Michigan Teacher Certificate Reciprocity

<p>Michigan offers reciprocity for teaching certificates issued in other states. The Michigan Department of Education will evaluate applicants' existing, valid teaching certificates and match the grade level and subject area as closely as possible with a standard or professional certificate. Some teachers may have to complete additional assessments to receive Michigan certification. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree; teacher preparation program or alternative route to licensure</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams/Experience Required</td><td> Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in relevant areas, or three years of teaching experience for out-of-state certified teachers</td></tr> <tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Requirements </td><td> 150 hours of professional development</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary for Michigan Teachers (2018)* </td><td> $35,010 (preschool); $59,140 (kindergarten); $66,180 (elementary school); $64,540 (middle school); $62,950 (high school)</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td> 7-10% (preschool through high school teachers nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ApplyingForReciprocity">Applying for Reciprocity</h3> <p>Applicants apply for their Michigan teaching certificate online using the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). They will have to fill in information about their qualifications and provide relevant documents, which will be specified during the application process. The application fee is $210 as of 2019. The Michigan Department of Education will then determine whether candidates with out-of-state certificates qualify for a Standard Teaching Certificate or a Professional Teaching Certificate, depending on their experience. </p> <h3 id="section---StandardTeachingCertificateRequirements">Standard Teaching Certificate Requirements</h3> <p>The initial teaching certificate that applicants holding out-of-state certification can qualify for is Michigan's Standard Teaching Certificate. Candidates will need to complete several requirements before the certificate is issued. First, they must get first aid- and CPR-certified from a state-approved provider listed on the state Department of Education's website. Then, even though they may have already taken assessments for their existing out-of-state certificate, they must take the Michigan teacher assessments as well, in the relevant content areas. However, applicants may be able to teach in Michigan schools before passing these exams. The state can issue a Standard Temporary Teacher Employment Authorization (T2EA) that will let these applicants teach in Michigan for one year so they have time to pass the required tests. </p> <h3 id="section---ProfessionalTeachingCertificate">Professional Teaching Certificate</h3> <p>Out-of-state candidates can apply for Michigan's Professional Teaching Certificate if they meet the following qualifications: </p> <ul><li>Applicants have completed an approved, traditional teaching program. (Those who completed an alternate route to certification will qualify for the Standard Teaching Certificate.) </li><li>Applicants have completed 18 semester hours of planned, relevant coursework since their original teaching certification. A master's degree also fulfills this requirement. </li><li>Applicants have at least three years of teaching experience in the content area and grade level stated on their certificate. </li><li>Applicants have completed reading methods courses (six credit hours for elementary school and three credit hours for secondary). </li></ul><h3 id="section---MichiganTestsForTeacherCertification">Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification</h3> <p>Those who meet the Professional Teaching Certificate requirements won't need to take any tests. However, all other applicants will need to take relevant state teaching exams, as determined by the state Department of Education. Once the department reviews submitted applications, it will let applicants know what tests they are required to take. Applicants can view information about tests and register to take them on the MTTC website.</p>