Issue 14 | April 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.
Critical Shortage List: Retirees
On April 1, the Michigan Department of Education published the annual Critical Shortage List for the employment of retirees. State law allows individuals who meet certain circumstances to work in Michigan schools after retirement, while mitigating the impact to retiree benefits from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System. Learn more on the Permits and Placement webpage. Questions about how employment after retirement will affect employee benefits should be directed to the Office of Retirement Services.
Mentoring and Induction FAQ
State law (MCL 380.1526) requires districts to provide a mentor to teachers within their first three years of teaching. New teachers are also required by the law to receive 15 days of additional professional development over those first three years. A new Mentoring and Induction FAQ was recently released to answer frequently asked questions related to the state law and mentoring and induction practices in Michigan.
School Library Month
Governor Whitmer has proclaimed April 2021 as School Library Month in Michigan. Certified school librarians provide essential services to their school communities both within and beyond the school library walls by facilitating children’s access to diverse literature to support equity in literacy. The MDE April 2018 School Library Month Memorandum and Library Media Placements Quick Sheet affirm MDE’s support for school libraries and provide guidance to Michigan school districts on appropriate staffing. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools may utilize Title I and Title IVA funds for “developing effective school library programs to provide students an opportunity to develop digital literacy skills and improve academic achievement,” as well as Title IIA funds to support professional learning for school librarians and teachers seeking to add a Library Media (ND) endorsement on their teaching certificates.
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Attention Administrators! We Need Early Career Teachers To Help With Teacher Tests
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is working with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson to develop new certification tests for elementary school teachers that are based on the recently adopted Lower Elementary (PK-3) and Upper Elementary (3-6) Teacher Preparation Standards. We are looking for teachers with three years or less of experience to review items for these new tests. To nominate one or more teachers to participate in this important activity, visit Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (nesinc.com). Teachers can apply at the same link. Evaluation Systems will reimburse districts for the cost of a substitute teacher. Participating teachers will earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) for their participation.
Job-Seeker Registration Now Open for Virtual Job Fairs
The next education workforce job fairs are scheduled for June 16th and 17th. These virtual fairs are hosted by 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. Job-seekers may register at: http://bit.ly/MIEducation_JobFairs. District registration will open in early May. If you are unable to attend the June dates, mark your calendar for the August 4th and 5th fairs.
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Certification Renewal Reminder
It’s time to check-in on certificate renewal, particularly for educators with certificates expiring June 30, 2021. Valid certification is required for placement in Michigan’s K-12 schools. Please review all certificate expiration dates to ensure there is no lapse in certification. Educators facing an unavoidable lapse in certification should consult with the employing school district to discuss staffing and substitute permit options.
Educators should access the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) at least annually to maintain updated contact information and review Education-Related Professional Learning totals.
School Administrators Must Hold Certification/Permit
It’s interview season for school administrators. For educators seeking positions and those hiring, it's important to remember that state law requires many school administrators to hold a Michigan School Administrator Certificate or Permit before employment.
School Administrators who are "grand-parented" must obtain an Experience-Based School Administrator Certificate. All others have six months to begin, and three years to complete, an approved program leading to School Administrator certification. For more information review the November 2019 memo.
Michigan Teacher Leader Advisory Council Presentations
#ProudMIEducator Video
The latest #proudMIeducaor video was released in March. The video features Central Michigan University's College of Education & Human Services and Mt. Pleasant Public Schools proud Michigan educators. View the video.
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We Need Your Voice!
We want to hear from you. If you are currently eligible for certificate renewal, please take our two-minute survey to let us know more about your experiences in education.
Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
Looking for new professional learning opportunities? The Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options document has been updated for April!
Children Matter. You Matter. Learn SEL.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the bridge upon which all learning occurs. Reading social cues, identifying feelings, and working with a range of emotions are essential skills children need to navigate both the pandemic and the disruption with online and in-person learning. The skills of self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness enhance decision-making and teach a child how to connect with and befriend others. To improve your knowledge take two hours and complete this free, online module prior to September 6, 2021. Learn more.
Read By Grade Three Report
The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) recently released the first annual report examining Michigan’s Read by Grade Three law. EPIC’s mission is to engage in research with consequence, providing rigorous, unbiased research and analysis on key local and state policies and programs in collaboration with stakeholder and policy partners. This first of five anticipated reports examines how the law was formed and intended to work, its early implementation through spring 2020, and its early effects on students and educators. For more information, read the full report or a research summary in the Michigan Department of Education’s report response.
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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