Michigan Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to the award of a certificate or master’s degree. Michigan’s alternative preparation programs allow candidates who have a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program to pursue certification. If you don’t already have your bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional certification in Michigan. Continue reading below to find out more about alternative teacher licensing in Michigan.
Table of Contents
- Michigan Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
To qualify for an alternate route certification program in the state of Michigan, candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least a 3.0. They must also take and pass the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for the grade level and content area they wish to teach. Once these qualifications are achieved, candidates must enroll in a state-approved alternate route teaching program. These programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree in education.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Michigan
The Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) program is designed to lead to certification in academic subjects, including special education. However, there is a route that candidates with work experience can follow to become certified in career and technical education (CTE) subjects. For detailed information on teacher certification pathways and requirements, visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website.
Interim Teaching Certificate
To qualify for an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC), candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above, pass the MTTC exams appropriate for their desired certificate’s grade level and subject area, and enroll in an approved alternate route teacher preparation program.
Once issued, an Interim Teaching Certificate is valid for five years while the candidate completes three years of mentored experience as a classroom teacher. Successful completion of the program results in a recommendation for a Professional Teaching Certificate.
Annual Career Authorization for Career and Technical Education
Those who wish to teach career and technical education (CTE) subjects may apply for an Annual Career Authorization. The Annual Career Authorization is a temporary certificate similar to an emergency certificate that is valid only for one year for each application. This certificate may be issued to a teacher who is not certified under other pathways but fulfills a district need if no qualified teachers are available. The candidate must have at least a high school diploma and 4,000 clock hours of recent and relevant experience in the subject to be taught.
Once a candidate is authorized under this track, they may continue to work under subsequent approved annual authorizations provided that they continue to meet continuing relevant experience requirements; are supervised by a mentor teacher; and maintain effective or highly effective teacher evaluations.
Testing Requirements for Michigan Alternative Certification
Except for Annual Career Authorizations for career and technical education subjects, all candidates for alternative route teacher licensing in Michigan must pass the MTTC Professional Readiness Examination and the subject area exam for the occupation to be taught. Candidates must also pass a fingerprint-based background check, which is typically completed prior to student teaching in a teacher preparation program.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Under reciprocity, applicants who hold a valid teaching license in another state may be eligible for Michigan certification so long as they can verify their licensure and teaching experience. Candidates will need to pass the MTTC exam for the grade level and subject(s) to be taught if they do not have at least three years of verifiable classroom teaching experience. See our guide to interstate teacher certification reciprocity for further information.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Michigan
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the MDE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews University | CAEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $22,850 |
| Aquinas College* | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $18,812 |
| Calvin University | AAQEP, CAEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $26,482 |
| Central Michigan University* | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $15,758 |
| College for Creative Studies | — | Certificate | — | — | — | $36,203 |
| Concordia University Ann Arbor | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $26,780 |
| Cornerstone University | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $20,112 |
| Davenport University* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $18,333 |
| Eastern Michigan University | CAEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $15,342 |
| Ferris State University | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $12,638 |
| Grand Valley State University* | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $16,865 |
| Michigan State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Certificate | — | — | — | $16,655 |
| Northern Michigan University* | AAQEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $15,681 |
| Oakland University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $14,674 |
| Saginaw Valley State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $15,032 |
| Schoolcraft College* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $7,859 |
| Spring Arbor University* | CAEP | Certificate | — | — | — | $21,535 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $17,832 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $17,832 |
| University of Michigan-Flint* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $12,546 |
| Wayne State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $14,993 |
| Western Michigan University* | CAEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $18,091 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Michigan based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Andrews University (12 months)
- Calvin University (12 months)
- Central Michigan University (12 months)
- Cornerstone University (12 months)
- Davenport University (12 months)
- Michigan State University (12 months)
- Saginaw Valley State University (12 months)
- Spring Arbor University (12 months)
- University of Michigan-Flint (12 months)
- Wayne State University (12 months)
- Western Michigan University (12 months)
Additional Resources
- Michigan Department of Education (MDE): Provides detailed information on certification requirements, required exams, background check procedures, and all other steps in the process to becoming certified in Michigan.
- Michigan Department of Education Approved Programs: Directory of state-approved teacher preparation programs.
- Michigan Department of Education Mentoring and Induction Supports: Overview of the teacher induction and mentorship program for new educators in Michigan.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- How to Become a Teacher in Detroit
- Michigan Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Michigan State Department of Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/Services/ed-serv
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/