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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—In support of education students during the weeks leading up to the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC), the Department of Teaching, Learning and English Studies and Future Teachers of Color hosted the inaugural, "MTTC Study Night" event on March 18. Competing against each other in trivia to answer sample test questions, attendees had the opportunity to win prizes and free test vouchers while studying for their upcoming test.

"This is a test all education majors have to pass to become a teacher in Michigan. And it is also something that isn't always talked about in our classes," says Whitney Lewis, event host and president of Future Teachers of Color.  

In Michigan, teachers must pass the MTTC to become certified to teach in the state. This test ensures teachers can demonstrate the necessary professional readiness and content knowledge to serve in Michigan schools.  

Not feeling fully prepared for the MTTC, Lewis reached out to mentor, Dr. Brianne Pitts, an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and English Studies, for help. Soon after, they started planning for the event.

"Dr. Pitts sent out a survey to all the students that graduated last year to see if there was a need for additional MTTC support, and a lot said they didn't feel prepared. So I started working with her to develop a study night for students, like myself, who are currently in the program," says Lewis.

At the study night, education students enjoyed free meals and formed teams to answer sample and previous questions from the MTTC test. The winning team was given free MTTC test vouchers and runner-ups were given gift cards donated by the Department of Teaching, Learning and Education Studies. 

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