Secondary and K-12 Teacher’s Certificate Programs

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The University of Michigan-Flint is accredited to offer secondary and K-12 teacher’s certificate programs (TCPs) in select areas. These programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Music Education degree, depending on the area.

Completion of the subject matter TCP major is required. A minor that complements the declared major and/or develops a greater knowledge base or skill level is highly recommended. Note: Students who wish to add an endorsement in an area beyond the major must complete an approved TCP program in that area.

All teacher certificate programs also include state-mandated professional coursework. At UM-Flint, this coursework is constructed in three phases, to be completed in sequence, with a minimum grade of C (2.0) required in each course. As part of this coursework, the teacher candidate creates an Individual Major Portfolio, required for completion of the program.

In addition, for progression from phase to phase and completion of the program, minimum a GPA of B- (2.7) or higher is required in the major, the minor (if appropriate), the professional coursework, and overall. Further, throughout the program teacher education candidates will be assessed on dispositions a minimum of four times and complete a dispositions interview. Those who do not meet dispositional expectations may be required to fulfill a professional development plan and/or may be removed from the program.

Discipline-Specific Requirements

Minimum GPAs of B- (2.7) or higher are required in the major, the minor, and overall. (GPA requirements are higher for some subject areas.)
See the content area(s) of interest for specific course and other requirements. Programs available are:
Secondary TCP majors: English , Mathematics , Spanish *
Secondary TCP comprehensive majors: Integrated Science , Social Studies
K-12 TCP majors: Music , Visual Arts
Secondary TCP minors: English , Mathematics , Psychology , Spanish *

*Please note: The Spanish Teacher’s Certificate major and minor are currently on moratorium status and are not currently accepting new students. Students who have already declared these will be allowed to complete their program.

Pedagogical/Professional Requirements

Note: There are some variations in these requirements for individual subject areas.

Course Requirements

Phase I - Foundational (12 cr.)

PSY 100 - Principles of Psychology (3)
SEC 200 - Community, Family, Self (3)
SEC 201 - Teachers, Schools, Society (3)
One from:
HIS 120 - United States to 1865 (3)
HIS 121 - United States since 1865 (3)

Phase II - Pre-Professional (12 cr.)

PSY 313 - Developmental Psychology (3)
SEC 320 - Teacher and Learner (3)
SEC 445 - Improvement of Reading in the Middle and Secondary School (3)
A course with UM-Flint US Diversity designation (for a BA degree, in addition to the existing distribution requirement).

Phase III - Professional (18-21 cr.)

SEC 330 - Seminar in Methods (3)
Major methods course
Minor methods course (if required)
SEC 469 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School (3-10) , elected for 9 credits for secondary programs, 4 credits for K-12 program
IES 469 - Student Teaching (3-10) , elected for 5 credits for K-12 programs
SEC 499 - Secondary Student Teaching Seminar (3)

Transition Requirements

Throughout the program, for progression from phase to phase and program completion, minimum GPAs of B- (2.7) or higher in the major, the minor, pedagogical/professional coursework, and overall, are required.

Acceptance to Phase II

Completion of at least 55 credits (junior standing), including at least 18 credits in the major content area and 12 in the minor content area (if a minor is required).
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Successful completion of the SAT or ACT, with scores on file with the University’s Certification Officer.
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase II, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Acceptance to Phase III

Completion of at least 85 credits (senior standing), including at least 90% of the major and minor requirements.
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase III, including a felony/misdemeanor form

Recommendation for Teacher Certification

Completion of at least 124 credits, including all major and minor requirements.
Exit interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the completed Individual Major Portfolio and results of the Student Teaching Evaluation.
Completion of the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) subject area test in the major and minor (where applicable), with a passing score on the major area test.
Completion of an advanced and valid course in first aid and adult and child CPR from an approved provider.
Completion of all paperwork necessary for certification, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

In exceptional circumstances, modifications in the requirements for certificate programs and for minors may be made with the approval of the student’s academic advisor and the Chair of the Education Department.

For the teaching of certain subjects, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools requires a preparation that might be in excess of the requirements for the certification minor. Its requirements, which apply to teachers in any school that is a member of the North Central Association, are revised from time to time. It is recommended that students request a copy of the North Central Association publication, Policies and Criteria, available from the North Central Association, 950 Victors Way, Suite 50, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108-2736; (734) 998-9300.

Note

Prospective candidates should also study the section entitled Information for Teacher Certification .

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 124 credits