How To Become a Teacher in Michigan 2025

<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>The first step to becoming a certified teacher in Michigan is to decide what subject area and grade level you want to teach. This will influence the major you choose, which will then dictate which teaching license you obtain. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>There are three primary types of elementary school teachers. Generalist teachers are those who teach one class for the majority of the day and cover multiple subjects, such as math and reading. Specialists teach subjects such as art, music, or physical education, and they teach multiple classes each day. Finally, there are special education teachers who teach students with disabilities. </p><p>In Michigan, generalist teachers can earn a license in: </p><ul><li>early childhood education (from birth through kindergarten) </li><li>lower elementary education (grades pre-k through third) </li><li>upper elementary (grades three through six) </li></ul><p>You may notice some overlap here; to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, for example, you could choose to earn your license in early childhood education or lower elementary. However, for most subjects, there's just one option. </p><p>Specialist teachers and special education teachers in Michigan generally earn a license to teach all grades. The state used to offer subject area licenses for elementary teachers, but they are currently phasing those out. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>The middle school teacher educational requirements for Michigan involve earning a degree in either general middle grade education or a specialization, as these are the options for licensure. </p><p>Students can earn a general middle-level license, which prepares them to be generalist teachers for grades six through eight. Many subject area teaching credentials, however, are designed for either grades five through nine or seven through 12. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>The high school teacher educational requirements are very similar to the middle school requirements. However, there is no generalist for high school or secondary education. </p><p>Those who want to teach high school need to earn educator certification in a specific subject area. These teacher certifications cover grades seven through 12 and are available in fields from English language arts to math to multiple specializations within science and social studies. </p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Once you've decided what grade level and subject matter you want to teach, you can choose your major. Note that different schools offer different options for aspiring teachers, so it's important to keep in mind what you want to teach. </p><p>For example, Concordia University Ann Arbor offers degrees in both lower and upper elementary education, as well as options for math or English at the high school level. These are all online. Over at Michigan State, undergraduate education programs are on campus, but the secondary education degree offers more areas of specialization. </p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>In addition to completing a preparation program, prospective teachers in Michigan must also hold a bachelor's degree. To streamline the process, most students earn their degree through an educator preparation program. </p><p>These programs usually take four to five years to complete. Students complete core coursework on topics such as classroom management, pedagogy, and educational psychology — in addition to courses aligned with their intended grades and content area. They'll also need to participate in student teaching in a classroom setting, which provides hands-on experience under the guidance of a licensed, experienced teacher. </p><p>Other options are available for students who already have their bachelor's degree in another field but want to become teachers. This includes an expedited pathway as well as the alternative route, both of which allow individuals to be employed as teachers while working toward their teaching certificate. </p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>A master's degree is not a requirement to work as a teacher in Michigan. However, some teachers choose to pursue a master's to potentially earn a higher salary or to add areas of endorsement to their certification. </p><p>Those who have bachelor's degrees in another field but want to become a teacher can do so through a master's level EPP. Master's degrees usually take one to three years of study, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. </p><h3 id="section---Step5PassMichiganTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Michigan Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>In addition to holding a bachelor's degree and completing a teacher preparation program with student teaching experience, prospective teachers in Michigan need to pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) exams relevant to their certification program. </p><p>The specific certification exams you need to take will depend on your area of study. Your teacher preparation program provider can help you determine which exams you need to take. </p><p>Before you can obtain your certification, you'll also need to submit to and pass a criminal background check. After obtaining your certificate, you'll need to complete professional development and renew your license every five years. </p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>Now that you have your teaching certification, you can start to pursue teaching positions. As a new teacher, you may be able to find roles in your local school, but you may also have to pursue roles at school districts further away. </p><p>While Projections Central shows that roles for teachers are expected to decline in the U.S., jobs in Michigan are expected to increase slightly by 1% by 2032. Although this isn't a significant percentage, it's expected to result in a few thousand job openings each year. </p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>There are a few things to consider when choosing a teaching degree in Michigan. These include: </p><ul><li><b>Education preparation program:</b> All potential teachers need to complete a teacher preparation program, so your degree should be through an approved EEP. </li><li><b>Major:</b> Majors vary between schools, so look at schools that offer your preferred major. </li><li><b>Program format:</b>Some schools offer coursework online and only require you to be in person for your student teaching, while others are fully in-person. </li><li><b>Tuition:</b> Costs also vary between programs. Consider tuition rates and financial aid options. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInMichigan">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Michigan</h2><p>Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about becoming a teacher in Michigan. </p><h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoYouNeedToBecomeATeacherInMichigan">What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Teacher in Michigan?</h3><p>To become a teacher in Michigan, you need a bachelor's degree and to complete an educator preparation program. This includes required reading courses and student teaching. </p><p>You'll also need to pass the relevant MTTC certification exams, which will depend on the certification you're pursuing. Finally, you'll need to pass a background check. </p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>Requirements do differ slightly between private schools and public schools in Michigan. Private school teachers do not have to be certified. However, if they are not certified, they must obtain a teaching permit or hold a bachelor's degree. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeATeacherInMichigan">How Long Does It Take To Become a Teacher in Michigan?</h3><p>The length of time it takes to become a teacher depends on how long it takes you to complete your teacher preparation program and pass your certification exams. </p><p>Most students can finish their degree within four or five years. It shouldn't take much longer to take your exams and submit to the background check. </p><h3 id="section---CanIGetATeachingJobWithoutATeachingDegree">Can I Get a Teaching Job Without a Teaching Degree?</h3><p>It is possible to get a teaching job without a teaching degree as long as you still complete a teacher preparation program. You will, however, still need to have at least a bachelor's degree. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeASubstituteTeacherInMichigan">How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher in Michigan?</h3><p>Individuals who do not have a teaching degree can become substitute teachers with a substitute permit. These permits are offered to individual schools or school districts, and they can use that permit to hire uncertified individuals for teaching. </p><p>If you have a teaching certificate but would prefer to work as a substitute, speak with your local school district about next steps. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoIApplyToATeachingProgram">How Do I Apply To a Teaching Program?</h3><p>The steps to applying for a teaching program vary between schools. Most schools require you to first be accepted into the college or university, then take specific prerequisites before you're admitted to the education program. You can usually find in-depth admissions requirements on the school website. </p><h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareerToday">Start Your Teaching Career Today</h2><p>Prepare yourself for your teaching career by exploring the education programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools for more information on admissions, enrollment, and licensure requirements.</p>