Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Michigan
The Michigan Government has taken steps to provide educational enrichment for young learners in the pre-kindergarten age group. The state educational policies recognize the importance of early childhood education and its long-term effect on the state’s children. Michigan had a little over 7,000 early education teachers in 2012. There is projected to be an increase of about 13.5% by 2020. As you can see, the state-wide demand is strong and growing.
Many states are just realizing the importance of early education for the educational futures of children, but Michigan established quality standards years ago, starting at pre-k, all the way through 12th grade. They were ahead of the curve in putting the education of young children on their list of top priorities. The Michigan Department of Education works with other groups in the state to ensure the quality of their preschool and early education programs remains top-notch.
Michigan Steps to Follow for Teachers
The State of Michigan requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program (usually completed with the required bachelor’s degree), a passing score on the state teaching examinations, a provisional teaching license, and completion of continuing education requirements. Some public, private, and public interest child development programs hire teachers that do not have Michigan state teaching licenses. The entry level degree for these positions is an associate degree in early childhood education.
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
Michigan law and its public schools require preschool teachers to complete a state-approved preparation program. The minimum standards for a teacher preparation program include a bachelor’s degree course of study that contains pedagogy coursework, which includes teaching techniques and processes, and a supervised student-teaching experience.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Michigan is another of those states that does not use the national teacher certifications exams; PRAXIS. Instead, they have their own certification examination that focuses on both general and special early childhood education. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a 100 multiple-choice exam. Assessment sections include: Child development learning; Communications, language, and literacy development; Specific content learning; and Professional development.
Prior to passing the MTTC exam, graduates can apply for a TEA 2. This non-renewable temporary credential is an authorization to work as a teacher in Michigan without having passed any exams. The state can issue a TEA 2 upon application and so that a student can use the extra time to prepare for the MTTC.
Once an applicant passes the MTTC exam, they must submit to the normal, required background examination and criminal background check. When the applicant completes the application and review process and has a passing score on the MTTC, then they can receive an Initial Teaching License.
Step 3. Licensure
The initial teaching license is a provisional license that must be reviewed within six years. During the six-year term, initial license holders must complete continuing education and teaching experience.
The first time you renew your license, you must have completed either a master's degree, six semester hours of college courses, or 150 state continuing education clock hours. You can also have completed a combination of coursework and clock hours or 6 semester hours in an approved EPI.
The second time you renew your license, you will be required to have completed one of the same options from the first renewal, but you have to make sure you did so within the five years AFTER your first renewal.
The third time you renew your license you must obtain sponsorship from a school district or a private school of your choice (optimally, this will be from the school where you are employed), complete requirements for a Professional Education Certificate, or receive approval from the Department of Education in Michigan.
Step 4. Professional Education Certificate
This license has a five year term and is the next step after the provisional/initial license. Applicants must meet the following continuing education and teaching experience requirements: have six semester credit hours of reading methods for elementary certified teachers, 3 semester credit hours of reading methods for secondary certified teachers, 3 semester credit hours in reading disabilities and differentiated instruction, 3 semester credit hours in reading diagnostics and remediation, and 3 years of teaching experience in early childhood education.
Applicants must also complete one of the below-listed requirements.
Six semester hours in an approved EPI
Six semester credits hours of academic credit in early childhood education at a regionally accredited college or university since the first provisional certificate renewal took place
150 Clock Hours in early childhood education since the first provisional certificate renewal took place
150 District provided Professional Development (PDDP) clock hours
Complete a master’s degree or higher.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Michigan Programs
University of Michigan - Flint
The University of Michigan at Flint is a state-authorized teacher preparation institution. The School of Education and Human Services has a Center for Educator Preparation. The University of Michigan at Flint is a leader in teaching innovation in the early childhood education space. The University has partnered with the Flint Community to operate the Cummings Great Expectations Early Learning Center. This organization has resources aimed at early learners affected by the Flint water crisis which caused lead pollution damage to the residents, including young children of Flint.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science Elementary Education
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Master and Doctorate Degrees in General Education
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Oakland University
The Oakland University is a state-authorized teacher preparation institution. The research institution has a range of education programs that include general education, early childhood education, English as a Second Language, and special education.
Degrees Offered:
Master and Doctorate in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master and Doctorate in Early Childhood Education and teaching
Post-grad Certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with autism
Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching
Master’s, Dr., and Post-grad Certificate in Reading Teacher Education
Master’s in Special Education and Teaching
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission provides Institutional Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education specialized accreditation of nursing
Central Michigan University
The Central Michigan University has engaged the academic and Michigan community as a champion for early childhood education. The campus has the CMU Child Development and Learning Laboratory. This on-campus preschool program for three and four-year-old children is a laboratory for research and innovation.
