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Teacher Certification Structure

Teacher Certification Structure

Overview of Preparation and Certification Structures

Michigan’s teacher certification structure was reorganized by grade bands in 2018. New preparation standards for each grade band inform the respective Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC). To earn certification and endorsement, teachers must complete a standards-aligned preparation program and pass the MTTC.

 

What: 2018 Reorganization

  • The revised certificate structure features five grade bands to support deeper preparation of teachers to meet children’s unique needs at each grade level.

Revised Certification Structure Details

  • The revised certification structure webpage provides basic information on the new teacher certificate structure and a timeline for implementation of each portion of the structure.
  • This 16-minute video walkthrough provides a detailed overview of each grade band in the revised structure, with information on placement and how the structure accomplishes the goals identified by educators as essential for a strong system of educator preparation, certification, and placement.

How the Revised Structured Impacts Certification and Preparation

  • New teacher preparation programs aligned to the revised certificate structure and preparation standards provide opportunities for candidates to learn and apply effective, evidence-based instructional practices through clinical experiences across the whole program.

Appropriate Placement Using Michigan’s Re-Envisioned Staffing System

  • This one-page guide to appropriate placement provides information on which grades and subjects teachers with the new grade band endorsements have been well-prepared to serve and where they may also be placed with appropriate supports.

MDE Memo 2022-039: Reminder – Revised Certificate Structure and Appropriate Placement

  • This memo from May 2022 reinforces information in the above resources and provides links to additional resources to support appropriate placement of teachers.

Certificate and Credential Types

  • The certificate and credential types webpage lists the different teaching certificate and educator credentials that MDE issues currently. It also lists certificate types that, while no longer issued, remain valid for teacher placement.

Teacher Recertification

 

Critical takeaway

New teachers will possess certificates featuring endorsements with narrower grade ranges than previously available on Michigan certificates, providing information on what a new teacher was well-prepared to teach, and must be considered in conjunction with appropriate placement guidance.

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