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Public school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed by the State of Michigan. Students pursuing degrees
in education will be selecting majors and/or minors for the degree at the bachelor level. All students pursuing teacher certification should plan to take the Michigan Test for
Teacher Certification: Basic Skills, during the first semester of their sophomore year.
Student teaching candidates seeking certification in secondary education from the State of Michigan must obtain a bachelor’s degree; pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification:
Basic Skills and pass the Michigan Content Test in their major and minor areas prior to graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
Each bachelor granting institution will vary in program requirements. It is very critical that community college students seek our program requirements for entry and for graduation
from bachelor granting institutions as soon as possible even as early as the freshman year at Kellogg Community College.
Kellogg Community College has partnered with several bachelor granting degree institutions such as: Western Michigan University, Miller College, and Central Michigan University
to facilitate a smooth transition for students. At the community college level, students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in either elementary or secondary education
should follow the transfer guide for the institution they intend to enter at the junior class level.
Students will also want to work closely with an Academic Advisor to set up a program that will enable the transfer requirements to be earned while completing the requirements for:
- MACRAO Transfer Agreement: This is a transfer agreement established by the Michigan Association of collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Students may find transferring
to bachelor granting institutions easier with the completion of MACRAO. Each transfer guide will identify whether or not a university or college requires MACRAO.
- Associate of Arts Degree: There are many benefits to earning an Associate of Arts degree while students are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree. Benefits include more
job opportunity, increased income earning potential, and the opportunity to work in an education setting to gain valuable experience while completing training requirements to become
a state-licensed teacher.
Kellogg Community College students interested in pursuing a bachelor degree in elementary or secondary education are recommended to do the following:
- Go to the KCC Academic Advising office and meet with an academic advisor who can help design an individualized academic plan. The academic advisor will review the transfer
agreement with each student.
- Students should contact their transfer institution early in their freshman year to determine specific transfer requirements. Note that some transfer schools require a dual
application process: one for admission into the institution and a second into a specific school of education.
The choice to enter a career in education is rewarding and demanding. Educators teach people throughout the life span. The demand for qualified educators is ongoing. Today’s
educators facilitate in group settings, use technology in instruction, and model for students. Teachers work with diverse families and need highly developed communication skills.
Experts believe that the education profession will continue to grow as it changes to include careers well beyond the traditional classroom teacher. Specializations and education
careers include:
- Teachers: preschool, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary teachers; home visitors, infant and toddler caregivers, parent educators
- Administrators: principals, special project coordinators, college and university deans, department chairpersons, program directors, administration specialists
- Literacy Specialists: librarians, multimedia specialists, research assistants, literacy coordinators
- Corporate Trainers and Mentors: technology designers, specialty mentors, personal coaches
Educators work in environments that include: public and private schools, child care centers, education and human service programs, non-profit organizations, and
community-based organizations.
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