Get Certified to Teach In Michigan

Becoming an educator is a great journey to embark on, and Michigan is a great state to take that journey in! Those aspiring to become teachers must obtain a Michigan teacher certification to teach in state public schools. All certification providers in the state must adhere to the Michigan Department of Education Office of Professional Preparation Services process. We’ve created a guide to make sure you have all the information you need on how to earn a teaching certification. Continue reading to learn how you can become a teacher in Michigan!

 

How to Become a Teacher in Michigan

Candidates interested in becoming certified teachers in the state of Michigan must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, such as Michigan Teachers, and earn passing scores on all state-required exams.

In addition, after three years of classroom experience is gained, those holding an initial certificate are awarded a Professional Education Certificate. Once candidates become fully qualified, they can begin their third tier of certification, the Advanced Professional Education certificate.

 

Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Michigan

Michigan candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program at an approved school. To obtain certification in Michigan, candidates must attend accredited certification programs that the Michigan Education Board approves.

 

Education Requirements for Michigan Teachers

Previously, the most common path to earning one’s teacher certification in Michigan was to complete an approved education program from an accredited school. Now, the newest and most popular pathway is an alternative certification program. The alternative certification pathway challenges the traditional university path, as it allows those who already have a 4-year degree to earn their teacher certification without returning to college or university. The education requirements to enroll with an alternative certification program, such as Michigan Teachers, is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in any major and a GPA of 2.95 or higher. For those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree, the only option is to pursue certification through a 4-year degree program.

 

Michigan Teacher Testing Requirements

Michigan requires candidates to submit a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). The assessment is to be completed in two parts. The first assessment assesses the candidate’s knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematic skills. The second assessment will test the candidate’s expertise in the chosen content area. Before completing the student teaching experience, candidates must also pass the Professional Readiness Examination. To learn more about state exams, test prep materials, and study resources, check out our State Tests resource page.

 

Additional Michigan Teacher Certification Requirements

In addition to state tests, teachers in Michigan must earn a First Aid Certificate and an Adult & Pediatric CPR Certificate. Most training can be done in one day, so it’s encouraged that you earn these certificates early in the certification process.  To learn more about these certification requirements and to see a list of approved providers in Michigan, please click here.

Michigan also requires applicants to submit a state and federal background check. Before the teacher certification application can go through submission to the MDOE, a fingerprint-based background check must be presented.

 

Michigan Teacher Salary

Take a look at the average Michigan teacher salaries!

michigan salaries

Ready to Get Certified? Let’s Go!

A career in education is gratifying and makes a huge difference in students’ lives. Getting started is easy and the best part is you can start as early as today! We are committed to your journey in becoming a teacher and we have made it our mission to help people jumpstart their teaching careers. Michigan Teachers has helped over 70,000 candidates get hired and we are confident we will do the same for you. We can help you start teaching this fall and help shape the future of younger generations!

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