State of Michigan Teacher Certification

Michigan issues two types and levels of teaching certificates:

1. Provisional Certificate: The initial teaching credential; valid for up to six years, during which the holder is expected to gain experience as a practicing  professional and to acquire additional professional development through advanced study as a prerequisite for the next level of certification.

2.Professional Education Certificate: The advanced teaching credential; valid for up to five years.  The Professional Education certificate requirements are:

1. Completion of three years of successful teaching experience within the validity of the Provisional certificate.
2. Completion of an 18-semester hour planned program at a regionally accredited teacher preparation institution after the issuance of the Provisional Certificate or an approved masters or higher degree at any time.
3. Completion of three semester hours of reading methodology for the secondary level of certificate; six for the elementary certificate. In addition, effective July 1, 2009 an approved course in diagnosis and remediation of reading disabilities and differentiated instruction, including field experiences, is required before obtaining the professional certificate.

Levels: 

1. Elementary certification allows a person to teach
         All subjects K-5
         All subjects K-8 in a self-contained classroom
         Subjects areas (major or minor areas) Grades 6-8
2. Secondary certification allows a person teach
        Subjects areas (major or minor)
        Grades 6-12