All individuals seeking a teaching certificate in Michigan must meet the following requirements:
First, an individual identifies a content area they would like to teach from our Education Preparation Programs webpage. Each link in the Program Name column will give a list of providers that are approved to offer a preparation program for that area.
Next, they review the preparation pathways below to identify a preferred route, provider type, and provider to contact for more information. Provider contact information can be found on the content page or on the Education Preparation Provider page.
This pathway is offered through an approved educator preparation program at a four-year Michigan college or university for individuals who already possess a bachelor’s degree but not a teaching certificate. Some institutions offer master’s degree plus teaching certificate programs, while others offer a certification only option at the graduate level. These programs can be offered in person or online and can include evening or weekend coursework. Contact the preparation provider for more information about post-bachelor’s certification options.
Alternative route preparation programs allow an individual to be employed as a full-time teacher by leveraging existing knowledge and skills. Individuals who have subject area expertise and at least a bachelor’s degree can enroll with an approved alternative route provider. Once enrolled, provider staff will help an individual choose the correct Michigan Test(s) for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Passing the MTTC test(s) and completing initial requirements allows the provider to recommend an individual for an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) with content endorsement(s) that is valid for five years. An individual can progress to a Standard Teaching Certificate after a minimum of three years of satisfactory teaching under the ITC and completion of all program requirements.
Individuals in a special education alternative route must complete a 32-credit coursework sequence, serve an 8-week student teaching placement (which can be in their classroom if applicable), and pass the appropriate MTTC prior to being recommended for the ITC.
Completing this program and transferring endorsements from an ITC to a Standard Teaching Certificate can take 3-5 years. However, the time to a valid Michigan teaching certificate in the form of the ITC through this pathway can be as quick as one or two months, depending on testing schedules. Career and technical education programs are not available through this pathway.
To be employed by a Michigan school, an individual must hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate. The Michigan Department of Education does not have the authority to pre-approve out-of-state teacher preparation programs for Michigan certification. If an individual chooses to complete a teacher preparation program outside of Michigan, please note the following:
