Elementary Education Certification Recommendation, BS
Rochester University is authorized by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to recommend teacher candidates to the state for certification. SUBJECT TO MDE APPROVAL, candidates for certification at the elementary level may choose to certify in lower elementary (PK - Grade 3), upper elementary (Grades 3 - 6), or both. Learning Disabilities may be added as an additional major (Grades K - 12). English as a Second Language (ESL, Grades K - 12) may be added as an additional endorsement.
Graduates who receive elementary certification may teach all subject areas in grades PK - Grade 3 and/or grades 3 - 6. To be as marketable as possible, elementary candidates are advised to seek both lower and upper elementary grade band programs.
Since the process of becoming a teacher includes both a baccalaureate degree and professional certification, students must declare their intent as early as possible in order to plan with an education adviser. The advising process is a critical aspect of teacher preparation; for example, some courses meet both general education and teacher education requirements at the same time. Education advisers work with each student to plan appropriate progress toward the completion of requirements of the teacher education program.
Post-baccalaureate students seeking initial certification must meet all of the MDE’s Standards, Rules, and Guidelines for the standard teaching certificate. Students must complete the university's "Calling" requirement, the appropriate grade band courses, and all coursework and field experiences in the professional studies component.
Educator Preparation Program - Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The Program Learning Outcomes for the Rochester University Educator Preparation Program (RU-EPP) are based on the 2022 Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards. The following learning outcomes are linked to evidence throughout this program. After completing program requirements, the RU-EPP graduates will be able to:
THE LEARNER AND LEARNING (CAEP R1.1)
Apply knowledge of learner development and learning differences to create safe and supportive learning environments in order to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families.
CONTENT (CAEP R1.2)
Demonstrate knowledge of central concepts of their content areas and apply the content to develop equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE (CAEP R1.3)
Assess, plan for instruction, and utilize a variety of instructional strategies to provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for diverse P-12 students. Graduates will be able to model and apply the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards to engage and improve learning for all students.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (CAEP R1.4)
Engage in professional learning, act ethically, take responsibility for student learning, and collaborate with others to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families.
Admission to the Educator Preparation Program
All students seeking a Michigan standard teaching certificate must apply for and be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program. The following must be documented at the time of application for admission:
- Completion of 30 hours with no grade below a “C” in the major, minor, and professional studies.
- Satisfactory completion of EDU 3213 Educational Psychology with a minimum grade of C.
Criteria for admission to the Teacher Education Program include the following:
- Completion of an Application for Admission to Educator Preparation Program.
- Submission of a completed Criminal Record Disclosure.
- Submission of two positive evaluations to be completed by two RU faculty members the candidate has had as an instructor.
- Completion of an interview with the Education Admission Committee.
- Successful field placement evaluations from EDU 3213 Educational Psychology.
- Acceptable or accomplished scores on Attributes and Dispositions Evaluations.
- Compliance with all standards expected of the Rochester University campus community, as outlined in the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.
The application package is reviewed by the Admission Subcommittee. Candidates are notified of admission status through a letter from the director of the School of Education.
The spring semester deadline is April 1. Admission is valid for six years; however, changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education may impose additional requirements during that time period.
Approval for Student Teaching
Student teaching is often considered the most exciting and demanding aspect of the Educator Preparation Program. It is the final clinical experience; therefore, it is the doorway into the teaching profession. Prospective employers place a premium on the successful completion of student teaching.
The clinical placement sites for student teaching are established in the Educational Foundations and Assessment course. With the approval of the mentor teacher and coordinator for student teaching, placement for Educational Foundations and Assessment will also be the student teaching placement.
The following requirements must be met prior to beginning the student teaching experience:
- Submission of an Application for Student Teaching.
- Submission of a completed Criminal Record Disclosure.
- Evidence of academic competency by a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 overall, in professional studies, and in the appropriate grade band courses, with no grade lower than a “C.”
- Demonstration of standards expected of the Rochester University campus community, as outlined in the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.
- Completion of all courses in professional studies (with the exception of EDU 4721/4821 Seminar), general education, the major, and the minor.
- Successful completion of all clinical experiences. The 60-hour clinical experience corresponding to Educational Foundations and Assessment weighs heavily.
- Taking applicable tests of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).
Applicants for student teaching are reviewed and approved by the Teacher Education Department.
Requirements for the BS with Elementary Education Certification Recommendation
General Education Core 25 hours
When a student is enrolled in a degree program that requires over 120 credits and a general education requirement is waived, the overall number of credits toward graduation may be reduced. All Rochester University students must earn 120 credits in order to graduate. All adjustments must be made within the first semester of the program.
Lower, Upper Elementary, or Both Grade Bands 58-71 hours
Professional Studies Core 31 hours
| EDU 2263 | Media and Technology | 3 |
| EDU 3213 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 3224 | Classroom Teaching and Management | 4 |
| EDU 3233 | Culturally Responsive Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 3243 | Teaching Exceptional Students | 3 |
| EDU 3253 | Ethics and Professionalism | 3 |
| EDU 4583 | Educational Foundations and Assessment - Elementary | 3 |
| EDU 4721 | Student Teaching Seminar: Elementary (Capstone) | 1 |
| EDU 4728 | Student Teaching: Elementary | 8 |
Electives 0-6 hours
Total Credit Hours: 120-125