Department of Teaching
Learning and Educational Studies
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5276 USA
(269) 387-3465
MTTC/OPI
Applicants to the Master of Arts of Teaching in Secondary Education will need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. If seeking a Spanish, French or German certification, applicants must also pass the Oral Proficiency Interview prior to admission. These exams assess an applicant’s knowledge of the content area in which they seek certification. It is strongly recommended that applicants take the time to prepare for these exams.
The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is required in the area of certification for all applicants seeking certification. The MTTC is a content specific exam administered through Pearson. The current version of the MTTC measures content knowledge exclusively.
The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is only required for applicants seeking certification in Spanish, French, or German. The Michigan Department of Education uses the OPI as the content knowledge assessment for World Languages. The OPI is administered by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). WMU requires applicants to earn a score of Advanced-Low or higher in order to be admitted to the MAT-SE program. Please consult with the ACTFL website to learn more about the OPI generally, or contact Lindsey Jeffers in the Spanish Department at WMU.