How to Become a High School Teacher in Michigan
Published: | by Alex Skov
High school teachers guide students through an important transition, from the last stretch of childhood into adulthood. You’re teaching a specific subject, but you’re also teaching students how to problem solve, make independent decisions, and prepare for college and their own careers.
Michigan has a strong demand for high school teachers, with the U.S. Department of Labor projecting more than 1,300 open jobs every year for secondary school teachers from now through 2032.
If you’re interested in becoming a high school teacher in Michigan, this post will walk you through the steps you could take to earn your certification and launch your teaching career in the Great Lakes State.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Michigan
High school educators typically focus on a specific subject area like mathematics, biology, or social studies. Because of this specialization, you’ll need to pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) that align with the specific course(s) you plan to teach.
From a high level, however, high school teachers in Michigan follow the same basic steps to certification as elementary and middle school teachers. For an overview of the process, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Michigan guide. This comprehensive resource breaks down the certification process and includes information on certificate types, testing requirements, the benefits of teaching in Michigan, and more.
What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Michigan?
High school teachers in Michigan need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
- A clear background check
Your timeline depends on your starting point. If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to be a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, even in a non-education field, you could earn your teacher certification much faster through an alternative or graduate-level EPP. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months. Note: Because TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Michigan (more on that below), you would earn your certification in another state and use Michigan’s reciprocity process to transfer the credential.
Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Michigan
Michigan has a list of state-approved EPPs, most of which are located in the state. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state or the District of Columbia and then transfer the credential to Michigan. Below is an example of that process.
Reciprocity via D.C.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
- Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
- Pass the required certification exams for D.C. Let’s say you want to teach high school business. You might take the business content exam along with the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for grades 7-12.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teacher credential.
- Apply to transfer your certificate to Michigan through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
- Pass any required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC). You may qualify for an exemption from these tests, so wait to register until your credential evaluation is complete.
- Complete any additional requirements. This could include, for example, completing the reading coursework required in Michigan or earning your CPR certification.
It’s important to note this is just one example of a potential path via an out-of-state EPP in Michigan. For more detailed information, visit the Michigan Department of Education website.
In-State Pathway
If you choose an in-state EPP in Michigan, here’s an example of the steps you might take (they look similar to the out-of-state process):
- Earn your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an EPP. Michigan has a list of state-approved programs.
- Pass the required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC).
- Complete a background check.
- Apply for your license through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Again, this is just one example of a potential path to certification in MI. For more information, visit the state DOE website.
Why Reciprocity Might Make Sense for You
Choosing an in-state versus out-of-state EPP depends on your preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of your program. For example:
- Is the program in-person or online?
- How much is tuition?
- How large are the classes?
- When could you start?
- How long does the program last?
Once you determine your priorities, that can help you select the best program for you. From there, depending on where your program is located, you’ll either follow Michigan’s in-state or out-of-state pathway.
For Moreland University, in particular, the TEACH-NOW program (an out-of-state option in MI) tends to be a strong choice for career changers who are already working full-time jobs, want an accelerated program, and need the flexibility of online learning.
Can You Become a High School Teacher in Michigan Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes! Especially at the high school level, where students are getting ready to embark on their own careers, your experience outside the classroom could be a huge asset. Michigan needs more teachers, and part of the solution is welcoming career changers who take a nontraditional path to the profession.
For more information on becoming a teacher, visit our Michigan teacher certification page.
Take the next step in your career with Moreland University. Earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months or your cert plus an M.Ed. in as little as 12 months. Our programs are accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
