MICHIGAN TEACHING CERTIFICATES

The Michigan Department of Education issues two basic teaching certificates: elementary and secondary.  The elementary certificate authorizes an individual to teach all subjects in grades kindergarten through five, major and minor subject areas in grades six through eight, and all subjects in grades K-8 in a self-contained classroom.  The secondary certificate authorizes an individual to teach his/her major and minor subject areas in grades six through twelve.  Some majors such as art, kinesiology, and music cover all grades, kindergarten through twelve.

Teaching endorsements may be added to any certificate.  An individual may add up to six endorsements by completing requirements for academic majors and/or minors in accordance with State regulations.  An individual holding an elementary certificate may also earn an endorsement to teach at the secondary level, and vice versa.  When adding an additional endorsement, the individual must also pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in that subject area.

Elementary and secondary certificates are issued in two stages. The provisional certificate is issued first and is valid for five and a half to six years after the date of issuance. After three years of successful teaching, the completion of a master's degree or accumulation of eighteen semester credits in a planned program of study earned after the issuance of the provisional certificate, and an additional reading requirement, a teacher may apply for a professional certificate which must be renewed every five years. The teacher must complete six semester credits of approved college courses or eighteen State-approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each five-year period in order to retain professional certification.

Note: The State Board of Education may refuse to grant a teaching certificate to an applicant convicted, as an adult, of an act of immoral conduct contributing to the delinquency of a child, or a felony conviction.