Issue 31 | September 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.
Student Loan Pause Extended and Targeted Debt Cancellation
In an August 24 press release, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) announced a final extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through December 31, 2022. Borrowers should plan to resume payments in January 2023. While the economy continues to improve, COVID cases remain at an elevated level, and the President has made clear that pandemic-related relief should be phased out responsibly so that people do not suffer unnecessary financial harm.
To address the financial harms of the pandemic by smoothing the transition back to repayment and helping borrowers at highest risk of delinquencies or default once payments resume, USED will provide targeted student debt cancellation to borrowers with loans held by the USED. Borrowers with annual income during the pandemic of under $125,000 (for individuals) or under $250,000 (for married couples or heads of households) who received a Pell Grant in college will be eligible for up to $20,000 in debt cancellation. Borrowers who met those income standards but did not receive a Pell Grant will be eligible for up to $10,000 in relief. USED will be announcing further details on how borrowers can claim this relief in the weeks ahead. The application will be available no later than when the pause on federal student loan repayments terminates at the end of the year.
Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: Promising Practices Exchange
Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan is Michigan’s plan to improve public education for our children. To assist in its implementation, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), in partnership with the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), have announced the launch of Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: Promising Practices Exchange. The Promising Practices Exchange was developed so intermediate school districts (ISDs) and local school districts, both traditional public school districts and public school academies (PSAs), can share and view promising practices specific to Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan goals.
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IRS Educator Expense Deduction Rises to $300 in 2022
In an August 10 press release, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded teachers and other educators that they'll be able to deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses for 2022 when they file their federal income tax return next year.
For 2022, an eligible educator can deduct up to $300 of qualifying expenses. If they're married and file a joint return with another eligible educator, the limit rises to $600, but not more than $300 for each spouse.
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Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE Grants
The recent state budget features an investment in several Future Proud Michigan Educator (Future PME) efforts, including Future PME EXPLORE programs for students in grades 6-12. Schools looking to start or sustain an EXPLORE program will want to look for the upcoming grant application, to be released in October. For this and other updates, please visit our Future PME grants page or email MDE-PME@Michigan.gov.
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Staffing Flexibilities
Did you know that a Daily Substitute Permit is limited to 90-consecutive CALENDAR days in the same assignment? While designed for intermittent absences, the Daily Substitute Permit can support staffing for longer-term assignments. It is not designed for year-long placement in the same assignment. For information on which permits can support year-long staffing, review all our permit guidance.
The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opened September 1
Each year, starting on the first business day in September and ending on the first business day in December, districts and public school academies (PSAs) may submit data appeals for inaccurate educator effectiveness ratings for any of the past five years into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). To support teacher re-certification, it is essential that educator evaluation and assignment information entered into the REP is accurate. This appeals window is only for the purpose of updating inaccurate effectiveness ratings data within the REP. It is not a process for contesting the outcome of an evaluation. Any data corrected during the appeals window for teachers in instructional roles will appear in MOECS immediately after being entered by the district.
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Stipends Available to Advise the Development of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), 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. Beginning this summer, participants may earn stipends of $75 for one-day committee meetings and $150 for multi-day committee meetings. 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. In addition to stipends, 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!
School Counselors Professional Development Requirements for Certificate Renewal
School counselors are required to complete 50 professional development hours specific to college and career preparation in order to renew a school counselor credential as required by Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1233 (6-8). Hours must be accrued as follows:
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25 hours in college preparation and selection; and
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25 hours in career consultation; 5 of which must include the exploration of military career options.
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Nominations for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Open
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition the United States government bestows upon K–12 STEM teachers. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip to Washington, D.C.; a $10,000 award from NSF; and more.
Please nominate a 7–12 STEM teacher (the awards program alternates yearly between K–6 and 7–12 teachers) at your school before the January 9th, 2023 nomination deadline. Nominate at https://www.paemst.org/nomination/nominate.
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Explore Military Career Options
Are you interested in learning about the career opportunities for students who are considering joining the military? Earn 5 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) by exploring Military Career options! Visit Understanding the Modern Military for further details.
Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
Looking for new professional learning opportunities? Check out the Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options document for current offerings.
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