Frequently Asked Questions

What if I choose to teach in the United States, does it still make sense to do this program?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:32:26 +0000

While some GECP students have plans to begin a teaching career abroad, many do not have plans to teach outside of the United States. GECP students are eager to learn how to prepare their future students for success as global citizens of the 21st Century. Many GECP students are also interested in extra preparation for how to give the best education possible to all students, including students in their classroom who are from other countries or cultural backgrounds or who do not speak English as their first language.

In fact, one of the primary goals of GECP is to prepare future educators to bring the world to their students, wherever their classrooms happen to be and whatever subject they happen to teach. GECP graduates will be specially prepared to show their students how the world around them affects and is affected by what they do and learn.

Will I be eligible for certification to teach in Michigan when I graduate from the Global Educators Cohort Program?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:31:16 +0000

Yes! The Global Educators Cohort Program is a specialized program within the teacher preparation program at Michigan State University. That means that GECP students must complete the same requirements as any Teacher Education student at Michigan State University. GECP simply provides added special emphasis in international/global themes.

When you complete GECP, you will graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in Teacher Education and you will be eligible for teacher certification both in Michigan and, often with little or no extra requirements, in many other U.S. States.

What major do I declare when I apply to Michigan State University?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:29:21 +0000

If you are planning on seeking a secondary education certificate, you will declare a major in your disciplinary department. For example, if you plan to teach English, you would declare an English major, if you plan to teach Spanish, you would declare Spanish as your major.

For those interested in a certification in special education or elementary education, you will declare a special education or one of the approved elementary education majors in the College of Education. For detailed information on approved majors, see the Department of Teacher Education website.

I’m not totally sure how I want to pursue my career and I am worried that if I join the cohort program, I won’t be able to change my mind and I’ll have to stick with it.

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:25:12 +0000

When you are accepted into GECP you agree to join the program for your first year. You are not required to stay in the program for your whole undergraduate career. You can try the program your first year and then decide later if it is for you or not.

Will I have a chance to study or teach in another country?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:24:26 +0000

Absolutely! One of the most interesting and exciting components of GECP is the wide range of opportunities students have for travel and teaching abroad. Additionally, GECP students engage in specialized field placements identified to provide a culturally rich learning experience. All GECP students are required to have at least one Global Experience, which can include participation in an MSU Study Abroad program, other approved international experiences, or approved domestic programs that provide experience working and/or learning in a new cultural environment. Details of this requirement can be found in the GECP program guide. Additionally, GECP has its own academic advisor who will work with you personally to develop a unique educational plan that can accommodate your goals such as studying or teaching abroad or language study.

What would my schedule look like next year if I were accepted into the program?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:19:25 +0000

The GECP program has special features each year of your undergraduate program. In some instances, GECP participants enroll in special sections of courses that are already required in the teacher preparation program. Other semesters, GECP students may be required to enroll for an extra 1-2 credit seminar or course. GECP students will also participate in special extra-curricular programming and are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language. See the about section of the GECP site for more information.

Would student teaching work as normal?

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:18:48 +0000

Yes. Because GECP is part of the regular teacher preparation program, GECP students will complete a 5th year internship in order to become eligible for Michigan certification. We expect GECP students, however, to have the opportunity to participate in special placements, depending on their professional interests and goals.

Will any of my 800 Level courses apply to a Masters Program?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:59:12 +0000

If you apply to MSU Special Education program and are accepted, all 12 credits from your internship program many count if you have passed these courses with a 3.0 or better. You then have 5 years from your earliest course to complete your masters requirements.

Some, but not all of your 800 level internship courses may count if you apply to other MSU Masters Programs.

If you choose to apply to another university, all of your courses will be reviewed and a decision made. Other universities are under no obligation to accept credits from another university. It is a good idea to keep all syllabi and course descriptions of your courses. Sometimes this will help another university to make a determination in your favor.

Can I arrange my own special education internship placement?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:24 +0000

No! The special education internship coordinator will make the necessary assignment based upon information received from the intern and the availability of appropriate classrooms within a given school district.

When do I take my LD MTTC?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:57:43 +0000

You are urged to take your LD MTTC during January of your internship year.

Can I be placed at the middle school or high school level?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:57:03 +0000

Yes, if there are available teachers. If an intern wishes to complete the internship at the middle school level, this placement is usually for the full year. The intern must pass their teaching subject MTTC in order to be placed at the middle school level.

If an intern wants a placement for high school, this would be during the special education semester. The passing of the teaching subject MTTC is highly recommended for the high school placement.

Do I have to be in 2 different buildings or districts for my internship?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:56:26 +0000

Whenever possible the intern will be assigned to classrooms within the same building or at least within the same district.

Are there inclusion classrooms available?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:55:40 +0000

Occasionally there will be an inclusion classroom which meets the necessary requirements which enable an intern to be placed in this classroom. In most cases, a full inclusion classroom will enable the intern to be in the same classroom all year.

How is the full year Internship completed for special education majors?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:55:02 +0000

You are responsible for the completion of one semester of general education and one semester in special education. It will depend on the availability of the teachers in a given building as to which is completed first- general education or special education.

When should I apply to MSU?

sdd — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:06:57 +0000

Apply as early as possible. Transfer students can apply as early as one year before they wish to transfer. However, at least 30 semester credits should be completed before applying, with current enrollment expected to yield at least 12 additional credits. The Office of Admissions will determine whether a student is eligible for direct transfer admission and send eligible students a College of Education Supplemental Application. Since a limited number of transfer spaces are available, it is advantageous to apply early.