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As we wrap up Academic Year 2024–25, there’s so much to celebrate! Thanks to your incredible work and dedication, we’re making a difference in addressing Michigan’s teacher shortage through the MI Future Educator Fellowship.
A Look at the Growth and Results
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2022–23: Over $6 million awarded
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2023–24: Nearly $23 million awarded
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2024–25: Over $26 million and counting!
Over 4,500 future educators are currently being monitored for their Commitment to Teach in Michigan and the outcomes are:
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1,300+ students are in their grace period or currently teaching.
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$2.5 million in fellowship funds have been cancelled because recipients fulfilled their Commitment to Teach in Michigan.
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3,000+ recipients are still enrolled in their education programs.
In previous years, we’ve been able to issue early payments in September using carry-forward funds. However, starting with the Academic Year 2025–26, this is changing:
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No early payments will be made in September.
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Payments will be issued monthly (and no earlier than October 1, 2025).
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As always, a signed State budget is required before any funds can be disbursed.
Institutions and students should plan accordingly for the updated payment timeline.
Updated Definition of Student Teaching
To align with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) standards, the definition of student teaching for MI Stipend program eligibility is being refined:
To be eligible, students must be participating full-time in a required student teaching experience (also called the internship), in a Michigan public school or public-school academy. This student teaching experience must be the supervised, clinical capstone experience that requires a minimum of 300 student contact hours.
To qualify for an award, applicants must:
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Be enrolled full-time in student teaching coursework, and
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Complete 300 student contact hours in a classroom setting.
Possible Legislative Change: Semester Limit
We are also closely monitoring potential legislative updates that may affect MI Stipend eligibility. One proposed change would limit MI Stipend eligibility to two semesters per student.
If enacted, this change would take effect October 1, 2025, for the Academic Year 2025–26.
We will share additional details as they become available. In the meantime, please plan accordingly and reach out with any questions.
Clarification: Grow Your Own/MI Future Educator Funding Disclaimer
Reminder: Students may not receive Grow Your Own funding and MI Future Educator Fellowship or Stipend funds at the same time.
Grow Your Own (GYO) grant funds are distributed by the Michigan Department of Education to school districts to support tuition, books, and transportation costs for staff members pursuing teacher certification. Districts may choose to either disburse funds directly to the staff member or send funds directly to their partner institutions.
To receive GYO grant funds, districts must document that staff have pledged to serve in the district for a duration equal to the period funded by the grant. Districts are required to report participating staff data to MDE on a semi-annual basis.
Before expending any funds, districts and Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) must submit co-signed agreements to MDE detailing how they will collaborate to support GYO candidates. These agreements must include specifics on tuition, coursework, and testing support.
It is the responsibility of the Educator Preparation Program to share Grow Your Own recipient data with the institution’s financial aid office. This ensures students are not awarded both Grow Your Own funding and MI Future Educator Fellowship or Stipend funds simultaneously.
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