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Preparation Pathways

Preparation Pathways

Overview of Preparation Pathways

The Michigan Department of Education approves a variety of flexible preparation pathways for individuals to achieve teacher and administrator certification. Pathways include: 

  • Traditional
  • Alternative Route
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • Expedited

All approved pathways lead to Michigan educator certification. Pathway flexibilities can include program delivery (online or in-person), program availability (full, part-time, or through a residency model), expedited program completion time, options for endorsements to exist solely when they are typically paired, and shortened programs that emphasize an individual’s prior knowledge and skills.

 

What: Traditional Pathway

  • Approved traditional educator preparation programs are offered at either an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level through an approved Michigan educator preparation provider (EPP). Programs are offered in-person or online by a college or university.

Why

  • Typical four-year programs allow young educators and college students to complete the requirements for educator certification in Michigan including completing at least a bachelor's degree and an approved preparation program. 

How

 

What: Alternative Routes

  • Alternative route pathways allow an individual with a bachelor’s degree to be employed as a full-time teacher under an Interim Teaching Certificate and work towards standard certification simultaneously. Many alternative route programs are offered online but some are available in-person. 

Why

  • Individuals with content expertise can begin working as a teacher once they enroll in a program, pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, and complete program requirements to be issued an Interim Teaching Certificate. This allows for immediate entry into the workforce with a valid Michigan certificate.

How

  • Choose an area of certification and check the approved providers for an alternative route pathway. Apply to an alternative route provider for next steps.

 

What: Career and Technical Education (CTE)

  • CTE pathways are for qualified individuals from business and industry to instruct in a state-approved CTE program. Programs are offered in-person and online by a college or university.

Why

  • CTE programs provide secondary students opportunities to acquire skills that prepare them for career entry or continuing education after high school.

How

  • CTE preparation programs and providers are unique. Therefore, it is best to reach out directly to the provider for additional information. Please visit the MDE’s public directory of approved preparation programs and select "CTE" from the “Type:” drop-down menu. Employers have immediate placement options for employing career changers in CTE placements by utilizing Annual Career Authorizations while a program is being completed.

 

What: Expedited Programs

  • Expedited programs are designed for individuals who have already completed a part of the certification requirements or who need flexibility for program completion. Some programs are residencies where individuals teach full-time while earning certification, and others allow for an expedited timetable for program completion. Expedited programs are offered by traditional providers and can be in-person or online.

Why

  • Expedited programs provide flexibility for individuals seeking certification. For example, they allow individuals to earn a sole special education or English as a Second Language endorsement without a general education content area or allow an individual to work as a resident teacher while completing coursework. 

How

 

Critical takeaway

MDE approves a variety of preparation pathways providing flexibility for individuals to access educator preparation programs and achieve teacher and administrator certification.

Need more help?

Traditional Pathway Resources

Expedited Programs

Alternative Routes

Career and Technical Education Pathway Resources

Financial Resources