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Professional Learning Legal Requirements

Michigan law requires school districts to provide professional development to teachers each year. The requirement varies based on the amount of experience each teacher has.

District “provided” means professional development offered in compliance with state law and/or that the district has supported the teacher either by providing a substitute teacher, paying conference or workshop expenses or registration fees, or providing released time for attendance at professional development activities. This includes time provided for teachers to work in professional learning communities, examining actual student data in their own school.

Professional Development Requirements

  • Section 380.1526 of Michigan’s Revised School Code requires school districts to provide fifteen days of professional development to teachers across the first three years of their employment, (aligned with the individual development plan and mentor’s advice). This includes providing training in a MDE approved First Aid/CPR program for all first-year teachers who do not already hold a valid First Aid/CPR card. A “day” is defined as at least six hours. The “year” is considered to begin on July 1 and end on June 30, coinciding with the school year. These days are in addition to the five days the district is required to provide to all teachers and should be documented separately from the regular, annual, five-day offering of professional development under MCL 380.1527.

  • Section 380.1527 of Michigan’s Revised School Code requires school districts to provide five days of professional development to all teachers each year. A “day” is defined as at least six hours, for a total of 30 hours to be provided in a year. The “year” is considered to begin on July 1 and end on June 30, coinciding with the school year. These five days are in addition to the professional development provided to new teachers in their first three years of employment under MCL 380.1526 and should be documented separately. DPPD must be recorded in the Days and Clock Hours Report.