Issue 45 | August 2023
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.
The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opens 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 REP is accurate. This appeals window is only for the purpose of updating inaccurate effectiveness ratings data within 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.
Professional Learning Updates and Reminders
New Professional Learning for 2023-24
Public Act 110 was passed in July removing the First Aid and CPR requirement for initial teacher certification. Effective August 1, 2023, districts need to provide a department approved First Aid and CPR program program to teachers in their first year of employment in classroom teaching as part of MCL 380.1526. With this change to law, all school safety trainings will be accepted as DPPD for the 2023-24 academic year and beyond. For more information, view this July 27, 2023 memo.
Districts are required by law (MCL 380.1527) to provide at least 5 days (30 hours) of professional learning to all teachers annually. Furthermore, 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 Field 24 of the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP).
Teaching Certificate Renewal
Following the opening of the second-round applications on GEMS/MARS for the 27b Grow Your Own School Staff Grants, a FAQ Support Webinar was delivered on Tuesday, July 25, which included a special overview of the updated application screens for Round 2. For this new round of applications, the GEMS/MARS screens have seen several improvements and changes aimed at assisting school districts in being as successful and efficient as possible in submitting their grant applications. The GEMS/MARS application window opened on July 12 and will close September 6.
The overview video of the GEMS/MARS application screens is posted on MDE’s YouTube account, with a link on the GYO School Staff Grants website directing viewers to it. The recording of the July 25 webinar for the 27b Grow Your Own School Staff grant applications is now available on MDE’s YouTube channel.
A downloadable Word template is available on the site for the use of districts who are planning their second-round applications. This is a very helpful resource since it contains all of the text areas and tables that will be filled out by districts making their applications on GEMS/MARS.
Questions from school districts regarding 27b GYO Round 2 applications, may be directed to resources on the website.
In addition, the GYO Budget Update video for Round 1 awardees has also been posted to the GYO School Staff Grants website. This video replaces the previously scheduled 7/18 budget webinar.
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Military Veterans Grant
Another Future Proud Michigan Educators grant is available to military veterans targeting goals 6 and 7 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. These goals focus on increasing the percentage of adults with post-secondary credentials and the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. The Military Veterans Grant is for districts interested in implementing a program designed to support qualified veterans in transitioning to a career in teaching. Consult the Military Veterans Grant website for more information or email Dante Watson at WatsonD18@Michigan.gov. The application window is open and will close on July 31, 2024, unless the funds are exhausted before the close date.
EXPLORE Educator Conference Pre-Registration
Are you an educator working with Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE program? Would you like to create an EXPLORE program at your school? If you answered yes to either question, you are welcome to pre-register for a conference opportunity on October 10th and 11th. Breakout sessions and panels will offer a chance to address frequent questions for instructors and highlight best practices from grantees. The event will close with student presentations and an address from state superintendent Dr. Rice.
9th Annual Michigan Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fair
On October 4, 2023 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the 9th Annual Michigan Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fair will take place. This online hiring event will connect diverse educators to opportunities to participate in interviews and discuss career opportunities with schools. Learn more at the Teacher Job Fairs website.
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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