Change in Teaching Certification Requirements

Big news for our education major students and our Teacher Preparation Program!

The governor signed a bill into law removing the basic skills examination requirement for people wishing to earn a teacher certificate. What does this mean for us? It means that beginning immediately, EMU students will no longer need a minimum score on the SAT (or other test such as the ACT, PRE, MME,) in order to be admitted to the Initial Teacher Certification Program. Teacher candidates will still need to pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their specific subject area(s) at the end of their program in order to earn a teaching certificate and endorsements.

All other program admission requirements remain in effect at this time but may be reviewed in upcoming semesters. At this time, the admission requirements are as follows:

Phase I Admission

  • Complete 56 credit hours
  • Meet EMU grade point average (GPA) requirements of:
    • An overall EMU GPA of 2.5 or higher based on a minimum of 12 credit hours taken at EMU. AND an EMU GPA of 2.5 or higher in the major
    • OR Transfer to EMU with 56 credits and a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A grade of “C” or higher in the following courses (if taken):
    • Elementary: WRTG 121, CTAC 124, MATH 108, MATH 110E, PHY 100, ESSC 202, professional education courses, and if special education PSY 101
    • Secondary: WRTG 121, CTAC 124, quantitative reasoning, one lab science, professional education courses, and if special education PSY 101
  • Provide an ICHAT criminal background check and Statement of Civil/Criminal Convictions.  A person may be denied admission based on a civil/criminal conviction issue. Students with issues will need to provide:
    • A copy of the Judgment of Sentence, or Registrar of Actions, or Certification of Conviction
    • A written explanation of the offense(s)
  • Documentation of attendance at Group Advising Session

Full Admission into Teacher Preparation Program Candidacy

  • Phase I program admission
  • A grade of “C” or higher in appropriate Curriculum class; SOFD 328W and RDNG 300 (if elementary)
  • A Dispositions Review from the appropriate curriculum class

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Christine Lancaster 
Director, Student Support
Teacher Preparation Unit
Eastern Michigan University