Michigan Emergency Teacher Certification
In cases where teachers are urgently needed because of a teacher shortage or where a highly specific set of skills are needed, schools may need to employ persons who do have traditional educator training. This article will focus on the requirements and steps necessary to obtain emergency teacher certification in Michigan.
Steps to Acquire Emergency Teacher Certification in Michigan
In the state of Michigan, emergency teacher certification is known as an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) and is considered an alternative route to certification or endorsement. The general requirements for obtaining an ITC are summarized in the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree (minimum), alternate route preparation program</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td> MTTC</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary in Michigan (2018) </td><td> $66,180 (<i>elementary school teachers</i>), $64,540 (<i>middle school teachers</i>), $62,950 (<i>secondary school teachers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td>8% (<i>teachers nationally</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---GeneralRequirementsForAnInterimTeachingCertificateITC">General Requirements for an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC)</h3><p>In order to qualify for an ITC, interested candidates must have a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates must also take and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in the subject area they plan on teaching. These tests are administered by Pearson, and candidates are able to register online for the exam using its website. When registering, applicants will need to specify three Michigan-based institutions that can receive the results.
</p><h3 id="section---ApplicationProcess">Application Process</h3><p>Since this is an emergency certificate, a candidate cannot apply for it. An interested applicant must apply to the school at which they are seeking employment by submitting the relevant documents that would prove their qualifications. If the school is willing to employ the applicant and they have found a suitable teacher training program, the applicant will then be guided through the appropriate steps of the process to become certified and begin teaching. All candidates interested in obtaining a teaching certificate must undergo a federal background check.
</p><h3 id="section---CPRAndFirstAidCertification">CPR and First Aid Certification</h3><p>All persons interested in obtaining a teaching certificate in the state of Michigan must also undergo training in CPR and first aid. Fully online courses are not accepted, and candidates are required to show the certificate or card that indicates the training was completed. The list of institutions approved by the Michigan Department of Education that offer CPR and first aid certification is available on its website.
</p><h3 id="section---AlternativeTeacherTrainingProgramInformation">Alternative Teacher Training Program Information</h3><p>ITC candidates must also enroll in an alternative teacher training program. As outlined by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in collaboration with the Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), an alternative route program must include at least 12 credit hours of training in the areas of child development or child psychology, family and community relationships, instructional strategies, and diverse learners. These programs must also require a field-experience in a classroom. Typically offered as graduate certificates or master's degrees, these programs often require between 20 and 45 credits and feature courses on classroom management and instructional techniques for various types of learners.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificateInformation">Certificate Information</h3><p>The ITC is valid for five years starting from the month it is issued to the 30th of June on the year it expires. The certificate cannot be renewed, and as such it is best for the holder of the certificate to start undertaking the coursework and work experience required to upgrade to a Standard Teaching Certificate as soon as possible. These requirements include successfully completing the alternative route program, teaching for three consecutive years and receiving a recommendation from their school. Once these requirements are met, an interested candidate can apply through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System.</p>