The State Board of Education (SBE) is not currently approving new educator preparation providers, including alternative route providers. A moratorium on new approvals is in effect.
Can my organization apply to become an approved alternative route provider?
Not at this time. Michigan's moratorium on approving new educator preparation providers applies to both traditional educator preparation institutions and alternative route providers.Current status of the moratorium
The SBE issued the moratorium in August 2005 and has extended it multiple times. At its April 2022 meeting, the SBE approved a five-year extension.When could applications open?
- If the moratorium is lifted by the SBE, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will release an application schedule along with an updated application process. The process to apply to become an approved educator preparation provider is currently under revision. No applications or solicitations are available at this time.
- The State Superintendent may periodically solicit applications from new providers to address specific high needs.
- Solicitations for new programs may focus on a particular region of service such as the upper lower peninsula, or a particular pathway for preparation such as alternative routes.
- Solicitations are announced through an MDE press release and often occur in the spring.
Out-of-state and distance-education institutions
- The SBE does not approve programs for educator licensure offered by out-of-state institutions.
- Offering distance education to Michigan candidates requires State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) status, which is handled by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), not MDE.
- SARA status does not authorize an out-of-state institution to recommend candidates to MDE for licensure.
Candidates who completed a program in another state
- Individuals who complete out-of-state programs should complete an application in MOECS and submit the fee for evaluation.
- The evaluation team will notify an applicant which Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification are required for certification, if needed.
Looking for an existing provider?
- See approved preparation providers and available preparation programs through the Directory of Educator Preparation Providers and Programs.
- Use the provider's link to see what certification programs a provider is approved to offer.
- Use the program's link to look up an educator endorsement and see which providers offer that program.