Want to become a teacher in the great state of Michigan? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Michigan.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program
To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Michigan also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Michigan does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Michigan Department of Education for more information. Michigan does require a total of 18 semester-hours in “a planned course of study” to move from a Provisional to a Professional License.
Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of accredited teacher education programs can be found at the Michigan Department of Education.
Step 2: Complete the Required Exams
Most U.S. states require exams to show competency in basic instructional skills as well as in the desired subject area. Michigan uses the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification). All teaching candidates must complete a Professional Readiness Examination.
Michigan offers a Provisional Education License, good for up to six years, and a Professional Education License, renewable every five years. You must finish a total of 18 semester hours of courses in “a planned course of study” beyond the bachelor’s degree to move from a Provisional to a Professional license. Novice educators must also go through an induction/mentoring program for their first three years. Learn more about earning your Michigan Teaching Credential.
Step 3: Submit a Michigan Teaching Credential Application
Have you completed all educational obligations, completed the required examinations, and completed both the practicum and student teaching portions of the experience requirement? If you answered yes, you can apply for Michigan teaching certification. The Michigan Department of Education mandates that all applicants for Provisional Teaching Certification apply through the Michigan Online Education Certification System (MOECS).
When you enter your information, your application will be forwarded to sent Michigan college/university teacher education program for its approval. Once your application has been approved, the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Professional Preparation Services will mail your hard copy Provisional Teaching Certificate within 7 to 14 days.