How to Become a Teacher in Michigan

Michigan, as the 8th most populated state in the United States, has an exceptionally large education system, requiring the employment of a large teaching force. Earning a teacher certificate in Michigan will usually ensure that a candidate has many job opportunities for teaching in Michigan.

How to become a teacher in Michigan - traditional route for residents

Potential applicants for a teaching position in the state of Michigan often follow a traditional route.

• They first obtain a bachelor's degree, either in education (for elementary school teachers) or in a specific subject, such as math or foreign language (for middle and high school teachers).
• After graduation, students must complete a teacher preparation program, often through a local or online university.
• After completion of the program, candidates must pass the MTTC, at which time they may be issued a six-year Provisional Certificate.
• During these six years, teachers must find practical teaching experience positions and finish 18 semester hours at the graduate level.

How to become a teacher in MI - alternative routes for residents

Those who are researching how to become a teacher in Michigan may be interested in the alternative routes available, which are typically used to address teacher shortages in specific subjects—primarily math and the sciences—or specific grade levels.

Generally, an individual who has a major or graduate degree in the subject they are proposing to teach, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, must only demonstrate some supervised practical experience in teaching. So long as they pass the MTTC, individuals may achieve teacher certification in Michigan.

How to become a teacher in MI - for out-of-state teacher applicants

For qualified or certified teachers from other states, becoming a teacher in Michigan is fairly straightforward, although additional requirements will vary based on the individual's experience. Those with at least three years of experience, a valid certificate, and graduate study will be qualified for teaching in Michigan almost immediately, on provision of passing a background check. Individuals with less experience will need to pass the MTTC basic skills and subject test requirements.

How do I become a teacher in Michigan - necessary exams for residents

A critical point regarding how to become in a teacher in MI is the need to pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification. The test is generally in two parts. First, applicants must pass the basic skills test, which is comprised of mathematics, reading, and writing sections.

Candidates for K-5 certificates must pass the Elementary Education test. Those intending to earn a teacher certificate in Michigan for 6-12 grade levels must earn an endorsement by passing a subject-area test in the area they intend to teach.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Michigan?

Teachers are not required to hold a bachelor's degree in the exact subject they wish to teach in, but it is generally preferred that they hold a related degree, particularly for high school teachers. Teachers interested in working at the elementary school level can often enter a teacher training program with a degree in fields such as psychology, education, or human development.

What are teacher preparation programs in Michigan?

Discovering how to become in a teacher in MI is often best done through teacher preparation programs at accredited colleges and universities, which include practical teaching experience and seminar work. Students must also complete 6-12 credit hours of coursework in how to teach reading skills, if they have not yet done so in their undergraduate studies.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Michigan?

The cost to renew a teacher certificate in Michigan is $75. At the time of a first renewal, teachers must have completed 10 semester hours of an 18-hour program. By the time of the second renewal, the 18-hour program must be completed. This ensures that Michigan's teachers periodically go back to school to refresh their training or gain knowledge in new areas of education.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in MI?

For individuals who find themselves asking "how do I become a teacher in Michigan?" several websites, listed below, provide beneficial and informative pages on certification, requirements, and alternative programs.

• Michigan State Department of Education

  Some of the best information on how to become a teacher in Michigan will be available at the official Michigan State Department of Education website, where candidates will find information on accredited preparation programs, test registration, and answers to frequently asked questions.

• Teach Now

  TeachNow.org can provide individuals who are seeking advice on how to become in a teacher in MI with recommendations regarding alternative pathways to teacher certification in Michigan, including information on the Limited License to Instruct option.