How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Michigan

Teaching elementary school can be a fun and fulfilling job. You get to help students learn how to read, write, and work and play together. You also get to enjoy regular story time, recess, and art projects.

In Michigan, elementary school teachers are in high demand. The U.S. Dept. of Labor is projecting more than 2,000 open jobs every year for elementary school teachers in the Great Lakes State.

If your goal is to become an elementary school teacher in Michigan, keep reading to learn more about teaching in the state and the steps you could take to earn your certification.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Michigan

Elementary school teachers need to be well-versed in multiple subject areas, especially reading instruction, as well as strategies for engaging younger learners. But aside from a few specifics related to grade level, elementary teachers follow the same basic steps to certification as middle and high school teachers in Michigan.

For an overview of the process, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Michigan guide. It covers certificate types, requirements for teachers, tips for passing your certification exams, and more.

What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Michigan?

Michigan has a few key requirements for teachers:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
• Passing scores on the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
• A clear background check

How long does it take to become an elementary school teacher in Michigan? If you are starting from scratch, earning a traditional bachelor’s degree in education, your timeline is probably about 4 years.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you could complete an alternative EPP and earn your certification much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months. Now, 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 an Elementary School Teacher in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Education maintains a list of state-approved EPPs, most of which are located in the Great Lakes 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.

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
2. Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
3. Pass the required certification exams for D.C. You might take the Praxis content exams for elementary teachers (reading, math, social studies, and science) along with the K-6 Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.
4. Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teacher credential.
5. Apply to transfer your certificate to Michigan through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
6. 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.
7. 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):

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree.
2. Complete an EPP. Michigan has a list of state-approved programs.
3. Pass the required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC).
4. Complete a background check.
5. 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

The reciprocity pathway might be a good option for you if:

• You’re already a certified teacher in another state and are planning a move to Michigan.
• You want more flexibility in your EPP choice and prefer an option that isn’t on Michigan’s in-state list.

A lot of it comes down to your personal goals and preferences. Do you prefer online or in-person learning? How quickly do you want to earn your certification? When is your desired start date? Once you determine what you’re looking for in an EPP, you can choose the program and pathway that best fit your needs.

If you’d like some guidance, download The Teacher’s Guide to Finding Your Right-Fit Educator Preparation Program. You’ll learn 10 factors to consider when evaluating EPPs to help you make the best choice for your goals and situation.

Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Michigan Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can absolutely become an elementary school teacher in Michigan without a teaching degree. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you can enroll in an alternative certification program to gain the necessary pedagogical training and classroom experience.

Career changers make excellent teachers, and your experiences outside the classroom can benefit both you and your students as you pivot into education.

For more information on becoming a teacher, visit our Michigan teacher certification page.

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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.