Issue 27 | May 2022
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.
Professional Learning Reminders
Districts are required by law (MCL 380.1527) to provide 5 days (30 hours) of professional development to all teachers annually. Teachers within their first three years of classroom teaching must be assigned a mentor and receive an additional 15 days (90 hours) of professional development over those three years per MCL 380.1526. Districts need to maintain documentation related to both professional learning laws and enter new teacher professional learning hours into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). DPPD hours provided related to both laws may be used for recertification purposes. Districts should begin planning their yearlong DPPD SCECH programs for the 2022-23 school year and be prepared to submit them at least 2 weeks before the start date. Helpful resources related to these processes include:
Appropriate Placement for New Grade Band Endorsements
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced the revised teacher certification system, a culmination of years of collaboration with education stakeholders. This collaboration was formed in response to concerns expressed by our school leaders that educator preparation needed to shift to meet the diverse needs of today’s students.
The defining feature of the new certificate structure is the modified grade bands that focus teacher preparation deeply on the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to meet the unique learning needs of children at each grade and developmental level. Please refer to this graphic for a visual representation of appropriate placement using the redesigned certificate structure, and this video, which provides both a narrative and visual explanation.
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) can expect the first teachers with new grade band endorsements to enter the workforce as early as May or June 2022. As they do, it is important for LEAs to understand how these educators should be placed to best support children. Most importantly, the endorsements in the new system now reflect exactly the content in which educators were prepared and equip LEAs with the knowledge to assign an appropriately prepared and endorsed teacher to meet student needs.
Remember, the new structure does not impact previously certified Michigan teachers. The endorsements, grade levels, and appropriate placements for existing Michigan certificates will not change.
Job Fair! Registration Open for June Event
The Education Workforce Job Fairs are presented to connect job seekers to those hiring teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, administrators, and other education-related positions.
The next job fair, which is a virtual event, is scheduled for June 7, 2022, 9am-12pm and 1-4pm. In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the virtual fair will utilize the Brazen platform to provide an interactive and engaging experience.
Registration for the June virtual job fair is now open for job seekers; however, district booths are full. For information about the job fairs, visit MDE - Education Workforce Job Fairs.
Use the registration links below to register for the job fair.
Future Proud Michigan Educator Grants
The application period for Phase 1 of the 2021-22 Future Proud Michigan Educator (PME) grants closed on March 18. The response to the call for applications was tremendous for the $1M in available grant funding. Over $7 million in grant applications were submitted to support individuals seeking to obtain initial certification and additional endorsements.
A phase 2 grant application period will be open soon! Phase 2 grants will support Future PME efforts to:
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Develop a Grow Your Own pathway for non-certified school staff who are seeking initial Michigan teacher certification or support certified school staff seeking additional endorsements on their teaching certificates. Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Public School Academies (PSAs), and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), will be eligible to apply for grants to support individuals with funding for teacher preparation coursework and fees at Michigan approved preparation providers.
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Establish or grow Future PME Explore programming for 6th through 12th grade students. LEAs, PSAs, and ISDs will be able to apply for funding to build an implementation team, design a course, and offer student activities.
Once available, all grant opportunities will be announced in the Educationally Speaking newsletter, on the Future PME website, and through the OEE social media channels.
We Need Your Voice to Advise the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification
Michigan Department of Education, in partnership with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, seeks a diverse pool of early career and veteran educators to become part of the Bias Review Committee, Content Advisory Committees, and Standard Setting Committees for multiple tests in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program. These committees review test materials to help ensure that they are fair to all candidates, reflect the diversity of the Michigan population, and address the essential knowledge and skills expected of a well-prepared beginning teacher. Benefits of participation include substitute reimbursement, State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), the chance to make a difference in Michigan teacher development and performance, and the opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with educators in your field. Visit the Michigan Teacher Test for Certification website for further information and to apply today!
Michigan Teacher of the Year Named
Watch the New #proudMIeducator Video
The latest #proudMIeducator video features Maryna Hedeen, an English Language Development educator in the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District. Mrs. Hedeen is passionate about helping students learn the English language and teaching about various cultures around the world to make all students feel welcomed and included.
Recommend an Educator for the Michigan Talent Pool
The Michigan Department of Education maintains a file of emerging classroom leaders, both teachers and principals, known as the Michigan Talent Pool. These educators may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs. Your recommendations will identify educators who will be of great value to your community and state, and who may also ultimately receive recognition for their contributions and achievements.
We welcome recommendations of outstanding classroom teachers and principals who exhibit strong potential for leadership and demonstrate the following:
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Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
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Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom;
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Contributions to education that are largely unheralded, yet are worthy of the spotlight; and
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An engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.
To submit a recommendation for the Michigan Talent Pool, please complete the online recommendation form. Please note, a one-page letter of recommendation explaining how the nominee meets the above criteria is a required part of the nomination form and can be uploaded at the end of the survey. Recommendations are confidential and should not be discussed with the recommended educator or others in your school or community.
For questions regarding the Michigan Talent Pool, contact Jennifer Robel at RobelJ@Michigan.gov.
Free Professional Learning Course in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) is excited to announce the release of Applied Behavior Analysis in Schools, which is a free virtual course developed by Amy Matthews and Stephanie Dyer of Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START). This course was designed to provide an overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), build awareness and understanding of ABA, and address current questions and concerns from districts, intermediate school districts, parents, and advocates.
Core Teaching Practices Summit at Saginaw Valley State University
The Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership & Learning, in partnership with the Michigan Teacher Education Network, is sponsoring a free one-day summit on Michigan’s Core Teaching Practices (CTP). The CTPs, also known as High-Leverage Practices, are a set of 19 research-based classroom practices effective teachers use across grade levels and content areas to support the academic achievement and development of the whole child. The Summit will be held on July 25, 2022 at Saginaw Valley State University, and State Continuing Education Clock Hours will be available.
Comprehensive History Through Thematic Instruction Part II: Maawndoonganan: Using the Indigenous Developed Social Studies Resource Guide to Teach to and About First Peoples
On June 29, 2022, the Michigan Department of Education is hosting a webinar series in collaboration with institutions of higher education, cultural centers, and the 12 federally recognized tribes of Michigan that form the Confederation of Michigan Tribal Education Departments. This offering will assist educators with the teaching of comprehensive history through thematic instruction. Learning will focus on historical movements, events, and peoples that are part of the rich, diverse history of our country and world. Registration is now open to all educators for the free virtual webinar series. Register by June 27, 2022.
New Teacher Recruitment and Retention Materials
Through a partnership, Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest and Michigan Department of Education collected research findings and recommendations from the field and translated them into practitioner-focused resources that school leaders can use to support their teacher recruitment and retention initiatives.
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