Issue 13 | March 2021
Be sure your email address is up-to-date in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System to receive important notifications regarding YOUR certificate.
Please see the archived newsletters for other important information that affects licensure.
Time on Temporary Employment Authorizations is Running Out!
Did you complete a teacher or school counselor preparation program last year and receive a temporary employment authorization because you were unable to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) or First Aid/CPR? If so, you have until June 30, 2021 to complete all requirements to be issued a Standard Teaching Certificate or School Counselor License. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recommends registering for and taking the appropriate MTTC as soon as possible as there are a limited number of seats available. MDE does not have the authority to grant additional extensions or renewals for the temporary employment authorization.
Prioritization of School Staff Vaccination
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program is prioritizing vaccinations for school staff and child-care workers during the month of March. Teachers and staff in pre-K through 12 schools and childcare programs can sign up for an appointment at over 9,000 pharmacy locations participating in the federal program nationwide. Sign up now, but please keep in mind that not all interested individuals will receive appointments in the first few weeks.
Workforce Supports for Michigan Superintendents
If you missed it, check out the Winter 2020-21 edition of the Superintendent's Workforce Guide. The winter edition includes guidance on topics related to:
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Growing the Local Education Workforce
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Educator Recognition
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Educator Certification, Placement, and Permits
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Educator Evaluation
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Michigan Code of Ethics
Save the Date: Statewide Education Workforce Job Fairs
If you missed the March 3rd Education Workforce Job Fair, don’t worry! The next fair is scheduled for June 16th. These virtual fairs are hosted by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Each fair is open to individuals seeking to work in the education field as well as to employers of educators and educational support staff. Watch your email inbox or http://bit.ly/MIEducation_JobFairs for registration information coming soon.
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Congratulations to Joe Sbar, Michigan’s School Psychologist of the Year!
Join us in congratulating Joe Sbar, the 2021 Michigan School Psychologist of the Year! Sbar is currently a school psychologist with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District in Sault Ste. Marie, and throughout his 10 year career, has served as a clear example of service to children, families, schools, and the profession as both a practitioner and an advocate. The Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP) School Psychologist of the Year is awarded for excellence in the provision of school psychological services by a field -based practitioner and is selected from nominations from across the state. MASP revived the award this year to recognize individual school psychologists who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and effectiveness in improving the well-being of children, families and schools, and in advancing the profession of school psychology.
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Michigan Teacher Leader Advisory Council Presentations
We Need Your Voice!
Interested in sharing your perspective with the Office of Educator Excellence on a future project? We are always looking for new individuals to participate in workgroups, review committees, and other projects involving Michigan’s education workforce. To be considered, please complete the following form:
https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Ak0UBeF51NOhPD.
Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
MDE's Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options document has been updated for February. Check back monthly for new professional learning opportunities.
Diverse Education Workforce Advisory Group Invitation to Apply
The Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) has committed to not only provide funding to support local efforts in diversity and equity in the education workforce through a competitive grant initiative, but are excited to announce the Diverse Education Workforce Advisory Group. This group of state and national leaders, led by Dr. Robert Simmons III, is designed to offer insights and recommendations regarding policies, procedures and processes that reduce barriers to the recruitment, preparation, certification and retention of diverse educators; especially those most underrepresented in classrooms in our communities.
Advisory group meetings will take place once a month via Zoom from March 2021 to September 2021. In recognition of the value of time, each meeting will last no longer than 90 minutes.
If you are interested in applying for consideration as an advisory group member, please take a few moments to complete this application survey.
Black Male Educators in the Teaching Workforce
Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Contractor and leader in diversity and equity policy spaces, Dr. Robert Simmons III, began his career teaching Middle School STEM in Detroit, and has had his work published in several educational journals. In this article, he shares the importance of, and need for, black male educators in the teaching workforce. Check out his latest piece published by Medium.com.
Exploring the Impact of Student Teaching Apprenticeships
School districts often wonder whether hosting a student teacher negatively impacts student achievement or mentor teachers. The Journal of Research in Educational Effectiveness (JREE) has released Exploring the Impact of Student Teaching Apprenticeships on Student Achievement and Mentor Teachers by Dan Goldhaber, John Krieg, and Roddy Theobald. The article examines the effects of student teachers in grade 4-8 math and ELA classrooms and implies that hosting a student teacher can have a positive long-term impact on student achievement.
Beyond Well-Being: Education for Wholeness and Purpose
The importance of student well-being as a critical focus of schools and educational systems has taken on added urgency in the coronavirus pandemic. Schools around the globe have taken a wide range of approaches to supporting the well-being and flourishing of learners of all ages. In the September 2020 special issue of the East China Normal University Review of Education, an international group of scholars detail several of these approaches, providing much food for thought as Michigan schools respond to the needs of children and adults impacted by the pandemic. Watch a brief video overview of the articles in this special issue.
Do you want specific details or have a "good of the group" question?
Submit a question and it could appear in an upcoming newsletter!
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