Olivet offers a unique program for students interested in teaching that coaches and mentors them to use an alternate route to teacher certification as defined by the State of Michigan to achieve their dream of becoming a teacher.
This is not a traditional teacher preparation program but instead it consists of a comprehensive career advising strategy that combines curricular and co-curricular experiences to prepare students for admission into a State of Michigan alternative route to teacher certification program.
You’ll take part in a weekly seminar with other Teaching Pathway students where you’ll engage in specialized content in support of learning goals and receive personalized advising. With this group, you’ll have immersive and practical learning opportunities, including engaging in classroom observations, small group teaching demonstrations and mentoring opportunities with K-12 students.
Michigan designed the Alternative Pathways to Teacher Certification program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree (not in education) who want to enter the field of teaching in the State of Michigan.
Olivet’s teaching pathway prepares you to enroll in this program after graduation. To be eligible for enrollment in an alternative certification program, you must graduate with a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least a 3.0, pass the appropriate discipline area Michigan Test(s) for Teacher Certification and receive CPR/First Aid certification.
If you complete three years of successful teaching with an interim teaching certificate, you’ll be eligible for the standard Michigan teaching certificate. This rigorous, accelerated preparation program is guided by State of Michigan law, administrative rules and teacher preparation program standards. Learn more about approved State of Michigan alternative route to teacher certification providers.
As an alum and current teacher, I can tell you that the Teaching Pathway is a life-changing opportunity that allows you to pursue your dreams of teaching while continuing to experience everything The University of Olivet has to offer. Olivet and the Teaching Pathway are a great pair. Obtaining your teaching certificate this way allows you to gain classroom experience at a quicker rate. You are able to get into multiple levels of education to really see what the best fit for you is, and you get an individualized and unique education, so entering the Teaching Pathway program will give you more one-on-one experience and the tools to become your own type of educator. – Megan Black ’19