College of Education and Human Development

Laura Dinehart
Dean
2301 Sangren Hall

Kristal Ehrhardt
Senior Associate Dean

Luchara Wallace
Associate Dean

Mission
Embracing WMU’s goals to be learner centered, discovery driven, and globally engaged, the College of Education and Human Development is committed to:

Developing exceptional education and human development professionals who positively impact our global society
Advancing knowledge through teaching, scholarship, creative works, and service
Enhancing the university and its stakeholders through transformative field experiences and collaborations

Vision
Be the premier choice for a diverse community of education and human development learners by offering a portfolio of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized programs.

Academic Departments:
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences
Human Performance and Health Education
Special Education and Literacy Studies
Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies

Centers and Offices:
Office of Admissions and Advising
Office of Clinical Experiences
Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification
Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
Merze Tate Grant and Innovation Center
Dorothy J. McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic
Student Success Center

Curricula for Teachers
The program for prospective teachers consists of three parts: (1) WMU Essential Studies, designed to develop an intellectual foundation of appropriate depth and breadth in liberal arts and general studies; (2) advanced specialized study, in one or more fields of study structured to develop a high level of academic competence and understanding; and (3) professional education study organized to prepare teacher candidates to work effectively in schools. This degree leads to eligibility for the Michigan Standard Certificate.

The following undergraduate curricula lead to certification and are offered in the College of Education and Human Development: Elementary Education, Special Education, Physical and Health Education, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Industrial Technology Education. Students seeking admission to these curricula must contact the Office of Admissions and Advising, 2421 Sangren Hall.

Students seeking admission to one of the following curricula will work with the appropriate advisor in the College of Fine Arts:

Art (see School of Art advisor)
Music (see Irving S. Gilmore School of Music for audition)

Students interested in teaching secondary education (grades 6-12) will work with the College of Arts and Sciences to complete appropriate undergraduate training and then apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education to complete the one-year teacher certification program.

Teaching certificates are recommended only for those students who satisfactorily complete an approved teacher education program with the required grade point average for their program, pass the appropriate MTTC subject area test(s), complete a background check and provide any necessary documentation, hold valid CPR and First Aid credentials from an approved agency, and have a bachelor’s degree.

Office of Admissions and Advising
2421 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3474
wmich.edu/education/advising
cehd-advising@wmich.edu

Staff:
Christine Robinson, Director
Christy Chambers, Administrative Assistant I
Derek Andree, Assistant Director
Andrea Bau, Senior Advisor
Amanda Lozier, Advisor
Shannon Myers, Senior Advisor

The Office of Admissions and Advising provides information regarding teacher education curricula and processes applications for admissions to those curricula in the College of Education and Human Development. The office also provides academic advisement for students enrolled in both teaching and human development curricula within the College and advises post-baccalaureate students seeking initial teacher certification and second bachelor’s degrees.

All students seeking admission to teacher education curricula as entering freshmen, transfers, or as students changing curricula must contact the Office of Admissions and Advising. All students declaring a preference for a curriculum leading to a teaching certificate will be assigned a pre-education designator at the time of admission to the University.

Students wishing to enter the upper professional level of Elementary or Early Childhood Elementary Education program must meet the following minimum requirements at the time of application:

Completion of at least 35 credit hours
Completion of all Western Michigan University Intellectual Skills Development courses if required (e.g. MATH 1090, LS 1040, ENGL 1000)
Completion of an approved college level writing course
Completion with a grade of “CB” or better ED 2500: Human Development
Achievement of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
Achievement of reading, writing, and math proficiencies - see advisor for specific requirements
Completion of a background check and submission of any necessary additional documentation

Once all of the above requirements have been met, a formal application requesting admission to the program must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Advising, 2421 Sangren Hall.

Students wishing to enter the Special Education program must meet the following minimum requirements at the time of application (February 1) for consideration - admission to the Special Education program is not guaranteed:

Completion of 56 hours (Spring semester hours may be counted)
Completion of all Western Michigan University Intellectual Skills Development courses if required (e.g., MATH 1090, LS 1040, ENGL 1000)
Completion of an approved college level writing course
Completion of ED 2500: Human Development: Applications in Education or an approved course, with a grade of “CB” or better
Achievement of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
Achievement of reading, writing, and math proficiencies - see advisor for specific requirements
Completion of a background check and submission of any necessary additional documentation
Submission of Letter of Intent
Completion of a formal application for admission to Special Education by February 1. Admission applications will be processed once a year.

Students wishing to enter the Physical Education and Health Education K-12 or Workforce Education and Development teacher education programs must meet the following minimum requirements at the time of application:

Completion of at least 35 credit hours
Completion of all Western Michigan University Intellectual Skills Development courses if required (e.g. MATH 1090, LS 1040, ENGL 1000)
Completion of an approved college level writing course
Completion with a grade of “C” or better ED: 2500 Human Development (for Workforce Education and Development) or HPHE 2400 (Physical Education and Health Education K-12)
Achievement of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better
Achievement of reading, writing, and math proficiencies - see advisor for specific requirements
Completion of a background check and submission of any necessary additional documentation
Once all of the above requirements have been met, a formal application requesting admission to the program must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Advising, 2421 Sangren Hall.

