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Quick Reference Guide: Courses That Can Be Taught
Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1531 and the Teacher Certification Code typically require teachers hold the endorsement for the subject(s) and grade levels in which they are assigned to teach. This resource will serve as a guide for assigning staff to common or typical course titles offered in Michigan middle and high schools (6-12 departmentalized). It is understood that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible courses. Companion guides for placement are also available for Assignments for “All Subjects” Endorsed Teachers and Appropriate Placement of Educators. These guides are subject to change and update with new state endorsements, new course titles named by K-12 schools and districts, and Michigan curriculum expectations. For a comprehensive list of nationally recognized course titles with a crosswalk to Michigan endorsement areas, please see the Center for Educational Performance and Information’s (CEPI) Course Placement and Reporting Guide. Districts must consider the following elements when using this document to make the best decisions for the assignment of teachers:
- Curriculum and content
- Credit being awarded to PK-12 students
- Context and funding
- Certification, endorsement, and preparation of staff
- Coding and reporting
Note: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) maintains a list of endorsement areas that are currently displayed on Michigan Certificates.
These considerations apply to elective as well as non-elective courses. Questions regarding endorsements and course titles appearing in this guide should be directed to the Office of Educator Excellence at 517-241-5000 or via email. Questions on the coding and reporting of the course should be directed to the CEPI at 517-335-0505 ex. 3.
Endorsement | Category | Code | Courses That Can Be Taught by Holders of Each Endorsement | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communication Arts |
English Language Arts |
AX |
|
The AX endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year. The AX endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates and teachers with the AX endorsement can still be assigned to teach these courses. *When the Journalism endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year, a specific endorsement will not be required to teach journalism. The Journalism (BC) endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a course indicated with an asterisk who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Language Arts |
English Language Arts |
BX |
|
A BX is authorized for these courses, at the grade levels indicated for the language arts endorsement on the individual's certificate. Additional information: Appropriate Instructional Assignments for Elementary Certified Teachers *When the Journalism endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year, a specific endorsement will not be required to teach journalism. School districts may assign any teacher to a journalism course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. The Journalism (BC) endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. |
|
English |
English Language Arts |
BA |
|
*The English (BA) teacher may teach a course called “Language Arts” at the 6-8 grade level only; they are not prepared to teach reading in isolation. **When the Journalism endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year, a specific endorsement will not be required to teach journalism. School districts may assign any teacher to a journalism course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. The Journalism (BC) endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. |
|
Journalism |
English Language Arts |
BC |
|
The BC endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach these courses. The BC endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a journalism course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Speech |
English Language Arts |
BD |
|
*A specific endorsement is not needed to teach a course called “Theater/Performance.” School districts may assign any teacher to a Theater/Performance course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. *Theater/Performance is NO LONGER considered a core subject area. |
|
Reading Specialist |
English Language Arts |
BR |
|
*The Reading Specialist (BR) teacher may teach a course called “Language Arts” at the grade levels indicated for the reading specialist endorsement on the individual's certificate; they are not prepared to teach English in isolation. BR teachers hold a degree in reading. Additional information: Reading Course Assignments |
|
Reading |
English Language Arts |
BT |
|
*The Reading (BT) teacher may teach a course called "Language Arts" at the K-12 level; they are not prepared to teach English in isolation. Additional information: Reading Course Assignments |
|
Social Studies |
Social Studies |
RX |
|
+Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement. Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
Social Science |
Social Studies |
CX |
|
The CX endorsement has been discontinued. The CX endorsement was not removed from teaching certificates and is still valid for these assignments. +Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement. Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
Economics |
Social Studies |
CA |
|
Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
Geography |
Social Studies |
CB |
|
*Teachers completing programs prior to June 2009 must illustrate to the district that they have the skills needed in content knowledge and pedagogy to teach integrated history and geography courses. Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
History |
Social Studies |
CC |
|
*Teachers completing programs prior to June 2009 must illustrate to the district that they have the skills needed in content knowledge and pedagogy to teach integrated history and geography courses. Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
Political Science |
Social Studies |
CD |
|
Additional information: Social Studies Courses |
|
Psychology |
Social Studies |
CE |
|
|
|
Sociology |
Social Studies |
CF |
|
The CF endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach Sociology. The CF endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Sociology course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Anthropology |
Social Studies |
CH |
|
The CH is no longer required to teach Anthropology. The CH endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to an Anthropology course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Cultural Studies |
Social Studies |
CL |
|
The CL is no longer required to teach these courses. The CL endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Cultural Studies course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Behavioral Studies |
Social Studies |
CM |
|
The CM is no longer required to teach Behavioral Studies. The CM endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Behavioral Studies course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Science |
Science |
DX |
|
+Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement. The DX endorsement was transitioned into the Integrated Science (DI) endorsement after the 2003-2004 school year. Both endorsements can be assigned interchangeably. Additional information: |
