Michigan Teacher Preparation Program Enrollment Continues Significant Increase

MDE Calls on State Legislature for Continued Investments

LANSING – Michigan enrollment in programs to become certified teachers has reached its highest point in the last decade, according to preliminary data released today by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

Enrollment in state teacher preparation programs offered by universities, colleges, or alternative route teacher certification providers increased by 87% from the 2016-17 academic year to 2023-24, with 9,512 students in 2016-17 and 17,780 in 2023-24.

That rebound came after enrollment in teacher preparation programs had decreased by 59% from 2011-12 to 2016-17, with 23,203 students in 2011-12 and 9,512 in 2016-17.

“There is nothing more important to raising student achievement than having qualified, well-trained, experienced teachers in our classrooms,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “Michigan underfunded public schools for years, to such an extent that it caused a teacher shortage. We are digging out from that harmful circumstance. It took years to create the shortage, and it will take years to end it. That said, we are making major strides in addressing our staffing needs, initially through the promotion of the power of the profession, and more recently associated with the funding of teacher shortage rectification measures and statutory changes.”

Following MDE advocacy for specific programs to address the teacher shortage, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature invested in these programs. It is essential that these programs continue to sustain momentum to increase the numbers of certified teachers in areas of shortage, Goal 7 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.

In fiscal year 2020 and before, the state school aid act had no funding to address the teacher shortage. In fiscal year 2023, $575 million was designated for programs specifically designed to improve the quantity, quality, and diversity of Michigan’s educator workforce. In fiscal year 2024, an additional $448 million was invested in related programs and in fiscal year 2025, $140.2 million was appropriated.

People interested in becoming teachers in Michigan now have access to a variety of financial and programming supports. Additionally, they have greater access to teacher preparation than ever before. Anyone who wants to become a teacher anywhere in the state can do so virtually cost-free. Investments in fellowships or scholarships, stipends, Grow Your Own programs for middle and high school students and support staff to become teachers, consortia like Talent Together and MiCAREER, and the expansion of innovative, on-demand preparation programming reduce significant financial and geographic barriers for aspiring teachers. A rural credentialing hub and streamlined reciprocity for veteran teachers and counselors certified in other states are efforts, among others, to improve the pipeline.

As a result of the state investments, educators are also experiencing additional support once they enter the classroom. Mentoring and induction standards and programming support teachers in their early years in the profession, which build on the foundational knowledge and clinical experiences of their preparation programs. Early career teachers receive guidance and support from an assigned mentor as they refine their craft.

In recent years, educator evaluation requirements were simplified following advocacy from MDE and professional education organizations to reduce the time spent on paperwork and at the same time to ensure that educators receive constructive performance feedback and connect professional learning opportunities to individual teacher needs. Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading (LETRS) training on the Science of Reading, National Board Certification grants, and programs for teachers to pursue additional endorsements in special education and other high-need areas empower veteran teachers to expand their professional repertoire.

“The programs and investments to address Michigan’s teacher shortage make a significant impact on the profession. Today’s news about the increase in enrollment in teacher preparation programs indicates that the efforts are working,” said Ms. Kelli Brozanski, director of the MDE Office of Educator Excellence. “We cannot slow down now. There is still a lot of work to do to achieve a healthy, sustained educator workforce.”

It is imperative that the fiscal year 2026 state school aid budget include continued funding dedicated specifically to reducing and ultimately eliminating the shortage.

“Through a host of efforts, we are working to address the educator shortage,” said Dr. Michele Harmala, deputy superintendent of MDE’s Division of Educator Excellence, Career Technical Education, Special Education, and Administrative Law. “Our goal is to increase student achievement and to provide an environment where educators can best carry out their important roles in the classroom.”

Teacher Preparation Data in Michigan

Shown below are data on students enrolled in and who have completed teacher preparation programs in Michigan each academic year from 2011-12 through 2023-24. Enrollees are students who are enrolled in teacher preparation programs and are active participants at any point in the academic year. Completers are students who completed teacher preparation programs during or at the conclusion of that academic year.

###