Division of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholar Success

• Begin teaching immediately with an interim teaching certificate
• Receive real-time coaching and cohort-based support
• Earn a standard teaching certificate upon completion

To be considered for financial support from the GVSU DEISS, an employee must:

• Be full-time staff at a GVSU-authorized charter public school
• Have documented support from their school leader

Note: Support from the GVSU DEISS is limited by the availability of funds and not guaranteed. 

Costs vary by certification track:

• General Education: $8,250
• Special Education: $10,750

For participants approved for DEISS support:

• Full tuition must be paid upfront by the participant’s school
• GVSU DEISS will reimburse the school up to 50% of the program cost upon submission of a reimbursement request

Note: Applications are accepted year-round. Support is available to help applicants meet cohort eligibility.

1. Request to Join
Employee must 'Request to Join' Professional Innovators
- Learn what to expect after submitting your request.

2. Upon Program Admission
Employee must apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
- This Fellowship offers a $10,000 scholarship to up to 2,500 future educators annually. 

3. If Not Approved for Fellowship
Academy Representative must submit the Professional Innovators Program Support Application.
- DEISS will provide a decision (approval or denial) within 10 business days.

4. Reimbursement
Academy Representative must submit a reimbursement request. 
- Academy will receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the program cost.

For additional information, visit the links below:

• Professional Innovators Program
• General Education Program
• Special Education Program

Please contact:

Jayme Lesperance ([email protected]), Manager of Educator Enrichment and Outreach, for questions about DEISS support. 

Melissa MacLaren ([email protected]), Program Director, for Professional Innovators program specific questions.