Teacher Testing
Public Act 282 (1992) amends Section 1531 of Public Act 451 (1976), as amended by Public Act 267 (1986), mandates the implementation of a teacher certification testing program in Michigan effective July 1, 1992. Under the provisions of this act candidates for a secondary certification must pass a subject exam in their major or minor to be certified. Candidates for an elementary certification must pass the elementary certification examination.

This act also requires the passing of appropriate and available test(s) prior to the addition of new subjects or grade-levels endorsements

Information regarding required teacher testing may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Advising, 2421 Sangren Hall or the college website.

Appeals
A student aggrieved by an action taken within the College of Education and Human Development has the right to appeal such action by filing an appeal form in the Dean’s Office within twenty-one (21) days of the aggrieved action. Appeals may be reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee. Information about the appeal procedure is available in the Dean’s Office.

Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification
2421 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3473
wmich.edu/teachercertification

Staff:
Laura Ciccantell, Certification Officer
Nicole Lockwood-Womack, Certification Advisor
Anitra White, Administrative Assistant II
Timothy Sprangel, Administrative Assistant I

The Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification processes recommendations for administrator, counseling, and initial Standard and Standard CTE teacher certification. The office provides advising regarding Michigan certification laws, rules and policies, and requirements for additional grade-level and subject endorsements. Michigan certification laws and requirements change frequently. Please see the certification website or contact the certification office for the most current information.

TRIO Future Educator Success Program Office
3530 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3500
wmich.edu/trio-future-educators

Staff:
M’Myia Hughes, TRIO FESP Director
Nateya Moore, Program Services Coordinator
Harmony Williams, Administrative Assistant II

The TRiO Future Educator Success Program is a federally funded grant program that promotes the success of future teachers from Western Michigan University who are first-generation college, income-eligible students or students with disabilities. Services include a robust first year experience, career and graduate school exploration, financial assistance, leadership opportunities, mentorship and more.

Office of Clinical Experiences
2421 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3466
wmich.edu/clinicalexperiences

Staff:
Jennifer Young Heymoss, Director
Angie Boynton, Coordinator of Clinical Experiences
Kerry Hegele, Coordinator of Clinical Experiences
Anitra White, Administrative Assistant II
Timothy Sprangel, Administrative Assistant I

The Office of Clinical Experiences is responsible for the coordination and oversight of all clinical experiences for teacher candidates, including intern teaching associated with teacher education curricula.

Intern Teaching
The following criteria must be met prior to undertaking intern teaching:

Completion of all required course work.
Completion of a background check and submission of any necessary additional documentation.
Proof of having met the GPA and course requirements as conveyed in the student’s course catalog year.
Recommendation from major and minor departments.
Completion of methods course(s) in major and/or minor.
Passing scores on the Michigan basic skills examination.
Proof of graduation audit.

Students must apply for their internship at least one year prior to the semester in which they plan to complete their intern teaching requirements. Students may not select their placements for intern teaching. Placements are made by the Office of Clinical Experiences based on programmatic needs and are usually within a 30 mile radius from the main campus and/or in designated partnership schools. Students may not enroll in other course work during intern teaching.

Please note: To be recommended for teacher certification, students must achieve at least a grade of “C” in ED 4100: Seminar in Education and “credit” in Intern Teaching, in addition to having met all other requirements for graduation.

Health and Liability Insurance
Students engaged in their final internship must give evidence of having health insurance at the time of course enrollment. Liability insurance coverage will be provided by the University through a fee assessed at the time of enrollment in courses requiring clinical experiences.

Student Success Center
2421 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3474
wmich.edu/education/academics/student-success

Staff:
Precious Miller, Student Success Coach
Anitra White, Administrative Assistant II
Timothy Sprangel, Administrative Assistant I

The College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University makes the success of our students a priority. The Student Success Center offers programming and services for all CEHD students. There are no eligibility requirements.

Dorothy J. McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic
Elizabeth Isidro, Director
4511 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3470

The primary purpose of the Dorothy J. McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic is to provide clinical experiences in literacy (reading and writing) assessment and instruction for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Western Michigan University who are preparing to work with children (Kindergarten through 12th grade) in literacy instruction. All activities and experiences designed by clinic instructors and students provide literacy assessment, diagnosis, tutoring in one-on-one or small class, and coaching in a clinical setting. Additional services the Reading Center offers are consultative literacy workshops and seminars for teachers, schools, and organizations in southwestern Michigan. The Reading Center also houses a library, serving educators and children in the community with a large collection of children and young adult literature for use in all content areas. Furthermore, the clinic provides students in education an opportunity to observe and participate in the administration of educational and clinical assessments, and the procedures employed in interviewing children, parents as well as procedures in interviewing children, parents, and school personnel. Also, the center serves as a partner to various educational organizations and schools in the community and provides literacy enrichment experiences for families and youth, including summer programs. See Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies course listings for reading courses offered.