A Michigan teaching certificate provides individuals the opportunity to teach in the state. It affirms to parents, students, taxpayers, and co-workers that all requirements to work as a teaching professional have been obtained. The Michigan Department of Education issues certificates after completion of an approved professional preparation program covering curriculum and instruction, student developmental needs, and specific teaching subject area(s). Under Michigan law, all teachers employed in the public schools must hold a teaching certificate, permit, or vocational authorization.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS

Teachers are responsible for obtaining their certificates and keeping them up to date. All Michigan certificates expire on June 30 of a given year. The Michigan Department of Education does not notify teachers regarding expiring certificates. Teachers must know the validity period of their certificates and meet the necessary renewal requirements before the expiration date. Teachers may lose their positions or tenure if a teaching certificate expires.

TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES

The requirements and processes for obtaining a teaching certificate in Michigan have changed over the years. New teachers graduating from approved Michigan teacher preparation institutions make application for a provisional certificate. The provisional certificate will list all endorsement(s) authorizing teachers to teach certain subjects or grade levels.

PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE

This initial certificate is valid for up to six years during which time a teacher is expected to acquire at least three years of successful teaching experience and complete at least 18 semester hours in a concentrated area of study (planned program) or a master’s or higher degree. If this does not happen, the provisional certificate can be renewed twice. A renewal is valid for three years. For a first three-year renewal, a teacher must complete the first 10 semester hours of the 18-semester hour "planned program," which is required for the professional education certificate. For the second three-year renewal, a teacher must complete the entire 18-semester hour planned program.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

Holders of the provisional certificate are expected to advance to the professional education certificate. This certificate is valid for up to five years and must be renewed. The requirements for the professional education certificate include: (1) possession of a current or expired Michigan provisional certificate, (2) has taught successfully for the equivalent of three years following the issuance of the Michigan provisional certificate and within the subject area endorsements and grade level on the certificate, (3) has earned at least 18 semester hours after the

issuance of the initial Michigan provisional certificate in a "planned program" (or have a master’s degree or higher degree, earned at any time) or have been awarded National Board Certification, (4) presents evidence of having completed a minimum of six semester hours of reading methodology if she/he holds an elementary certificate or three semester hours for secondary certificate holders, (5) completion of a three-semester credit hour course of study in diagnostic and remediation – effective July 1, 2007. Candidates apply for the professional education certificate through the approved Michigan teacher education institution from which the candidate earned the 18 semester hour "planned program" or master’s or higher degree. (Candidates who complete their credit in an out-of-state master’s or higher degree program must apply directly to the Michigan Department of Education.)

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE RENEWAL

The professional education certificate is valid for up to five years and must be renewed by the completion of six semester hours of appropriate credit from an accredited Michigan higher education institution including accredited community colleges) or a regionally accredited out-of-state college or university, or the equivalent in State Board-Continuing Education Units (SB-CEUs) or a combination of the two. (The SB-CEU equivalent to six semester hours is 18 SB-CEUs or three SB-CEUs are equivalent to one semester credit hour.) Renewal applications for the professional education certificate are available at the Michigan Department of Education Office of Professional Preparation Services. Applications, along with copies of transcripts for the semester hours and/or SB-CEUs, must be returned to the Michigan Department of Education.