The Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program

Michigan State University now offers an expanded Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program (formerly known as the Chinese Teacher Certification Program (CLTCP)), now including both Chinese and Spanish options. This expedited program allows graduates to earn both a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in 2 years (Residency Pathway) or obtain certification only in 1 year (Certification-only Pathway). Applications are now open to start Fall 2025 Semester.

The Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program, previously known as CLTCP, is a fast-track certification program designed for fluent speakers of Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. This program equips candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to teach their language and culture in U.S. schools. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a standard Michigan teaching certification with a PK-12 endorsement in Chinese or Spanish.

Financial Support:

Financial support for students in the WLTCP may include stipends, fellowships, and/or scholarships credited to their student accounts throughout the two-year program. Since the pathways to completing the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program vary, as do the requirements for post-baccalaureate programs, financial assistance will be managed on an individual basis with your advisor. U.S. citizens and residents in the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program Residency Pathway are also eligible to apply for the federal TEACH Grant for additional financial support. For details regarding the amount, terms, and conditions of this grant, please visit the federal student TEACH Grant website.

Both certificate-only and residency pathway students are eligible for scholarships, which, if awarded, will equalize tuition to MSU in-state rates. Each scholarship amount is calculated as the difference between the international tuition rate at MSU and the in-state tuition rate, ensuring that all students benefit from the lower in-state tuition rate. Furthermore, during their first year, students may apply for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Future Educator Stipend, which offers up to $9,600 per semester in financial support. Students in their second year may receive fellowships of $10,000 per semester as compensation for their work as the teacher of record during their residency.

Program Pathways:

1. Residency Pathway (2-year)

  • Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish) + Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC)

2. Certification-only Pathway (1-year)

  • Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish)

Program Structure:

1. Residency Pathway (2-year)

Year 1:

  • Prior to August 15th Arrival:
    • Completion of MTTC 101 exam
    • Completion of MATC application
  • Fall Semester Internship: Mentored internship in a Michigan K-12 school (starting August 15th).  Students will also have the support of an MSU Field Instructor (FI) that will work closely with them and their Mentor (MT) to ensure the student’s teaching growth and efficacy. 
  • This is a full-time internship, student’s placements will be within a daily drivable distance from MSU, in East Lansing, Michigan.
  • Coursework:
    • Fall:
    • All courses will take place on a designated day each week, with students required to be on campus or in virtual classrooms to fulfill their academic obligations. This day is typically Thursday.
      • TE 894 (2 credits) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 891A (3 credits) – Special Topics: Teaching Chinese or Spanish as a Foreign Language
      • TE 891B (3 credits) – Special Topics: Classroom Management for Teaching Chinese or Spanish in American Schools
    • Spring:
      • TE 894 (2 credits) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 843 (3 credits) – Reading, Writing, and Reasoning in Secondary School Subjects
      • TE 818 (3 credits) – Curriculum in Social Context
    • Summer:
      • Field Experiences
      • CEP 891 (3 credits) – Social-Emotional Development of School-Age Youth
      • TE 807 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Professional Development & Inquiry
      • TE 891A (1 credit) – Special Topics: Teaching Chinese or Spanish as a Foreign Language Thread

Year 2:                                                                          

  • Residency: Full-time teaching as the “teacher of record,” with ongoing academic coursework.
  • Coursework:
    • Fall:
      • TE 894 (1 credit) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 842 (3 credits) – Advanced Methods of Elementary School Reading
    • Spring:
      • TE 894 (1 credit) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 870 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Curriculum Design and Development in Schools
      • or TE 872 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Teachers as Teacher Educators
  • Field Experience: Site-based, requiring weekly on-campus attendance.

2. Certification-only Pathway (1-year)

  • Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish)
  • Structure:
    • 1-year program with teaching internship starting August 15th in a Michigan K-12 school.
    • Weekly on-campus attendance required.
  • Field Experience: Site-based with possible need for relocation and transportation.
  • Coursework:
    • Fall:
      • TE 891A (3 credits) – Special Topics: Teaching Chinese or Spanish as a Foreign Language
      • TE 894 (3 credits) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 891B (3 credits) – Special Topics: Classroom Management for Teaching Chinese or Spanish in American Schools
    • Spring:
      • TE 894 (3 credits) – Lab and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching, and Schooling
      • TE 818 (3 credits) – Curriculum in Social Context
      • TE 843 (3 credits) – Reading, Writing, and Reasoning in Secondary School Subjects
    • Summer:
      • TE 891A (1 credit) – Special Topics: Teaching Chinese or Spanish as a Foreign Language Thread
      • CEP 891 (3 credits) – Social-Emotional Development of School-Age Youth
      • TE 842 (3 credits) – Advanced Methods of Elementary School Reading

Application Process:

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admissions starting January 15th each year.
  • Apply: Visit our Admission Requirements page.

Completion Requirements:

To earn Michigan Secondary Teacher Certification (Chinese/Spanish), candidates must:

  • Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
  • Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC101).
  • Demonstrate oral Chinese or Spanish proficiency at an intermediate-high level on the ACTFL OPI/OPIc.
  • Submit the Conviction Disclosure Form.
  • Meet the College of Education’s Technology Requirement and Professional Standards

For further details, visit the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program Admissions website.

Additional Information:

For questions or enrollment assistance, contact us at 517-884-6061 or PostBAWLTCP@msu.edu.

Admission Requirements ›