Michigan Online Teacher Certification

<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree with teacher preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Exam Required</b></td><td> Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Reading coursework, first aid and CPR course</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification Period</b> </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Renewal Requirements</b></td><td> 150 hours of professional learning</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Average Michigan Teacher Salary (May 2018)*</b> </td><td>$66,180 (elementary), $64,540 (middle), $62,950 (high school)</td></tr> <tr><td><b> Job Growth (2016-2026)* </b></td><td> 7-8% (teachers nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3><p>Online teachers usually work one-on-one with students through a digital platform. These digital platforms can allow teachers to work remotely with students anywhere in the world. While modern technology allows almost any subject to be taught online, many online teaching jobs are in language education. These jobs tend to be in teaching English to students who speak another language as their first language. For these positions, teachers follow a curriculum which has been laid out by the organization they work for and focuses on developing the skills of their students. </p><h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3><p>Most online teaching jobs fall under the category of remote work. This means that online teachers can work from the area where they are most comfortable, be that home, a quiet cafe, or a cabin in the woods. All one needs is a stable internet connection (wifi or wired), headphones, and a microphone. </p><h3 id="section---CertificationRequirements">Certification Requirements</h3><p>The state of Michigan does not provide a separate teaching certificate for online teachers and does not regulate online platforms. Most online education companies do not require that one has a teaching certification, but for those that do, teachers can seek licensure through Michigan's educational system. The state offers the Standard Teaching Certificate that requires prospective teachers to hold a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program. Additionally, candidates must complete a required reading course, pass a course in first aid and CPR, and pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification exams for one's specialty. One's Michigan teaching certificate can be accessed through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System. </p><h3 id="section---CertificationFeesAndRenewal">Certification Fees and Renewal</h3><p>There are several fees associated with teacher certification in Michigan. The Standard Teaching Certificate has an initial application fee of $160 and a renewal fee of $100. Each additional endorsement costs an additional $50. All fees are non-refundable. Teaching certifications issued by the state of Michigan must be renewed every five years. Additionally, teachers are required to prove they have 150 hours of professional education during that time period.</p>