Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate

Facts-At-A-Glance

• Valid for up to 5 years.
• Recognizes completion of:
  • an approved Teacher Leader program; or
  • an approved specialist preparation program; or
  • achievement of National Board certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or
  • a successful term as Michigan Teacher of the Year.
• Intended to be an indication of an educator’s advanced skills and training in master teaching and/or teacher leadership.
• Can be applied for at any time after receiving the Professional Teaching Certificate (or even after the Professional certificate’s expiration) as long as the requirements have been met.
• Education-Related Professional Learning is not required for the initial Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate, but a total of 150 hours is required for all subsequent renewals.
• School districts approach assignments and weigh benefits associated with the certificate differently; therefore, we encourage educators to talk with their school and district leaders about the district’s approach.

Requirements

1. A Professional Teaching Certificate
2. One of the following:
   • Certification of National Board Teacher Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
   • Completion of an approved Michigan Teacher Leader program and noted on the certificate. 
   • Completion of an approved specialist preparation program and noted on the certificate.
   • Completion of a successful term as Michigan Teacher of the Year. 

Application for Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate

• Once the requirements for the Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate have been met, application is made through MOECS.

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Additional Information

Costs associated with obtaining an Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate

The National Board Teaching Certificate Programs and Teacher Leader programs are fee-based programs. Additionally, Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate has a state-issued application fee of $160.

Permanent, Life or Continuing Certificate Holders

Holders of these certificate types may select to obtain the Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate. However, unlike the Permanent, Life or Continuing certificates, this certificate requires criteria for renewal every five years. Obtaining this certificate will put the holder on the renewal track requiring 150 professional learning hours every five years. 

National Board Certification

Additional information regarding National Board Certification and how it is recognized in Michigan is available in this guidance.