2023 Education Workforce Virtual Job Fairs 

The Michigan Department of Education is pleased to announce the dates of the 2023 Education Workforce Virtual Job Fairs, presented in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The 2023 virtual job fairs are scheduled for May 10th, June 7th, and August 9th and are open to employers of educators and educational support staff, as well as all individuals seeking to work in the education field. To ensure a robust experience for both employers and job seekers, LEO’s expertise in hosting virtual job fairs will be leveraged by utilizing the Brazen platform, which features increased functionality and ease of use.  

For more information, including registration, view the Education Workforce Job Fairs website. 

Future Proud Michigan Educator: Grow Your Own (GYO) Grants 

The applications for Future Proud Michigan Educator GYO grants are open until January 31st.  GYO grants are designed to support partnerships between districts and educator preparation programs to meet identified staffing needs. The GYO grants, once awarded, will support districts in reducing or eliminating the costs for school staff to seek initial teacher certification or additional endorsements. 

 A recent special edition of Educationally Speaking identified resources for interested GYO applicants. These resources include: 

• Frequently Asked Questions about the GYO Staff grants. 
• Michiganteacher.org, which features an interactive tool to help future educators identify the right preparation program or endorsement based on their previous experience and education.   
• The MDE Directory of Educator Preparation Providers and Programs, which identifies which programs and providers offer specific endorsements or certifications. All providers on this list are eligible partners for the GYO grants. 

For more information, visit the GYO Grant Website or email MDE-PME@Michigan.gov. 

Annual Certification Reminder and Requirements     

Schools/districts should begin the annual review of staff credentials for 2023. Remind educators with a credential expiring June 30, 2023 to log into the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) to begin updating account information.  

Educators are recommended to work with their employer to ensure they are ready for the 2023-2024 academic year! Log into the MOECS to check the status of a credential and professional learning prior to certificate renewal.  

IRS Educator Expense Deduction Rises to $300 in 2022 

In an August 10, 2022 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. 

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 in this situation, not more than $300 for each spouse. 

MSU’s Teacher Preparation Program Becomes More Affordable, Addresses Teacher Shortage 

The Michigan State University Teacher Preparation Program is moving from a five-year to a four-year model, beginning in fall 2023. The new model is a reshaped version of the well-regarded undergraduate program. It will maintain core elements — including the yearlong internship and curriculum centered on social justice and equity — but will become more affordable as a four-year program. For more information, see this article in MSUToday.  

Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 

Be sure to check out 2022-23 Region 5 Teacher of the Year Karen Sleno’s blog, titled "The Joy — Yes, Joy! — of Spreading Math Love." Also, take a minute to read 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nanette Hanson’s blog about building relationships. Other past blogs from the Michigan Teacher of the Year and Regional Teachers of the Year can be found on the Meemic Foundation’s website.  

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 this form. 

Comprehensive History Webinars of Important Historical Movements  

The next series of Comprehensive History webinars offering educators greater depth of knowledge for social studies instruction in a variety of important historical movements began this month. The first three-part series of 2023 highlights the Civil War Amendments Up to the Civil Rights Movement. These important online webinars are free from 4-5 p.m. on consecutive Wednesdays in January – January 11, 18, and 25, 2023. Continuing education credits are available for educators who attend the various webinars. Michigan educators can register for the webinar series by visiting the conference registration page. Registration is ongoing and limited; register as soon as possible. 

Winter/Spring Counselor Professional Development Opportunities  

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has opened registration for upcoming school counselor professional development. Offerings include Contemporary and Social Issues in School Counseling and Equity-Focused Career Development and Postsecondary Transitions. Mini-Courses are also available on various topics including supporting students with financial award letters, developing a postsecondary culture in middle grades, and supporting students of special populations. State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are available! Learn more at MCAN's website. 

Michigan Reading Association 2023 Conference-At-A-Glance 

The Michigan Reading Association’s (MRA) 67th Annual Conference will be held March 17-20, 2023 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This year's theme is RISE: Embracing & Celebrating a Beloved Community of Literacy. Check out all the great breakout sessions in the Conference-At-A-Glance. Registration is now open on the MRA website.