Please consult the Aquinas College School of Education Handbook for information on our teacher certification programs, requirements, rules, regulations, and expectations.

Aquinas College School of Education Handbook

NOTE: This handbook is currently under revision and will be reposted online after the first of the year. If you have any questions, please contact a School of Education advisor at (616) 632-2800. (posted 11-28-07)

Failure to read this handbook does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations described herein. The Michigan Department of Education and the Federal Legislature continuously review and revise all academic and education programs. Because of this, the Aquinas College School of Education frequently has to change, modify or amend the stated requirements and/or courses for certification in its sole discretion without prior notice. Any changes affecting certification will be shared with candidates during individual advising sessions with an education (not faculty) advisor in the School of Education .

Education requirements vary depending on certification level (i.e. elementary or secondary) and the candidate’s academic major and minor. In addition to the valuable information regarding certification requirements, students should also note the following:

All education students:

All education students are required to meet with an education advisor in the School of Education during the semester they are enrolled in EN 201, Introduction to Education. This is a new requirement and is effective beginning the fall semester, 2003. Students will be given a copy of an advising contract, signed by both the student and advisor, listing all courses necessary for their certification program. Students will register this signed contract with their seminar leader. This advising appointment is mandatory and must be completed prior to receiving a grade in EN 201. The School of Education offices are located in Browne Center , and our phone number is (616) 632-2800.

Transfer students:

Transfer students seeking certification are required to meet with an education advisor in the School of Education to evaluate past education coursework and to plan the appropriate course of study during their first semester at Aquinas College . All previous education coursework must have been completed within the last seven years prior to enrollment in EN 201 at Aquinas College in order to be considered for acceptance toward certification requirements. A maximum of 9 credits of comparable education coursework may be applied toward the elementary or secondary education requirements.

Returning students:

Students who have "stepped out" of the Aquinas College education program for more than one academic year and wish to return will be required to comply with any and all changes in the certification program. In addition, returning students should note that education coursework beyond seven years old will no longer be applied toward certification requirements. Returning students must meet with an education advisor in the School of Education prior to re-enrolling in the education program.

Legal Notice to All Students:

As future teachers, you need to know that the State of Michigan has laws regarding the legal acceptability of candidates who wish to become certified teachers.

Aquinas College is required to report persons with misdemeanor and felony convictions. Students seeking teacher certification must submit written responses to the following questions several times throughout their program. 

1. Have you ever been convicted of, or pled no contest to, a felony?
2. Have you ever been convicted of, or pled no contest to, a misdemeanor?
3. Do you currently have any criminal charges pending against you?

Additionally, all students are under obligation to report any change in their legal status to their education advisor in the School of Education .

Falsification of records (FRAUD) will result in immediate dismissal from the Aquinas College certification program.