|
Integrated Science |
Science |
DI |
|
+Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement. Additional information: |
|
Biology |
Science |
DA |
|
Additional information: Science Courses |
|
Chemistry |
Science |
DC |
|
Teachers holding the Chemistry (DC) endorsement alone and having taught in physical science classrooms prior to conclusion of the 2011-2012 academic year may continue to be assigned to physical science classrooms. (Vaughn 6-14-2012 Memo) Additional information: Science Courses |
|
Physics |
Science |
DE |
|
Teachers holding the Physics (DE) endorsement alone and having taught in physical science classrooms prior to conclusion of the 2011-2012 academic year may continue to be assigned to physical science classrooms. (Vaughn 6-14-2012 Memo) Additional information: Science Courses |
|
Earth/Space Science |
Science |
DH |
|
Additional information: Science Courses |
|
Physical Science |
Science |
DP |
|
Additional information: Science Courses |
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
EX |
|
Additional information: |
|
World Language |
World Language |
FA-FS |
|
American Sign Language (ASL) is considered a World Language. A teacher currently certified and endorsed with Hearing Impairment (SL), AND able to demonstrate an ASL proficiency level of at least Intermediate Plus on the SLPI or 3 on the ASLPI, can teach ASL at the grade levels indicated for the SL endorsement on the individual's certificate. All other teachers of ASL may only be assigned under the appropriate permit. The Russian (FE) endorsement and the Polish (FI) endorsement were both discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year. FE will not be required to teach Russian and FI will not be required to teach Polish. These endorsements will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to these course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. Michigan's world language endorsements (FA-FS) that denote preparation for a lower grade range than Pre-K-12 may also teach the language identified by their endorsement across the full Pre-K-12 grade range (Nov. 2023 Memo). |
|
Business Education |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GX |
|
|
|
Accounting |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GA |
|
|
|
Business Administration |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GH |
|
|
|
Secretarial Science |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GI |
|
|
|
Marketing Education |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GM |
|
The GM endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach these courses. The GM endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Marketing Ed. course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
GQ |
|
*The Marketing endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year; a specific endorsement will not be required to teach these courses. School districts may assign any teacher to a these course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Agriscience and Natural Resources |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
HX |
|
|
|
Industrial Technology |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
IX |
|
The IX and TX endorsements were integrated into the TE endorsement April 12, 2011. The IX endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. Refer to the TE endorsement for more information. |
|
Music Education |
Arts |
JX or JQ |
|
The JX endorsement was transitioned into the Music Education (JQ) after the 2006-2007 school year. Both endorsements can be assigned interchangeably. |
|
Family and Consumer Sciences |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
KH |
|
|
|
Art Education, or Visual Arts Education, or Visual Arts Specialist |
Arts |
LX, LQ, or LZ |
|
The LX endorsement was transitioned into the Visual Arts Education (LQ) after the 2002-2003 school year. Both endorsements can be assigned interchangeably. The LZ endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year. The LZ endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates and teachers with the LZ can still be assigned to teach these courses. LZ teachers hold a master’s degree in Visual Arts Education.
|
|
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance |
Health and Physical Education |
MX |
|
+Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement. *When the Recreation (MD) and Dance (MH) endorsements was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year, a specific endorsement will not be required to teach these courses. The MD and MH endorsements will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Recreation or Dance course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. Note: Dance is NO LONGER considered a core subject area. |
|
Health |
Health and Physical Education |
MA |
|
|
|
Physical Education |
Health and Physical Education |
MB |
|
|
|
Health and Physical Education |
Health and Physical Education |
MC |
|
+Including all courses listed under each individual endorsement.
|
|
Recreation |
Health and Physical Education |
MD |
|
The MD endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach Recreation. The MD endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Recreation course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Dance |
Health and Physical Education |
MH |
|
The MH endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach Dance. The MH endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Dance course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Library Media |
Library Media |
ND |
Teachers with the ND endorsement can operate a school library and teach library/research skills to students. Teachers are also well-prepared to teach:
|
*A specific endorsement is not needed to teach these courses. School districts may assign any teacher to these courses who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. Additional Information: Library Media Placement |
|
Non-Endorsed Content Area
|
Miscellaneous |
NE |
Individuals who hold the NE endorsement on a valid Michigan teaching certificate may be assigned to non-endorsed areas* at the grade level of the endorsement held. Evidence of content knowledge and skills appropriate to the assignment are required for placement. |
*A non-endorsed area is a course that is not covered by any of the endorsements offered in Michigan. When assigning teachers, districts should refer to the Proper Placement Considerations guidance. |
|
Environmental Studies |
Business, Industry, and Career Technical Education |
NJ |
|
The NJ is no longer required to teach Environmental Studies. The NJ endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to an Environmental Studies course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Educational Technology |
Business, Industry, and Career Technical Education |
NP |
Individuals with the NP endorsement are prepared to utilize technology resources for their own course instruction and for student learning in courses for which they hold other endorsements. Teachers may also be well-prepared to teach:
|
*A specific endorsement is not needed to teach these courses. School districts may assign any teacher to an Educational Technology course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Computer Science |
