Getting to Know the MSU Teacher Preparation Program and Its Policies
The MSU Teacher Preparation Program has developed a set of policies that apply to all teacher candidates and interns. Access each of the links below to learn what they mean for you and your progress in the program.
Elementary Education Requirements: If you are not already familiar with the elementary education degree requirements, you may access those through the menu on the left.
Professional Teaching Standards: These are the standards to which interns are held as they work and learn in schools. All course requirements in the teacher preparation program are also guided by the standards. They are organized into four categories, followed by examples:
- knowing subject matters and how to teach them
- working with students
- creating and managing a learning community
- working and learning in a school and profession
Criteria for Progression to the Internship: This policy outlines the requirements you must meet in order to participate in the internship year, related to three topics: academic requirements; testing requirements; completion of the Criminal Disclosure Form; and Professional Criteria. Course instructors for junior and senior level courses are asked regularly to determine whether juniors and seniors are making adequate progress toward meeting the criteria.
Intern Placement Policies: This policy outlines the criteria we use for placing interns, and describes the geographic areas where interns are placed.
Professional Conduct Policy: Making a transition from student to professional requires awareness of and adherence to how to conduct yourself in courses and in schools. This policy serves as a reminder for the main expectations and is related to Standard 4 (working and learning in a school and profession).
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification: Candidates for Michigan teacher certification must pass tests designed by the State of Michigan to ensure that certified teachers have the necessary basic skills and content knowledge to perform effectively in Michigan schools (see Elementary Program website). The competency exams are known as the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Elementary interns (including special education and child development majors) must pass, at minimum, the MTTC test in Elementary Education prior to placement in grades K-6. Elementary Education candidates who request internship placements in grades 7 – 8 must pass appropriate subject matter major/minor tests in addition to the Elementary Education test. For consideration for an internship placement, teacher candidates must take the required MTTC subject tests no later than the April test prior to the internship year.
Procedures for Handling Disputes Between Students and Instructors: Whether managing small or large disputes between students and instructors, both parties need to follow procedures that have been developed by the TE department. Access this policy to familiarize yourself with your rights and the processes that will help you work through problem situations.
Substitute Teaching By Interns: You may be wondering whether you will be able to substitute teach during your internship year. This policy outlines the procedures that must be followed to gain permission to substitute teach, and the number of days allowed.
|
