Pre-Residency

For aspiring teachers without a Bachelor's degree

If your goal is to become a teacher but you need to complete your Bachelor's degree first, this is your opportunity to join the collaborative. The West Michigan Teacher Collaborative Pre-Residency Program provides guidance, assistance and support along your journey to a Bachelor's degree and ultimately the classroom. 

Through a partnership with Grand Valley State University’s LEADS program, you build upon your existing base of 30 or more required college credits to finish your Bachelor’s degree - tuition-free. Designed with working adults in mind, courses are online or in the evenings to accommodate adult lifestyles.

Whether it takes a single semester, or two full years, you’ll be supported throughout by GVSU and the Teacher Collaborative with academic advising, regular meetings with other participants and activities to help prepare you for success in the classroom right from the start.

While completing your coursework, if not already working in a school, you’ll be placed in a paid, working role in a partner school where you’ll begin to build relationships and make an impact. 

Receive your Bachelor's degree and you’ll move directly into our full Residency program. You’ll become a Resident Paraprofessional under the direction of a mentor teacher and continue your education with GVSU in teaching-specific coursework. You’ll finish that year with a teaching certificate and support in securing a full-time teaching position as head of your own classroom for the fall. 

Not sure if this program is right for you? Contact us!