Business, Industry, and Career Technical Education |
NR |
|
The NR endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year and will no longer be required to teach these courses. The NR endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Computer Science course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. Additional information: Computer Science Courses |
|
English as a Second Language |
ESL and Bilingual |
NS |
|
**Sheltered instruction, where teachers use specific strategies to teach a specific content area (e.g., social studies or math) in ways comprehensible to the students while promoting their English language development. The NS endorsement is not authorization to teach in a bilingual classroom unless the individual holds the corresponding world language endorsement (FA-FS) or has passed the appropriate OPI or similar language proficiency exam at the Advanced High level aligned to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. |
|
School Counselor |
Counselor |
NT |
*Other courses related to the role and responsibilities of a school counselor may be taught as well. The above listing is not all inclusive since course titles are subject to change. |
Teachers with the NT endorsement, holders of the Preliminary School Counselor Credential (PSCC), Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL), and School Counselor License (SCL) all can serve as school counselors. However, holders of the TSCL and SCL cannot teach these courses as teacher of record without an appropriate permit. |
|
Fine Arts |
Arts |
OX |
|
The OX endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year. The OX endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates and teachers with the OX can still be assigned to teach these courses. |
|
Humanities |
Miscellaneous |
PX |
|
The PX is no longer required to teach Humanities. The PX endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to a Humanities course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Academic Study of Religions |
Miscellaneous |
PR |
|
The PR is no longer required to teach Academic Study of Religions. The PR endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts may assign any teacher to an Academic Study of Religions course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Philosophy |
Miscellaneous |
PS |
|
The PS is no longer required to teach Philosophy. The PS endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates School districts may assign any teacher to a Philosophy course who provides evidence of content knowledge and skills along with holding an endorsement for the grade level at which the course is offered. |
|
Cognitive Impairment* |
Special Education |
SA |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Speech & Language Impairment* |
Special Education |
SB |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Physical or Other Health Impairment* |
Special Education |
SC |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Emotional Impairment* |
Special Education |
SE |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Visual Impairment* |
Special Education |
SK |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Deaf and Hard of Hearing* |
Special Education |
SL |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. A teacher currently certified and endorsed with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SL), AND able to demonstrate an American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency level of at least Intermediate Plus on the SLPI or 3 on the ASLPI, can teach ASL at the grade levels indicated on their certification (K-12) per the May 14, 2015 memo. |
|
Learning Disabilities* |
Special Education |
SM |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments document. |
|
Physical Education for Students with Disabilities* |
Special Education |
SP |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Autism* |
Special Education |
SV |
|
*Teachers with special education program endorsements are authorized under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) to provide special education instruction and services, as approved by the local school board and intermediate school district, provided the teacher has satisfied the MARSE requirements. For additional information on placement of special education endorsed teachers, including demonstration of content knowledge, contact the Office of Special Education or review the Special Education Teacher Assignments guidance. |
|
Technology and Design |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
TX |
|
The TX and IX were integrated into the TE endorsement April 12, 2011. The TX endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. |
|
Industrial and Technology Education |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
TE |
|
These courses may also be taught by holders of the Standard CTE Certificate or Professional CTE Certificate with the corresponding CIP code for the course. For information on matching CIP codes with industrial technology courses, refer to the complete list of State-Recognized Secondary Career and Technical Education Program CIP Codes. When a certified teacher is not available, schools may obtain either a permit or an annual authorization to employ a non-certified individual to staff these courses. |
|
Bilingual |
ESL and Bilingual |
YA-YT |
|
**Sheltered instruction, where teachers use specific strategies to teach a specific content area (e.g., social studies or math) in ways comprehensible to the students while promoting their English language development. The YL Bilingual Other endorsement was discontinued beginning the 2017-2018 school year. The YL endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates and teachers with the YL can still be assigned to teach the bilingual language indicated.
|
|
Middle School |
Grade Level Groups |
ZD |
|
Middle School (ZD) endorsement expands the 7-8 all subjects to 5-9 all subjects. This endorsement is rare. The ZD has been discontinued and no new endorsements of this type can be added. The ZD endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. Additional Information: Middle School Endorsements |
|
Middle Level Specialization |
Grade Level Groups |
ZL |
|
Middle Level Specialization (ZL) endorsement expands the 6-12 subject endorsements to 5-12 subject endorsements. It does not expand the 7-8 all subjects’ endorsement. That specific designation remains only 7-8 in this situation. Additional Information: Middle School Endorsements |
|
Career and Technical Education |
Business, Industry, and Career and Technical Education |
Numbered CIP Codes |
For proper placement in a CTE course refer to the complete list of State-Recognized Secondary Career and Technical Education Program CIP Codes. |
Holders of the Standard Teaching Certificate or Professional Teaching Certificate with CIP codes may be assigned to teach corresponding courses outside of state approved CTE funded programs as well. For information on matching CIP codes with industrial technology courses that may be offered in general education settings, refer to the complete list of State-Recognized Secondary Career and Technical Education Program CIP Codes. When a certified teacher is not available, schools may obtain either a permit or an annual authorization to employ a non-certified individual to staff these courses. |