How to Become a Teacher in Detroit
The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is the largest public school district in Michigan, with over 100 schools educating an estimated 50,000 children.1 The state of Michigan requires all educators who wish to teach in public schools to become certified through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Requirements for private and charter schools in Detroit may vary. Learn more about how to become a teacher in Detroit’s public, private, and charter schools below.
Detroit Teacher Certification Requirements
Michigan law requires all teachers to be certified to lead classrooms in public schools. To become certified, candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program. Candidates must also pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Find more information about the traditional route to teacher certification on our Michigan teacher certification page.
Prospective teachers who have not completed a teacher preparation program can opt for the alternative path to certification, which places candidates in the classroom while they complete a teacher preparation program. Learn more on our Michigan alternative teacher certification page.
Teacher Certification Programs in Detroit
The Detroit-area colleges and universities listed below offer MDE-approved teacher preparation programs. You can read more about Michigan teacher certification programs on our Michigan online teacher colleges guide.
- Concordia University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Wayne State University
Detroit School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
Prospective teachers with Detroit Public Schools must meet specific qualifications for employment, including holding a bachelor’s degree and having Michigan teaching certification. The traditional pathway to certification is completing an approved bachelor’s degree program with a teacher preparation component. If you already have a bachelor’s degree but have not completed teacher preparation, you can complete an approved alternative program to earn certification. Then, follow these steps to apply for jobs in the DPSCD.
Step 1: Complete an online application.
To apply for open positions within DPSCD, search for open positions online and submit your letter of interest, resume, and supporting documents to the address listed in the job posting. Due to the large volume of inquiries, the DPSCD does not typically accept general applications or applications for positions that are not open. New hires must provide DPSCD with all requested documentation, which typically includes official transcripts and proof of Michigan teacher certification.
Step 2: Be interviewed by a school leader or panel.
Often, a school leader will contact you for an interview for the position. You may be asked to prepare supplemental documents, such as lesson plans or reference letters. Ask for details before the interview.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Once you have been offered a position with the school system, you will likely need to complete the hiring process with the human resources department or other hiring authority. Details will be provided by the school or the school district at the time of a job offer.
Contact Information
Detroit Public Schools
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Detroitk12
X: https://x.com/Detroitk12
2025 14th St
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 494-1106
https://www.detroitk12.org/
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the Detroit School District
Candidates interested in substitute teaching positions in Detroit public schools must have a bachelor’s degree and be able to pass a criminal background check. Apply to the substitute teaching pool using the online job bank and submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and any certifications applicable. Be sure to check for critical shortage substitute opportunities if you have any specialized skills, such as bilingualism.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Detroit
Private and charter schools may have different hiring requirements than the DPSCD and are not required by the state to hire certified teachers. In some cases, non-public schools will hire well-qualified applicants for teaching positions who have the required education but not Michigan teacher certification. The required education is typically a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a teachable subject. However, candidates with state certification may be more competitive for open positions.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Detroit
To help you compare public, private, and charter schools in Detroit that may have openings for qualified teachers, we compiled the following table comparing the largest schools in the Detroit metro.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munger Elementary/Middle School | Public | PK-8 | 1,007 | 20:1 |
| Brown Ronald Academy | Public | PK-8 | 924 | 20:1 |
| King John R. Academic & Performing Arts Academy | Public | PK-8 | 880 | 21:1 |
| Cass Technical High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,458 | 23:1 |
| Western International High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,985 | 25:1 |
| East English Village Preparatory Academy | Public | 9-12 | 1,189 | 20:1 |
| Old Redford Academy-Elementary School | Charter | PK-8 | 1,200 | 28:1 |
| Detroit Service Learning Academy | Charter | PK-8 | 987 | 30:1 |
| Detroit Edison Public School Academy | Charter | PK-8 | 964 | 21:1 |
| University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy | Private | 7-12 | 887 | 17:1 |
| Detroit Cristo Rey High School | Private | 9-12 | 298 | 14:1 |
| Al-lkhlas Training Academy | Private | K-12 | 253 | 14:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
Detroit Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers at DPSCD started at a minimum annual salary of $55,000, but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.1 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.1
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Detroit by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2020-303 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 760 | $63,260 | $95,390 | 2.3% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 16,680 | $63,870 | $92,170 | 1.5% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 1,460 | $70,770 | $96,710 | 1.5% |
| Middle School Teachers | 5,670 | $63,610 | $102,810 | 1.5% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 370 | $60,840 | $97,660 | 2.9% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 10,580 | $64,910 | $97,380 | 1.7% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 390 | $79,250 | $100,100 | 0% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 1,020 | $78,350 | $99,130 | 1.3% |
Detroit Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsements. Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2020-2021 school year, the following subject areas were submitted as shortage areas in Michigan (statewide):
- Bilingual Education
- Career and Technical Education
- Computer Science
- Elementary Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Health
- Language Arts (Reading and Literacy)
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Sciences
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Special Education (all certificate types)
- Visual Arts, Music, & Dance Education
- World Languages (all certificate types)
Detroit Teaching Jobs Boards
Begin your job search by browsing online job boards with postings in the Detroit area. Below are some online job boards to get started, and you can also check our jobs board for open positions in Detroit and surrounding areas.
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS)
- Detroit Public Schools (DPSCD)
Additional Resources
- Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD): The administration arm of Detroit’s public schools.
- Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT): Union representing Detroit’s public school teachers and other eligible employees.
- Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS): A not-for-profit organization promoting independent schools in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the benefits packages for Detroit teachers?
Answer: Detroit teachers receive many benefits that are supplemented or paid in full by the DPSCD. These include a pension plan, health and life insurance, paid sick leave, and paid holidays. The district also offers employee assistance programs and additional insurance options.
Question: What professional development opportunities are available for teachers in Detroit?
Answer: The DPSCD offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and advanced coursework to help teachers enhance their skills and stay updated with educational best practices.
Question: Do I need a master’s degree to teach in Detroit?
Answer: A master’s degree is not a requirement to begin teaching in Detroit, but obtaining one can increase your salary and job prospects. Some teachers pursue a master’s degree in education or a specialized subject area to further their career development.
Question: What support is available for new teachers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District?
Answer: DPSCD offers various support programs for new teachers, including mentorship, professional development, and induction programs to help acclimate new educators to the district and provide them with the tools they need for success in the classroom.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Best Schools in the Detroit Area: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-schools/m/detroit-metro-area/
References:
1. Detroit Public Schools Community District: https://www.detroitk12.org/domain/148
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19820.htm
3. Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives: https://milmi.org/datasearch/
4. Michigan Department of Education, Critical Shortages – Federal Loan Forgiveness: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/educator-retention-supports/loan-forgiveness-programs-for-educators