West Michigan Teacher Collaborative
We’re here to ensure students get the best education possible by inspiring, developing and retaining the next generation of excellent teachers.
We recruit and train those who want to teach in West Michigan, and support them to become the high-quality education leaders our children deserve. We believe great teachers can dramatically impact the lives of students, families and the communities they serve.
If you're ready to become a great teacher, or you're currently a West Michigan teacher looking to take the next steps in your career, explore our programs - each designed with working adults in mind - to see which is right for you.
Our partners provide the necessary coursework and support. This includes paid tuition, working stipends and professional learning communities - all to empower future teachers and set you up for success.
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Need Your Degree?
Pre-Residency Program -
Have a Bachelor's Degree?
Residency Program -
Current Teachers
Endorsements & Advanced Degrees
Pre-Residency Program - for those needing a Bachelor's degree
Pre-Residency Program applications open again in July 2024!
A handful of college credits is all it takes to start your journey toward leading a classroom. In our Pre-Residency program, you’ll build upon your existing base of college credits to finish your Bachelor’s degree - tuition free. We partner with Grand Valley State University’s LEADS program which provides academic advising to help you find the shortest path to graduation.
While completing your coursework, if not already employed in one of our partner schools, you’ll be placed in a paid, working role in a partner school where you’ll begin to build relationships and make an impact.
Upon completion of your degree, you’ll move into our full Residency program.
Residency Program - for anyone with a Bachelor’s Degree
Residency Program applications open again in July 2024
Combine your passion for our community with your existing Bachelor’s or advanced degree - in any field - to make a difference in the lives of students with our Residency program. Head back to school for just one year of teaching-specific coursework while working alongside a mentor teacher in a classroom. Finish the year with a teaching certificate, plus receive connections and support to help you secure a full-time teaching role for the next fall.
Endorsements & Advanced Degrees - for current teachers
Applications for Endorsements & Advanced Degrees open again in July 2024
Current educators looking to level-up through advanced endorsements and graduate degrees in a variety of specialties from early childhood through secondary levels are invited to apply for our Endorsements & Advanced Degrees track.
Residency Program - for anyone with a Bachelor’s Degree
beginning May 2024
Combine your passion for our community with your existing Bachelor’s or advanced degree - in any field - to make a difference in the lives of students with our Residency program. Head back to school for just one year of teaching-specific coursework while working alongside a mentor teacher in a classroom. Finish the year with a teaching certificate, plus receive connections and support to help you secure a full-time teaching role for the next fall.
Applications now open!
Are you interested, but want to know more before applying?
Fill out this short form and we'll help you decide!
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is an initiative of school districts throughout Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Area ISDs in partnership with Grand Valley State University. This initiative is funded in part by a Grow Your Own Program Grant from the Michigan Department of Education.
