Elementary Grade Band Certification

Prepares you for recommendation to the Michigan Department of Education for teacher certification in a specific grade range.

The Michigan Department of Education developed a new grade band certification structure to better prepare future teachers to address the educational needs of children within specific grade levels. Our new grade band majors have a unique focus on pedagogy and practice and integrate the use of educational technology to prepare students for the modern classroom.

Starting Fall 2022, the College of Education, Health, and Human Services offers two new majors that lead to a grade band based teacher certification. These majors should be considered as the pathway to teacher certification for new incoming Freshman students or current students and transfers who are unable to student teach by Winter 2025.

Grade Band Levels

Birth to Kindergarten Education

The B.A. in Birth to Kindergarten Education is designed for students who are interested in working with young children. The major provides special focus on child development, relationship building in early childhood, and special education. The major leads to recommendation to the Michigan Department of Education for certification in the Birth-Kindergarten grade band which qualifies you to work in early intervention and home visiting programs such as Early On®.

Elementary Education

The B.A. in Elementary Education is designed for students interested in teaching in a self-contained classroom Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade and/or 3rd through 6th grade. The major provides special focus on the strategies for the unique learning needs of children in these grade ranges. The major leads to recommendation to the Michigan Department of Education for certification in the grade band selected.

Contact Information

CEHHS Office for Student Success
2150 Social Sciences Building (SSB)
[email protected]
313-593-5090