The Education Community focuses on jobs within educational settings. Curious about being a teacher? Interested in education careers outside of a classroom? Have a passion for helping others? This is the right community for you. Possible jobs include teacher, school counselor, school social worker, librarian, special education teacher and more. You’ll receive helpful information around these interest areas in the form of event opportunities, jobs, internships, career fairs, and professional development resources.
Many students are interested in pursuing areas within education at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Before you map out your degree path, check out the steps to become a teacher as well as other common career paths connected to the field of education. Learn more as you explore tools and resources below.
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. There is such a wide variety of opportunities it can be hard to choose. The important thing is to get started and try something!
Many jobs within the field of education require you to go beyond a bachelor's degree to attain certifications, licensure, graduate degrees and continuing education courses. Additionally, roles such as teaching, provide summer breaks that can be used for rest, pursuit of a hobby or another career interest.
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Many students are interested in pursuing areas within education at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Before you map out your degree path, check out the steps to become a teacher as well as other common career paths connected to the field of education. Learn more as you explore tools and resources below.
Areas of interest might include…. Birth to Kindergarten, Elementary Education, Secondary Education & Special Education, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Guidance Counselors, Paraprofessional, SLP/OT/PT
Areas of interest might include…. Faculty, Student Affairs, University Operations (Communications, Facilities, Development)
This area might include….. Nonprofits, ABA, Camps, Learning and Development Training, Government, Educational Policy, Childcare Centers, Human Resources, Educational Technology
Check out department websites for course offerings and curriculum guides, additional career resources, relevant events, and more!
Minors and certificates can be a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have training in a specific area or skill set.
Check out what alumni are doing in education related sectors to help inform your own career journey.
It's so hard to choose one favorite Grand Valley memory, but I would say attending the football games with my parents would be my favorite. My brother was in the Grand Valley marching band so we would always enjoy watching him play.
My favorite memory of GVSU is enjoying my first Laker bowl celebration with my Freshmen roommates after our Come Sail Away jam session with T-Haas at the Fieldhouse.
It's been incredible to see the campus' growth over the past 36 years and remember back to what it used to be. My spouse and I met my senior year, and my son met his wife also at GVSU.
Find more Education alumni on LinkedIn!
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Read these tips to learn more!
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. There is such a wide variety of opportunities it can be hard to choose. The important thing is to get started and try something!
On-campus student organizations with a professional goal are an excellent way to explore your future career and get involved in your field. For more information on the organizations below use the GVSU LakerLink.
American
College Personnel Association (ACPA)
Association
for Career & Technical Education (ACTE)
Association
for Experiential Education (AEE)
Association
for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National
Art Education Association (NAEA)
National
Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
National
Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
National
Education Association (NEA)
March 23, 2025 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
All Grand Valley students and alumni are invited to attend a GVSU/JCPenney Suit-Up Event! This event will include options to participate virtually or in-person. In-person: Come to JCPenney at RiverTown...
April 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meet with district representatives to discuss opportunities for teachers, psychologists/school counselors, speech pathologists, therapists, social workers, coaches, and more! Bring resumes and dress...
3/7/25
Customer Service Representative 2
for job 9748430
Boise State Human Resource Services
Expires: 3/12/25
3/7/25
Assistant Director Marketing
for job 9748355
Boise State Human Resource Services
Expires: 3/11/25
3/6/25
Special Education Teacher- Papillion La Vista South High School
for job 9745579
Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Expires: 3/12/25
Check out opportunities for testing out the world of work via paid and unpaid experiences with a low time commitment.
Many jobs within the field of education require you to go beyond a bachelor's degree to attain certifications, licensure, graduate degrees and continuing education courses. Additionally, roles such as teaching, provide summer breaks that can be used for rest, pursuit of a hobby or another career interest.
Summer can be a great way to develop teaching skills, discover alternative pathways, work on continuing education, or take a break before the upcoming academic year. Whether you are just starting out, a seasoned educator, or looking for something new, explore these resources to make the most of summer break!
Some common graduate pathways in Education may include:
After passing the MTTC exam and meeting the Teaching Certification Requirements , students are able to complete a variety of teaching certificates:
Students interested in graduate programs should explore the Education Graduate Program website and the various certificate options available:
For more information about certifications, the MTTC test, or questions about the process to become a teacher, check out the GVSU Education Programs Department.
Some students decide after graduation to enter the Education field but did not graduate with a teaching degree. Here are a few alternative pathways to certification:
Office Address: 200 Student Services
Phone: (616) 331-3311
Email: [email protected]
Lisa is a Career Advisor who works with students, faculty, and employers in the communications, humanities, and liberal studies programs. She also works closely with our first and second year students as they begin exploring the world of work.
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