Degrees Offered:
Master’s in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Early Childhood Education and teaching
Bachelor’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances
Bachelor’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Teaching
Master’s in Reading Teacher Education
Master’s in Special Education and Teaching
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Eastern Michigan University
The Eastern Michigan University College of Education offers an Early Childhood Education program for graduate and undergraduate students. EMU offers degrees at the baccalaureate level, master’s degree level, and doctoral degrees. EMU education grads teach in Head Start, Michigan’s early Childhood education programs, and in private and charter schools across the state. With the teacher certification track, EMU produces the next generation of public education leaders.
Degrees Offered:
Master’s in School Counseling and Guidance Services
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Early Childhood Education and teaching
Master’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances
Bachelor’s & Master’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments including Deafness
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation
Bachelor’s & Master’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and other Physical Health Impairments
Master’s in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Elementary Education and Teaching
Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate in Reading Teacher Education
Master’s & Post-grad Certificate in Special Education and Teaching
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission provides institutional accreditation.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
As rapidly as you get your advisor accreditation and all various other demands as pointed out in the actions above, you can afterwards begin making use of for training jobs in the state of Alabama. The Workplace of College Preparedness (OSR) comes from the Alabama Department of Early Young People Education And Learning And Also Understanding (DECE). It monitors the state-funded pre-kindergarten program of Alabama.
Exclusive childcare criteria vary by employer. The strong pattern remains in the direction of needing an associate degree as well as offering selection to prospects with a bachelor's level. Independent schools make use of really early childhood years educators to enhance childcare and additionally produce very early youth finding settings. Independent schools can utilize their discretion to set qualifications. Many look for incredibly trained, enlightened, as well as likewise experienced staff members.
Head begin programs are a collaboration between the Department of Education and learning and the Division of Health As well as Health as well as Human Being Providers. The program focuses on low-income homes as well as likewise utilizes early childhood years trainers to prepare young pupils for institution. Community-based programs in Michigan play an important role in providing childcare. Especially for revenue checked family members, inexpensive and conveniently available day care can allow an excellent beginning for the kid nevertheless additionally boost efforts by mother and fathers to re-train as well as obtain education or some sort of professional training.
Two-Year Extended Provisional Certificate: This is conveniently available to people that have not gotten a Provisionary resurgence, however, who have really completely satisfied specific other demands. Expert Education And Learning And Also Learning Accreditation: This is a first sophisticated training certification that is legit for up to five years. It is for in-state or out-of-state prospects that have at the extremely the very least three years of efficient coach experience, as well as also who have actually fulfilled the training course research study requires, made a master's degree or satisfied National Board for Specialist Training Specifications (NBPTS).
Interim Training Certificate: This certification means as high as five years to individuals that hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree, are signing up with a state-approved alternative route-to-teaching program, as well as likewise have actually passed an essential capacities evaluation in the coach technique. Spot the Truths on Instructor Accreditation paper for more information.
Connect with the Instructor Certification Customer Service Provider, should you have any kind of type of more worries worrying the certification/licensure process. is a Catholic liberal-arts university that supplies a bachelor's degree in youngster growth (birth with age 5), early youth education as well as learning (preschool using 3) and also primary education and learning (K by means of eight). Dual-certification alternatives are similarly supplied.
The institution similarly supplies primary instructor preparation work programs that enable teachers to instruct in all techniques (K with 5), self-contained courses (K using eight), or a particular technique of selection (6 with 8). The college materials post-baccalaureate certifications in a variety of various other areas, too. is an actually small public college that provides a bachelor's degree in very early childhood years education and learning and knowing (birth through age 8) as well as additionally main education and learning (K with 5).
Public organizations make use of the large bulk of people seeking a line of work in very early youth education and learning. MI Reap is a cost-free on the internet solution that links prospects with establishments locations, while furthermore offering candidates with relevant info concerning the job-search procedure. Different other companies to end up being accustomed to are personal universities, Running start and Montessori institutions.
The Michigan Company for the Education And Learning And Understanding of Youthful Kid (MIAEYC) increases public understanding of the worth of extremely early youth years education and learning and knowing and additionally gives expert development along with networking chances for teachers.
Participants acquire a newsletter in addition to sneak peeks of special conferences. Early youth teachers near Wayne Area ought to see the Great Begin Collaborative of Wayne Region for sensible info as well as sources on coaching young kids, discovering work opportunities along with even more. The MLive Michigan Education blog site covers cozy subjects, problems and also events happening in Michigan establishments, as does the Michigan Division of Info and Events web page.
A Differentiated Preschool is a blog site composed by a preschool teacher that appreciates sharing classroom concepts for setting apart direction for diverse pupils. Funky in First High quality is a blog website produced by an educated educator as well as speech pathologist who shares a range of principles for educating the extremely early youth learner. Kinder-Craze is a blog site created by a Catholic school preschool educator that shares course activities that promote a top quality uncovering experience.
Children of any kind of ages find out best from certified, encouraged teachers. However youngsters uncover different means at numerous ages, as well as additionally an exceptional fifth-grade teacher might stumble in a class filled with four-year-olds. Some elementary school instructors, however, decide they would definitely favor training preschool. Educators with a degree in primary education can make the button to advisor preschool in a fairly brief amount of time.
