FAQ

What is West Michigan Teacher Collaborative?

West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is an initiative to recruit, develop and retain the next generation of teachers in West Michigan. It is led by Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Area ISDs, the public school districts within them, and Grand Valley State University.

What are the options for participation?

There are two options for participation - 

1. Residency for those with a Bachelor’s degree in any field - This program is for those who would like to become a teacher and already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. We help them earn teacher certification and assist them in securing a full-time teaching position. 

2. Endorsements & Advanced Degrees for current teachers - This option is available to currently certified teachers employed by a partner district and looking to gain advanced endorsements or graduate degrees. 

How much does it cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate. In fact, West Michigan Teacher Collaborative pays for tuition and coursework for all three program options, plus ensures each participant has a paid position within a partner school during their Residency.

How do participants get into the program?

Participants must apply online and be accepted into one of the programs through an interview process.

Current teachers applying for the Endorsements & Advanced Degrees track must also obtain a recommendation from their current principal, curriculum director or superintendent.

How is the Collaborative funded?

West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is funded in part by a $19 million grant from the Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own Programs for School Staff.

What benefits and supports do districts receive as partners in this grant?

In addition to excellent new teachers and up-skilled existing staff who participate in our programs, partner districts receive -

  • Funding to cover substitutes on days when WMTC participants need release time for cohort requirements
  • Funding to provide stipends to mentor teachers
  • Funding to further develop programming in grades 6-12 that inspires young people to pursue a career in education


How long is the Residency commitment?

The Residency program is a three-year commitment for Elementary and Secondary Education Residents, with one year dedicated to earning a Teaching Certificate and two years of cohort support during the first years of teaching. For Special Education Residents, the program is a two-year commitment, during which they will complete their certification and endorsement in Cognitive Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Learning Disabilities, followed by continued cohort support.

What is expected from candidates during the Residency year?

In addition to GVSU coursework, Residents will attend monthly professional development sessions focusing on teaching techniques based on the values of West Michigan Teacher Collaborative. These are paid working days during the academic year. Residents will also spend two consecutive semesters under the supervision of a mentor teacher and a GVSU-assigned instructor to complete their clinical experience.

What if I wish to pursue Special Education?

Residents will complete a two-year program through Grand Valley State University to earn their teaching certification with an endorsement in Cognitive Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Learning Disabilities—fully funded by the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative.

How much does West Michigan Teacher Collaborative pay Residency participants?

Residents receive a $20,000 pre-tax stipend distributed over three years in addition to the salary they earn from their district employment in a paraprofessional, aide, or other student-facing role.

What happens at the end of the Residency?

Upon successful completion of the Residency program, participants receive their teaching certificate and are eligible to be hired as a lead teacher with job placement support from West Michigan Teacher Collaborative.

After working as a lead teacher for 2-3 years, Residents are eligible and encouraged to become Mentor Teachers for future cohorts of West Michigan Teacher Collaborative participants.

What certifications can Residents earn through Grand Valley State University?

Residents in the WMTC Residency Program can earn teaching certifications in a variety of subject areas based on their chosen pathway.

Pre-K–12 Certification:

  • Health and Physical Education

  • Music Education

  • Visual Arts Education

  • World Language

Grades 5–9 & 7–12 Certification:

  • English

  • Math

  • Science

  • Social Studies

Elementary Education Certification:

  • PK–6 Certification: Requires passing 7 MTTC subtests

Special Education Certification (PK–12):
Residents pursuing Special Education must select one of the following endorsement areas:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Learning Disabilities (LD)

  • Cognitive Impairment (CI)

Note: WMTC Candidates pursuing Secondary Education must pass their selected MTTC test before beginning GVSU Secondary coursework.

What is the MTTC test, and how do I prepare for it?

The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a required exam that assesses subject-area knowledge and teaching skills to ensure educators meet state certification standards. The specific test you need to take depends on your certification area.

How to Prepare for the MTTC Test:

  • WMTC Test Preparation: WMTC offers test preparation support for accepted residents and for select subject areas, including study resources, and practice tests.

  • Testing Timelines & Information Sessions: WMTC provides guidance on testing timelines, recommended study schedules, and informational sessions to help you navigate the process.

  • Review Study Guides: The Michigan Department of Education offers official study materials outlining test objectives and sample questions at https://www.mttc.nesinc.com/ 

  • Take Practice Tests: Practice exams help familiarize you with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter.

  • Use GVSU Resources: As a WMTC Resident, you’ll have access to GVSU’s test preparation support.

  • MTTC Retakes: There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before retaking any test. 

Note: WMTC Candidates pursuing Secondary Education must pass their selected MTTC test before beginning GVSU Secondary coursework.

Test Fees & Costs:

Once accepted into the Residency program, WMTC covers the cost of your MTTC test fees to remove financial barriers and support your certification journey.




Who can apply for the Endorsements & Advanced Degrees program?

Certified teachers, currently employed in a West Michigan Teacher Collaborative partner district are eligible to apply for the Endorsements & Advanced Degrees program.

How much does West Michigan Teacher Collaborative pay toward Endorsements & Advanced Degrees?

Current, certified teachers accepted into the Endorsements & Advanced Degrees program may have up to 100 percent of their tuition cost, books and other learning materials covered by West Michigan Teacher Collaborative. 

How long does it take to complete an Endorsement or Advanced Degree?

Endorsement and Advanced Degree programs take 1.5 to 3 years to complete.

Which Endorsements & Advanced Degrees are available through WMTC?

A current list of endorsements and degrees can be found on the Endorsements & Advanced Degrees program page.


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