Education (K-12), Physics, Social Studies, Spanish (6-12 or K-12), and Visual Arts Education (K-12).

K-12 endorsements require documented residency fieldwork at all three levels (elementary, middle, and high school). French and Spanish candidates must place at the Advanced Low level on the Oral Proficiency Interview prior to being recommended for certification.

Required Coursework

Summer Semester:

TEMS 307 Classroom Climate 3 crs. (hybrid)

Fall Semester:

TEMS 301 Community, Culture & Change 3 crs. (online)
TEMS 302 General Methods of Teaching in Secondary & Middle Schools 3 crs. (hybrid)
TEMS 490 ACR Secondary Residency & Seminar I 3 crs. (Residency credit, no class meetings)

Winter Semester:

TEMS 312 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas of Secondary & Middle Schools 3 crs. (online)
TEMS 490 ACR Secondary Residency & Seminar II 3 crs. (Residency credit, no class meetings)

One of the following courses: (hybrid)

TEMS 311 Teaching Science in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 crs.
TEMS 313 Methods of Teaching Special Subjects 3 crs.
HIST 455 Methods of Teaching Social Studies 3 crs.
TEMS 315 Methods of Teaching Mathematics 3 crs.
TEMS 317 Methods of Teaching Language Arts 3 crs.

Note: all in-person class meetings are held on the SVSU campus on Saturdays.

Residency Requirement

ACR candidates should find a residency in a school that has open teaching positions or in a classroom with a teacher mentor, similar to a student teaching experience. Certification is based upon a successful teaching experience in the subject area in which the ACR candidate is seeking to become certified in. Candidates seeking K-12 certification must have documented field experiences in elementary, middle, and secondary levels.

SVSU's Career Services is ready to assist ACR candidates with preparing a professional resume and cover letter, and give great tips on how to prepare for an interview. Once accepted to SVSU, candidates can get access to the Cardinal Career Network which has information on open teaching positions.  Employment Fairs sponsored by their office is also a great resource in locating prospective teaching positions. Candidates can either schedule an appointment to meet with a Career Services representative or utilize their online tutorials.  http://www.svsu.edu/careerservices/

The estimated cost for the program runs between $14,000 and $17,000. Information on tuition and fees, types of financial aid available, and applying for financial aid can be found online at http://www.svsu.edu/cfsc/ and at the Michigan Student Aid website. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is located on our website at http://www.svsu.edu/cfsc/applyingforfinancialaid/. If you have any questions, please contact the SVSU Campus Financial Services Center at 989-964-4900.

If you are employed by a charter school authorized by SVSU, you are eligible for a tuition scholarship. Information can be obtained by contacting SVSU's School & University Partnership Office at drg@svsu.edu.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, applications for certification MUST be submitted directly to the MDE using the MOECS online system. Information on applying can be found on our website at http://www.svsu.edu/collegeofeducation/officesservices/certification/

All ACR candidates will need to complete First Aid and adult & child CPR training from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Medic First Aid, or American Safety and Health Institute.  Certification of training in these areas will be required and must be valid at the time you apply for your Michigan Teaching Certificate. Please refer to the  Michigan Department of Education website for a complete list of approved courses offered by these CPR and first aid providers.

Elementary ACR candidates applying for their teaching certificate must take and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (Test #103). MTTC scores must be submitted to SVSU electronically; select institution code #24 when registering to take the test to ensure that SVSU receives the scores. We highly recommend that candidates take this test toward the end of the winter semester.

Candidates for French and Spanish certification must test at the advanced low level on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) prior to applying for their teaching certificate.