They additionally require to take an examination to get recognized or licensed, according to the United State Bureau of Labor Information. In some states in addition to for some preschool teacher tasks, a background in main education qualifies people to educate preschool. Preschool instructor needs differ from one state to one more. Furthermore, some preschool programs within each state have a lot more rigorous needs than others.
Training courses consist of intro to mentor children, development in really early young people, the little one in the family participants as well as neighborhood, educational program innovation and also classroom tracking as well as additionally the duty of play in early education and learning and learning, along with several training courses customized in the direction of dealing with a preschool. If an individual takes a complete course load, it takes one year to finish the certification program.
Just how much time this takes depends on when the required training courses are supplied. It needs to take merely a couple of months. Some trainers could prefer to acquire a 2nd Bachelor's Level, a Bachelor's Degree in Really early Childhood Education and learning And Learning. To make a 2nd bachelor's level, great deals of colleges, such as Eastern Michigan College, require pupils to take 30 hrs of courses.
It is a sad reality for most parents that if their child has a need for special education or if the child is struggling to learn a particular skill or subject, they will be placed into a category that falls somewhere between the "regular" education of their peers and the "special education" of a preschool teacher. With the help of a competent and qualified preschool teacher, children can overcome many obstacles that could prevent them from learning at a very high level.
As a preschool teacher in Michigan, you will be responsible for helping your students learn about reading and spelling, mathematics and science, as well as the fundamentals of social skills and responsibility and leadership. In addition to being taught through classroom sessions, you should also have some experience teaching children at home or in school so that you can build up your skills and knowledge with these young learners over time.
The first step in becoming a certified preschool teacher in Michigan is to find a school that offers this type of education. In Michigan, there are several schools that offer special education programs in preschool education, so make sure to check with your local educational agency to see if they have any programs in place. You can also contact your local community college in your area to see if they offer training in teaching preschoolers. Some colleges also offer summer and short term courses that may be useful for your personal interests, such as music, arts and crafts, reading, or other subjects that you enjoy.
Once you have decided which school you want to enroll your child in, it's time to begin the education program. You will need to meet certain requirements for enrollment, such as having a doctor's recommendation for your child, and an undergraduate degree. Your school may also request that you have a certification from a national organization such as the Educational Testing Service or the Council of Educational Laboratory Accreditation. These certifications will ensure that you are able to teach and that you are qualified to be a teacher in this type of position.
Once you have been accepted into a preschool education program in Michigan, the next step is to take care of the administrative and clinical aspects of your role as a preschool teacher. You will need to develop a schedule for your child, supervise your child's progress and give them regular feedback on their work. In addition to that, you will also be responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans for your preschoolers. and ensuring that all of the material that is taught to them meets federal and state guidelines.
Once you have completed your education program and have earned your teaching license, you can apply for jobs within your preschool education program. You can become a part-time instructor, full-time instructor, or even both. You will need to pass an exam and pass a background test before you can become a full-time certified preschool teacher in Michigan.
The next step after that is to work within your preschool program to help your children meet their learning needs. Your job will include teaching math and science, helping your children understand basic concepts of reading, writing, speaking, math and science, helping your children create and follow directions, and giving them examples to teach themselves. If you find that your child's level of learning or progress isn't where it needs to be yet, you can even provide tutoring sessions so that they will continue to develop their skills.
You may also find yourself involved in some of the teaching activities that a school provides for its new students, such as planning and teaching games and activities, organizing field trips and other group activities. As your children grow and mature, you will be asked to lead and mentor students who need extra guidance.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
As soon as you acquire your teaching certification and all other requirements as mentioned in the steps above, you can then start applying for teaching jobs in the state of Alabama. The Office of School Readiness (OSR) is part of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (DECE). It is in charge of administering the state-funded pre-kindergarten program of Alabama.
The OSR provides first-class Pre-K classes in a variety of settings.
Private Childcare or Daycare –
Private childcare standards vary by employer. The strong trend is towards requiring an associate degree and giving preference to candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Public Schools –
Private schools use early childhood educators to enhance childcare and create early childhood learning environments. Private schools can use their discretion to set qualifications. Most look for highly trained, educated, and experienced workers.
Head Start Programs –
Head Start programs are sponsored by the federal government, often in partnership with a state or local government or public body. Head start programs are a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. The program focuses on low-income families and uses early childhood educators to prepare young learners for school.
Community-based programs –
Community-based programs in Michigan play an important role in providing childcare. Particularly for income challenged families, low cost and available child care can enable a good start for the child but also complement efforts by parents to re-train and get education or some type of vocational training.
Faith-based programs –
Faith-based programs can be a valuable source of early childhood education services. Many faith-based institutions sponsor or affiliate with colleges and universities that educate future teachers. Faith-based early childhood education occurs in childcare centers and includes special efforts to reach under-served communities.
Military programs –
Military programs provide early childhood education services along with childcare. Military child care centers use a model that promotes early education from highly trained staff. Requirements vary, but these programs prefer candidates with experience and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field.