Information on Michigan academic standards and instructional resources.
Responsible for providing final decisions in administrative appeals to MDE.
Learn more about the MDE office responsible for providing leadership in curriculum and instruction that provides students with greater choices to prepare for success.
Resources for educator certification, recognition programs, evaluation, and workforce research.
Resources related to financial and pupil accounting and auditing.
Options available for Michigan students that provide unique learning opportunities.
Food & Nutrition Programs
This MDE office provides resources and technical assistance in physical education, sex education, health education, behavioral, emotional, mental, and social education as well as safety, discipline, and transportation.
Resources for programs and initiatives that support school improvement efforts.
Resources for supporting special education in Michigan.
Michigan has an innovative and comprehensive system of assessments to measure student achievement in learning our state content standards.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
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We are excited you are interested in becoming a Michigan teacher! In Michigan, teacher preparation is guided by statute (otherwise known as state law), state administrative rules, and teacher preparation program standards.
Are you already certified in another state? Educators who have completed a preparation program or received teacher certification in another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe may find information about certificate reciprocity on the Out-of-State Applicants webpage.
There are currently four types of teacher preparation pathways in Michigan.
This pathway is offered at either an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level through an approved Michigan EPP. Potential candidates must meet the minimum requirements of that institution to be admitted into the teacher preparation program. The required reading coursework is offered within the program. Passage of MTTC content examinations is required before recommendation for certification.
Expedited pathways are offered by approved Michigan EPPs at a bachelor’s or post-bachelor's level and leverage previous experience or skills to allow for individuals to complete a program in an expedited manner. Many expedited programs are residencies, designed for individuals who are interested in being employed as full-time teachers while concurrently working toward certification. Other expedited programs allow for stand-alone special education or English as a second language endorsements on a Michigan teaching certificate. The required reading coursework is typically embedded throughout the program. Passage of MTTC content examinations is required before recommendation for certification.
Alternative route pathways are designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher and leverage demonstrated skills and knowledge by allowing an individual to be employed as a full-time teacher (under the Interim Teaching Certificate) while simultaneously completing requirements to earn a Standard Teaching Certificate. Individuals interested in this pathway must meet the minimum state requirements set forth in Michigan law, as well as additional program requirements(i.e., conferred bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0 or higher, passage of MTTC content tests, and any provider-specific program requirements). Please note that career and technical education classification of instructional programs (CIPs), early childhood and some special education endorsements are not available through this pathway.
Career and Technical Education are for qualified individuals from business and industry to instruct in a state-approved CTE program. CTE programs provide secondary students opportunities to acquire skills that prepare them for career entry or continuing education after high school. CTE preparation programs and providers are unique. Therefore, it is best to reach out directly to the provider for additional information. Please visit the MDE’s public directory of approved preparation programs and select "CTE" from the “Type:” drop-down menu. Employers have immediate placement options for employing career changers in CTE placements by utilizing Annual Career Authorizations while a program is being completed.
Educators who seek out or complete preparation at institutions or universities outside the state of Michigan (regardless of whether it is online or face-to-face) must meet the requirements of that state. The MDE does not have the authority to approve out-of-state educator preparation programs prior to completion. Upon completion of the preparation program and eligibility for the out-of-state certificate or license, educators may seek an evaluation under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification reciprocal agreement held between states.
Application for initial certification based upon an in-state preparation program or evaluation of an out-of-state preparation program must be submitted using the Michigan Online Educator Certification System.
