Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Lower Elementary Education & Special Education Learning Disabilities Endorsement (MI Certification)

Online program for Michigan teacher certification in PreK-6th and your bachelor's degree

Become a certified teacher at the elementary level within three years. This certification will give you the ability to teach at the lower level of elementary and the upper level. Online college courses will develop your foundational knowledge in teaching. Then begin to build your teaching skills and practices through observation and student teaching in Michigan schools.

Online Format

Self-paced online courses are conducted in 8-week sessions.

Flexibility

This program has multiple start dates during the fall, spring, and summer trimesters.

Credits

120

Cost Per Credit

$490

Program Overview

Courses

The online courses will introduce you to the fundamental theories of education and build your practical knowledge in the cores subject areas of elementary education.

Clinical Experiences

These experiences "in the field" or "in the classroom" are an integral part to earning your certification to teach in a private or public Michigan school district.

You will need to complete the required observational hours in classrooms watching current teachers to learn specific skills, strategies, and learning practices. These observational experiences will start in your first semester and go through until your fifth semester. Student teaching will take place during your final semester of this accelerated program. You will student teach in an eligible school and meet regularly with Concordia faculty and your cooperating teacher to track progress and receive feedback.

Please note that a background check is required at the beginning of your first clinical and again prior to student teaching. You will work with faculty to locate a cooperating teacher that meets the following requirements. This educator needs to have been teaching for a minimum of four years with the last two years at the school they are presently teaching.

Endorsements

You can choose to pursue a Special Education Learning Disabilities Endorsement. This endorsement will require 27 additional credits and can be completed with either Lower Elementary or Upper Elementary tracks.

Our Special Education curriculum includes courses on language, literacy, educational research methods, procedural safeguards, and the technology available for students and teachers. You’ll learn about federal and state legislation influencing the education, curriculum, and documentation requirements for students with disabilities. Our goal is to prepare servant leaders ready to gracefully communicate with their fellow teachers, administrators, and families in order to operate as a team for the benefit of each student.
In this program, candidates will not only meet the requirements to be a special education teacher in Michigan, but they will also learn how to:

Create necessary early intervention approaches
Ensure students with disabilities have the assistance they require
Adapt curriculum and materials to suit individual student requirements
Collaborate with parents, other educators, and health care professionals
Measure student progress

What to Expect

Online courses are in 8-week sessions
Acceptances into the program occur throughout the year
Multiple start dates exist during the spring, summer, and fall semesters
Complete 245 hours of clinical experiences (This is observation in classrooms)
Complete 450 hours of student teaching
Accept up to 84 transfer credits
Option to earn a Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) with additional credits

Watch a recent webinar

How to apply

You may apply at any point in the year. No need to wait. Concordian operates on a rolling admission basis with new courses beginning every 8 weeks. This program begins cohorts in early July and early January. Applications are reviewed until about 2 weeks before the start date.

Steps for program admission:

Submit your online undergraduate application by selecting “Elementary Education – Bachelor’s degree” as the academic program.
We help guide you through: You will receive communication from your helpful Admission Counselor about next steps, entrance requirements, and how to submit supplemental materials.
Review entrance requirements and submit admissions pieces:
1. Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.75 for full acceptance. *If GPA lower than 2.75, students must meet with Dr. Adam Paape, Program Director to discuss GPA and the GPA requirements for student teaching and standardized exams information.
2. Official transcripts
3. Any other necessary application materials
Acceptance! When your application file is complete, it will be reviewed by the department and you will be notified of entrance status.
Fill out application for Uncommon Scholarship if you qualify.
Once in the program: Students are required to do a background check upon acceptance to begin the practicum in semester 1. Students will be given the information for the background check upon acceptance.