How to Become a Teacher in Michigan

According to the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified Michigan’s teacher shortage. While this has provided students pursuing teaching certification in Michigan with great opportunities, aspiring teachers have to ensure they take the appropriate steps to enter the profession as seamlessly as possible.

As with most states, teaching in Michigan requires an approved education and certification. New students or those returning to college for a teaching degree can choose from over 130 education preparation programs and many of the best online colleges in Michigan. On this page, we explore the professional landscape for aspiring teachers in Michigan, including the certification requirements, alternative paths, and possible career opportunities.

Teaching in Michigan at the elementary, secondary, and high school levels requires certification. While certificates, certifications, and licenses typically differ, these terms tend to be used interchangeably in Michigan. Prospective teachers here need to complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for eligibility.

According to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), teaching candidates can then apply for a standard teaching certificate. Once certified, they need sufficient teaching experience to qualify for the professional teaching certificate. Since Michigan has an Interstate Compact Agreement with the other states, out-of-state applicants with adequate teaching credentials may qualify for teaching certification in Michigan without further training.

To qualify for teaching certification in Michigan, candidates need to complete an approved educator preparation bachelor’s program, such as a bachelor’s in education. The approved study subjects depend on the desired teaching level and may include:

Prospective teachers need to complete courses in reading methods, reading diagnostics and remediation, and 150 hours of education-related professional learning to qualify for the professional teaching certificate.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a non-traditional discipline may still teach if they pursue a teacher preparation program and acquire an interim teaching certificate. Prospective teachers taking this route need to complete courses in diverse learners, child development, family and community relationships, and instructional strategies. They also need a minimum 3.0 GPA from their training.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

While teacher preparation programs may include experiential training, Michigan’s experience requirements begin after the prospective teacher acquires their initial standard or interim teaching certificate. According to the MDE, teachers need a minimum of three years of experience teaching in Michigan to move from standard to professional certification.

Furthermore, teachers with an interim certification need three years of experience to move to standard certification. The experience needs to come in the desired teaching level, subject, content, and discipline area. New teachers with less than three years of experience also need to complete 15 days of professional development training and mentorship training.

Candidates for teaching certification in Michigan need to pass the MTTC in their respective field. Testing requirements may vary, but they usually feature 80-100 multiple choice questions and a testing time of 2.5 hours. The testing fee is $129. Test-takers need a score of 220 to pass the exam.

Prospective teachers can test in more than 65 subject areas, including:

After prospective teachers complete the MTTC exam, their results will be sent to the MDE directly. They must also submit a conviction disclosure and pay the application fee to acquire their initial standard teaching certificate. As per the MDE, in-state students pay $160 and out-of-state students pay $210.

For the professional teaching certificate, candidates need to submit course verification and work experience forms. They also need to pay the same application fees as standard certificates, $160 for in-state students and $210 for out-of-state students. Once all documents and fees have been received, the application will begin processing immediately.

Both the professional and standard teaching certifications in Michigan last for five years before they need renewal. To qualify, teachers need to complete 150 hours of professional learning. They can also complete a master’s degree or earn an out-of-state teaching certificate to meet the requirements.

Teachers need to pay a $100 renewal fee for the standard certificate and $160 for the professional certificate. All educators need valid and active certification while teaching in Michigan. If certification lapses, teachers need to complete 150 hours of professional learning and pay the renewal fee to get it reinstated.

According to the MDE, Michigan has a shortage of teachers. The state has invested $300-$500 million in recruiting new and out-of-state teachers to help manage the issue. This bodes well for students looking for teaching careers and education careers in Michigan.

Graduates with a teaching certification in Michigan enter a strong workforce. The state employed more than 200,000 educational professionals in May 2020, as per the BLS. These professionals made annual mean wages from $57,160, higher than the annual mean wage for all occupations.

With a master’s in education, aspiring teachers may have access to more appealing, higher-paying, and leadership positions. When choosing to attend graduate school, prospective students should think about their career goals and determine if a master’s degree is necessary for their desired path.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher

These teachers educate kindergarten and elementary school students, teaching the main subjects, including reading and mathematics. They create lesson plans, assess student progress, and manage diverse classroom behaviors. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers also work with students and their families to overcome learning challenges.

Median Annual Salary: $60,660

Middle School Teacher

These teachers educate middle school students in core subjects, preparing them for high school and beyond. They develop their own classroom rules and lesson plans while following curriculum guidelines and school regulations. Teachers may be responsible for many subjects or specialize in one area.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers provide educational support for students with intellectual and physical disabilities. They develop lesson plans, activities, and assessments designed to educate and prepare students for their next transition. These teachers adapt curriculums to each individual student and work with their families to maintain consistency at home.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

High School Teacher

These teachers educate classrooms of students in their particular discipline. They create the lesson plans, help students progress and improve, and manage their classrooms. High school teachers also provide support and counseling to help prepare students for standardized tests and life after high school.

Median Annual Salary: $67,870

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators develop and improve curriculums to adhere to school and board standards and policies. They also create and implement new educational materials, teaching techniques, and assessment strategies. These coordinators may create training programs and suggest curriculum and learning material changes as well.

Median Annual Salary: $66,970

Feature Image: Maskot / Maskot / Getty Images