Michigan Preschool Teacher Requirements
Learn about the requirements you need to complete to become a preschool teacher in the state of Michigan. Read about the degree needed and the necessary exam, so you can prepare.
Michigan Preschool Teacher Career Information
Preschool teachers educate students who are generally younger than five by focusing on language, motor, and social skills. Preschool teachers also create curriculum that includes different areas of child development. Those interested in becoming a preschool teacher in Michigan should apply for the elementary teaching certificate with an early childhood education endorsement. Read below to find out more about the requirements prospective teachers need for this certification.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Training Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree with state-approved teacher preparation program; 6 credits reading coursework; CPR and First Aid training</td></tr>
<tr><td> Exam Requirements</td><td> MTTC Early Childhood Education content exam</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certificate Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Requirements for Renewal </td><td> 150 hours of education-related professional development or education-related master's or higher degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $35,010*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 12.1%**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives
</i></p><h3 id="section---CompleteRequiredEducation">Complete Required Education</h3><p>Students interested in teaching preschool should choose a bachelor's degree with a major in early childhood education, elementary education, or a related subject. The program typically includes coursework such as early child development, early childhood education methods, child behavior, and inclusive classrooms. Prospective teachers must also complete a teacher preparation program approved by the Michigan Board of Education, which is generally part of a bachelor's degree. The teacher preparation program includes professional field experience credits, and this gives students the opportunity to develop their teaching and classroom management skills in a local school as a student teacher.
</p><p>Those wanting to teach preschool must also complete six credits of coursework on methods of teaching reading. Students should verify which courses fulfill this requirement with their teacher preparation program.
</p><h3 id="section---ReceiveCertificationInCPRAndFirstAid">Receive Certification in CPR and First Aid</h3><p>All Michigan teachers must complete coursework and become certified in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This course must be taken from a state-approved provider and cannot be completed fully online. The Michigan Department of Education maintains a list of approved providers, such as Michigan Fire Safety & First Aid and the American Safety and Health Institute.
</p><h3 id="section---TakeRequiredExam">Take Required Exam</h3><p>The required exam for the early childhood education endorsement is the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Early Childhood Education content exam. The minimum passing score is 220. This is a computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions that cover four primary subtopics: child development and learning, communication and literacy development, learning in the content areas, and professional development.
</p><h3 id="section---CompleteApplication">Complete Application</h3><p>After prospective preschool teachers have completed all requirements, they can submit their information to the Michigan Department of Education. The preferred method to submit documents is through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System. As part of the process, applicants should submit a completed form, proof of First Aid/CPR certification, and verification of their teacher preparation program. They'll also need to pay a fee, and then will be ready for the elementary certificate, which is valid for five years.
</p><h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3><p>After five years, teachers must renew their certificate. Generally, the expiration date is June 30 for all certificates. To renew the certificate, teachers must complete 150 hours of education-related professional learning. A master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university can be used, once, in place of these hours. The 150 hours can be completed through a combination of programs, including college courses, school committee meetings, and attending workshops. The Michigan Department of Education must approve all non-traditional programs and attendance must be verified for all hours.</p>