How to Get Your Michigan Teacher Certification
Your Michigan teaching certification is the foundation of a rewarding career and provides countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students and your community. Whether you recently earned your bachelor’s degree or want to change careers to be a teacher, Michigan offers a variety of opportunities to lead in the classroom.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teaching certification in Michigan, from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required exams and applying for your credential.
Michigan Department of Education
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) oversees the certification process for all educators in the state. The MDE offers comprehensive information on certification requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities throughout the Great Lakes State. It also manages the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS), where you will register, apply for certification, and track your application status.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Michigan
Generally, you can follow one of four pathways to earn your Michigan teaching certification: Traditional, Alternative Route, Expedited, or Career and Technical Education (CTE).
You can also complete an out-of-state preparation program or transfer a teaching credential from another state through Michigan’s reciprocity process.
Traditional Pathway
If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to become a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.
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Alternative
Route
Michigan’s alternative route to teacher certification can be used by those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to change careers.
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Expedited Pathway
Often a residency program, this is a faster pathway than the traditional route and allows candidates with prior experience to teach before earning full certification.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
For business or industry professionals who want to teach in state-approved CTE programs, this route requires a combination of relevant work experience and current, valid State of Michigan licensure or national certification in the appropriate program area.
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Out-of-State Pathway
The Michigan Department of Education maintains a list of state-approved EPPs, most of which are located in the Great Lakes State. If you prefer an out-of-state EPP, you can follow Michigan’s process for out-of-state candidates.
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For comprehensive details on all certification pathways and requirements, visit the Michigan Department of Education website.
Benefits of Earning Your Michigan Teaching Certificate
High Demand for Teachers
Michigan is projecting more than 4,500 open jobs a year for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. There’s an especially high demand for special education teachers.
Strong Teacher Salaries
Michigan already has a reasonable cost of living, and teachers can live comfortably in the state. The average teacher salary in Michigan is $69,067, according to the National Education Association. That’s $6,822 a year higher than the state’s minimum living wage.
Rigorous Professional Support
The Michigan Education Association’s MiNE program (Michigan New Educators) builds community for new teachers across the state. Teachers can attend networking events and learn from short professional development content.
Work-Life Balance in the Great Lakes
Michigan is known for amazing outdoor experiences — from Sleeping Bear Dunes to waterfalls in the U.P. Teachers in Michigan can live and work in Motown, growing cities like Grand Rapids, or on the edge of the wilderness.
Certificate Types in Michigan
Michigan offers three primary certification types to support teachers in different situations and at different stages of their careers.
Standard Teaching Certificate
The Standard Teaching Certificate is Michigan’s initial teaching certification. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely. This is the credential for most new teachers, including out-of-state applicants transferring a license.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed EPP
- Passing scores on the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification
- Background check and fingerprinting
Professional Teaching Certificate
The Professional Teaching Certificate is Michigan’s second tier of certification, intended for experienced educators. It is valid for 5 years and has unlimited renewals.
Requirements:
- Hold a Standard Teaching Certificate
- 3 years of successful teaching experience
- Completion of additional coursework and professional development
Interim Teaching Certificate
The Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) is Michigan’s initial teaching certificate for career changers. It is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed, as candidates must progress to the Standard Teaching Certificate if they want to continue teaching.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Passing scores on the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification
- Enrollment in an approved EPP
For more information and additional license types, visit the Michigan Department of Education website.
Michigan Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Michigan teachers are required to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an EPP. They also need to pass the required certification exams and complete fingerprint and background checks.
Testing Requirements
Michigan requires educators to pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Your specific tests will vary based on the subject and grade level(s) you wish to teach.
Education Requirements
Michigan requires teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which is fully online.
Michigan Certification Application Process
When you are ready to apply for teacher certification in Michigan, you will need to create an account and submit your application packet — including transcripts and a fee — using the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). The MDE will evaluate your credentials and issue your certification once it’s approved.
Michigan Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
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 Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you can apply for your Michigan educator certification through using the out-of-state pathway.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Michigan provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Great Lakes State.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Michigan provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Great Lakes State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Michigan. We have answers.
How do I become a Michigan teacher?
Michigan offers 4 main pathways to earn a teaching certification: Traditional, Alternative Route, Expedited, and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
You can also complete an out-of-state Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or transfer a teaching credential from another state through Michigan’s reciprocity process.
For more detailed information, visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching certification in Michigan?
Michigan has a specific process for out-of-state applicants. This could be applicants who complete an out of-state EPP (like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program) or who already have a teaching license in another state and are looking to transfer it to Michigan.
For more information, visit the MDE’s page for out-of-state applicants.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Michigan?
Yes, in most cases, you must hold a valid teaching certificate or permit to teach in Michigan public schools. Long-term substitutes may operate under permits held by the district, but a career in teaching requires you to hold a state-issued certification.
What are the requirements for Michigan teacher certification?
Generally, you must have a bachelor’s degree, complete an EPP, clear the required background checks, and pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for your specific subject area(s).
For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website.
How do I maintain my Michigan teaching certification?
Specific renewal requirements in Michigan vary depending on the credential type. An Interim Certificate must transition to a Standard Teaching Certificate within 5 years. However, a Standard Teaching Certificate, also valid for 5 years, can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
If you want, you could also advance to a Professional Teaching Certificate or an Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate.
For details regarding your specific credential, visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Michigan?
The timeline to become a certified teacher in Michigan can vary depending on factors such as your educational background, the certification path you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can fast-track your career with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which can be completed 100% online in as little as 9 months.
How much do Michigan teachers make?
The average starting salary for a Michigan teacher is $41,645 while the average overall teacher salary is $69,067, according to the National Education Association. However, these numbers can vary widely depending on education level, teaching experience, subject area, grade level, and school or district, to name a few.
These salaries also typically reflect about 10 months of work because teachers have summers off as well as breaks during the school year.
Those who pursue a master’s in education (M.Ed.) can often make more money as well.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Michigan?
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website is the best resource to learn about specific requirements for becoming a teacher in the Great Lakes State.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online EPP.