The Michigan Teaching and Certification Resource
The Michigan Department of Education Office of Professional Preparation Services oversees the teacher certification process in Michigan. The traditional route to certification in the state, which uses a three-tier certification system, is outlined in detail below for those seeking to learn how to become a teacher in Michigan. For more information on alternative pathways for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, visit our guide to alternative teacher certification in Michigan.
How to Become a Teacher in Michigan
Teacher candidates pursuing a traditional route to Michigan teacher certification should hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and earn passing scores on the state-required tests. The traditional route to certification leads to the issuance of a Provisional Certificate, Michigan’s initial teaching certificate for new teachers.
After successfully completing three years of teaching experience and continuing education, those holding an initial certificate may upgrade to a Professional Education Certificate. Highly effective and qualified teachers may then move up to the third tier of certification, the Advanced Professional Education certificate. Provisional and interim certificates to teach are for those who are pursuing alternative pathways to licensure.
- I want to be a teacher in Michigan, but don’t have a degree: Earn an Education Degree
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about Michigan’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in more education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs or Doctorate Education Programs and Information.
- I am already certified and want to teach in another state: Learn about Teacher Certification Reciprocity.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Michigan
Projected Job Growth
5.7%
Growth in Teaching Jobs in MI through 20262
Michigan requires that all teachers complete a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited school. You can view a list of approved educator preparation programs in Michigan through the Office of Professional Preparation Services. You can also compare key metrics for these state-approved teacher preparation programs by using the sortable table on our Michigan schools page.
For those who will be attending programs located outside of Michigan, it’s important to note that Michigan will only issue teaching certificates to teachers who have attended an accredited program that is approved for the preparation of teachers by that state’s Board of Education. Therefore, when evaluating potential schools, it’s imperative to confirm the school is in good standing with its corresponding regional accrediting agency and the state Board of Education.
Additionally, teacher preparation programs may hold accreditation from the national Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Although CAEP accreditation is not mandatory, it is a sign of excellence in curriculum and many schools apply for the accreditation because of its highly-regarded reputation.
Michigan Teacher Education Requirements
Candidates for Michigan teacher certification who are applying for licensure through the traditional route must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program from an accredited institution and hold a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject. Candidates for a teaching credential must meet specific coursework requirements within the teacher preparation program, including three to six semester hours in reading courses and a course in first aid and CPR. Teachers who successfully complete the requirements for this route will receive a Provisional Certificate which is good for up to six years. Continuing education units are required in order for a Provisional Certificate to be renewed after six years.
Michigan Teacher Testing Requirements
Becoming a certified teacher in Michigan requires a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Generally, this assessment will include two different tests – one which assesses the candidate’s knowledge of basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, and another which assesses the candidate’s expertise in the content area for which he or she is seeking certification. Candidates must also pass the Professional Readiness Examination, which is taken prior to completing the student teaching experience that is required for licensure and typically included in the teacher preparation program.
Additional Michigan Teacher Certification Requirements
All teachers in Michigan must submit to a state and federal background check. Applicants must complete a fingerprint card via LiveScan before sending in a teacher certification application. In most cases, candidates will be asked by the hosting school district to complete a LiveScan fingerprint background check prior to the student teaching experience.
Michigan Teachers Licensing Application Process
Upon completion of all of the steps above, applicants should send in all pertinent information to the Michigan Department of Education. The summer months can be a very busy time for processing applications so it’s recommended to send in applications three to four months before the desired date of employment. The required supporting documents include:
- College transcripts from all schools attended.
- Verification of completion of a Michigan educator certification program at an approved and accredited school.
- Submission of passing scores on the required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification examinations.
- Proof of background check clearance.
- Submission of application with required documentation.
- Payment of non-refundable processing fees.
The Michigan Department of Education requires candidates to use the online Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) to apply for and renew certification credentials. Visit the Michigan Department of Education for further details on teaching certification in Michigan.
Michigan Teacher Salary and Jobs
During the 2016-2017 school year, there were about 3,460 K-12 public schools in Michigan.3 The total public school population was estimated at 1,528,666 students and 83,597 teachers, giving Michigan a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1.3
Projections show 2,840 average annual job openings for elementary school teachers, 1,110 annual average job openings for middle school teachers, and 1,470 average annual job openings for secondary school teachers in the state through 2026.2 Elementary school teachers in the state make an average annual salary of $66,180, while middle school teachers make an average of $64,540 and secondary teachers make an average of $62,950.4 Visit the Michigan Education Association, a local branch of the NEA, for political and economic updates relevant to local teachers.
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 9,270 | $35,010 |
| Preschool Teachers, Special Education | 410 | $64,300 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 1,450 | $59,140 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 38,330 | $66,180 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 2,460 | $66,820 |
| Middle School Teachers | 12,750 | $64,540 |
| Middle School Teachers, Special Education | 660 | $61,540 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 24,130 | $62,950 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Special Education | 1,880 | $63,700 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 1,250 | $65,730 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.4
Michigan Teacher Interviews
- Language Arts Teacher, Colby Sharp
- Middle School Teacher, Cossondra George
Michigan School District Requirements
If you are interested in becoming a teacher in Michigan, please read more on our Detroit city page where you will find the steps for becoming a teacher in Detroit, information about private and charter schools, and the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I become a substitute teacher in Michigan?
Answer: In Michigan, you can become a substitute teacher if you have completed 60 college credit hours with a minimum GPA and passed a criminal background check. Michigan offers four permits for schools employing substitute teachers: a Daily Substitute Permit, a Full-Year Basic Substitute Permit, a Full-Year Shortage Substitute Permit, and an Expert Substitute Permit. All of these permits have specific requirements, from the sub being observed by a mentor teacher to having five years of experience and a bachelor’s degree. However, school districts may individually set more stringent requirements and may prefer certified teachers. To work in one position for an extended period of time, you must get a substitute teaching permit through the state education department. Apply to individual districts to find a job as a substitute.
Question: What are the requirements to become a high school teacher in Michigan?
Answer: To become a high school teacher in Michigan, you must be granted a provisional secondary certificate from the state. The requirements for the certificate include a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject as well as completion of a teacher preparation program, student teaching experience, and passing scores on the Michigan certification and subject area tests.
Question: How do I become an elementary teacher in Michigan?
Answer: To become an elementary teacher in Michigan, you need to be certified through the state in elementary education. This requires that you have a bachelor’s degree in education or a degree with appropriate early childhood education coursework. You also must participate in student teaching and pass the state tests for certification.
References:
1. Michigan State Department of Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2016-2017: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Michigan: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm