How to Become a Certified Teacher

1. First you need to decide what majors and/or minors you wish to be certified to teach: 

• Secondary Education
• Elementary Education
  
  
  

1. Certification Office at Ferris State University. Your letter should include the education program(elementary or secondary certification, teacher certification program or graduate program), which subjects you have chosen as your major(s)/minor(s), a return mailing address, e-mail address, social security number, and a daytime telephone number. 

   See Program Plan Processing Fee for all non-FSU students.

2. The Next Step - Program Plan

Now that you have decided what you would like to teach, you need to find out what courses you should take and what other requirements will need to be completed to become certified. This information is called a Program Plan. To obtain a Program Plan, you must do the following: 

1. 1. Write, fax, or e-mail a letter to the
   2. Include with your letter a photocopy of all your college transcripts. Official transcripts will be required when you apply to the University.
   3. Include in your letter any specific questions you may have.
   4. If you hold a teaching certificate, please include a photocopy of it with your letter.Mail your materials to:
   5. Certification Office
   6. College of Education
   7. Ferris State University1349 Cramer Circle,
      BIS 626
   8. BIS 626
   9. Big Rapids, MI 49307
   10. Fax: (231) 591-2043
   11. E-mail: thom30@ferris.edu
   12. Your transcripts and intentions will be evaluated. The entire process takes approximately 6-8 weeks.
   13. A Program Plan will be mailed to you detailing your program objectives.