Educator Certification Information

Certification Renewal

Educators are responsible for obtaining their certificates and keeping them up to date. All Michigan certificates expire on June 30 of a given year. The Michigan Department of Education does not notify teachers regarding expiring certificates. Teachers must know the validity period of their certificates and meet the necessary renewal requirements before the expiration date. Teachers may lose their positions or tenure if a teaching certificate expires.

Visit the Michigan Department of Education's website for certification requirements and renewal information.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) believes that all students should have access to high quality teachers. The Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educator (PME) campaign is designed to help teachers return to the classroom. For more information, please visit https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-5683_14795_83462-556448--,00.html

Teacher Evaluation Timeline

View the certified teacher evaluation timeline here. 

Educator Resources

Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Alternative Route Programs and Traditional Programs

• Becoming A Teacher (General Guidance/Traditional Route)
   
• Alternative Route

Concordia University

• Options for Teacher Certification and Continuing Education

GVSU Company Deferment Plan

The GVSU Company Deferment Plan is for students who qualify for their employer’s tuition reimbursement program and allows the amount of tuition and fees paid for by the employer to be deferred until the end of the semester. Any amount of tuition, fees, and other charges (including parking permits) not paid for by the employer must be received by the tuition deadline and included with this application. 

To qualify for company deferment, you will need:

• Complete and sign promissory note and email to studenta@gvsu.edu along with your current letter of eligibility from your employer (on company letterhead)
• Go to myBanner and pay the $40.00 service fee plus any amount not reimbursable by the employer.
• The prom note, the letter and the payment should be made together.  If that is not possible, please make your payment first.

The student, not the employer, is responsible for timely payment of this loan.
The loan is due in full, approximately 30 days after the end of the semester, regardless of employer reimbursement. The service fee is non-refundable.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. A new letter of eligibility from your employer must be submitted each semester.

You may send the information to:

Grand Valley State University
Attn: Student Accounts Office
1049 James H. Zumberge Hall (1049 JHZ)
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
Fax: (616) 331-3975
email: studenta@gvsu.edu

GVSU Health Related Academic Program

• TCAPS is currently affiliated with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to offer a health-related academic program. For questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@tcaps.net or 231-933-1710. 
   
• GVSU Clinical Coordinator Contact Information Sheet

For More Information

For more information or questions, please contact Human Resources Director Erika Lahti at 231.933.1719 or lahtier@tcaps.net.