Michigan Teacher Certification

Keeping it current.

"The initial provisional certificate is valid for up to six years during which time the teacher is expected to acquire at least three years of successful teaching experience and complete at least 18 credit hours in a concentrated area of study (planned program) or a master's or higher degree."

Renewing a Provisional Teaching Certificate

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A new law, Public Act 118 of 2006, which was passed in April 2006, requires that teachers applying for renewal of a provisional or initial issuance of a professional certificate after July 1, 2007 must have completed a three (3) credit course with appropriate field experiences in the diagnosis, remediation, and differentiation of reading instruction. These three credits must be taken during the first six years of employment as a classroom teacher and may be part of the teacher's eighteen semester hour planned program.

If the above does not occur, the provisional certificate can be renewed at least twice and possibly a third time. A renewal is valid for three years.

For the first renewal, you must complete the first 10 semester hours of the 18 semester hour "planned program" which is required for the professional certificate."

For the second three-year renewal, you must complete the entire 18 semester hour planned program.

HOW DO I RENEW MY CERTIFICATE?

In January of the year that your certificate expires, e-mail Deborah Gibson, Director of Student Teaching, Accreditation, and Certification, (gibsonda@udmercy.edu) your

• Name,
• Address,
• Social Security #,
• and type of certificate for which you are applying. (1st. or 2nd. Renewal of Elem. Provisional or 1st. or 2nd. Renewal of Sec. Provisional)

and an application packet will be mailed out to you.

An additional three-year renewal of the provisional certificate may be available if the holder has met all academic requirements, but has not completed the required teaching experience. These additional renewals are available through the Michigan Department of Education, (517) 373-3310 or (BealA@michigan.gov)

HOW DO I RENEW MY CERTIFICATE IF I HAVE NOT DONE ANY COURSEWORK SINCE THE ISSUANCE OF MY CERTIFICATE?

You will need to get registered for coursework ASAP. This is so that you will have earned the required 10 semester credits prior to the expiration date on your certificate, thereby, allowing you to renew the provisional the first time. Immediately contact Deborah Gibson, Director of Student Teaching, Accreditation, and Certification in Reno Hall, room 241 or at (313) 578-0365 or  by emailing gibsonda@udmercy.edu.

Professional Teaching Certificate

"Holders of the provisional certificate are expected to advance to the professional education certificate."

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a current or expired Michigan provisional certificate.
• Has taught successfully for the equivalent of three years following the issuance of the Michigan provisional certificate and within the subject area endorsements and grade level on the certificate.
• Has earned at least 18 semester hours after the issuance of the initial Michigan provisional certificate in a "planned program" (or a master's or higher degree, earned at any time) or have been awarded national Board Certification.
• Presents evidence of having completed a minimum of six semester hours of reading methodology if she/he holds an elementary certificate or three semester hour for secondary certificate holders.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE?

In January of the year that your provisional certificate expires, e-mail Deborah Gibson, Director of Student Teaching, Accreditation, and Certification (gibsonda@udmercy.edu) your:

• Name,
• Address,
• Social Security#,
• and type of certificate for which you are applying (Elem. Professional or Sec. Professional)

and an application packet will be mailed out to you.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY TEACHING CERTIFICATE EXPIRES?

If you let your certificate "lapse," you may lose your job and tenure. You are responsible for obtaining your certificate and keeping it up to date. Make sure you know the validity period of your certificate and meet the necessary renewal requirements before the expiration date. The date of issuance and expiration are on the lower left corner of the certificate. In the event that your certificate does "lapse" follow the above directive pertaining to certificate renewal. Should you allow your certificate to "lapse" for several years you may risk being held to current state certification laws, policies and practices (i.e. MTTC testing, additional coursework, etc.) DON'T LET IT HAPPEN--stay current!