The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) believes that all students should have access to high quality teachers. The Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educator (PME) campaign is designed to help teachers return to the classroom.
To participate in the campaign, districts may apply for a waiver on behalf of an educator for a reduction or elimination of professional learning hours, depending on the individual's years of teaching experience and time away from the workforce.
Professional learning required by Michigan Compiled Law MCL 380.1233(6) for school counselors cannot be waived. Educators with a school counselor credential (including teaching certificates with a school counselor (NT) endorsement) must fulfill the professional development requirements under MCL 380.1233(6) before any additional hours may be waived.
All educators will be required to fulfill the legal professional practices requirements, including fingerprinting and background checks, as a precursor to recertification and employment.
Educators with expired certificates have received a direct communication from MDE with information about the campaign. Educators who may be eligible but did not receive the email may complete an eligibility survey to determine eligibility and share their contact information with districts.
Educators who have accepted a position or are no longer interested in participating in the campaign can request the removal of their contact information.
Educators with valid teaching certificates that are not teaching in a public school have received a direct communication from MDE with information about the campaign. Educators interested in sharing their contact information with districts may provide that information to MDE for sharing.
Educators who have accepted a position or are no longer interested in participating in the campaign can request the removal of their contact information.
To participate in recruiting educators with expired certificates, local education agencies (LEAs) must complete the waiver request application tool. The LEA will provide information about the educator's certificate and experience through the application and the tool will determine the educator's eligibility for waiver options, submit the request to MDE, and provide instructions for the next steps.
Districts may immediately begin to see applicants with valid or expired credentials and should consider them viable applicants. MDE is providing an opportunity for interested educators to submit their contact information to share with participating districts. Districts interested in receiving this contact information for outreach to potential employees should complete the Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educator contact information request form. Districts are encouraged to post the campaign logo on their employment webpage as an indicator of participation.
Questions should be directed to MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov or 517-241-5000.
