Issue 71 | October 2025
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.
Public Comment on Proposed Teacher Preparation Standards in the Arts
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requests public comment on proposed Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Visual Arts and proposed Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Music. These two sets of proposed standards support goal 7 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan by increasing the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. The proposed visual arts standards would replace Michigan's current Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Visual Arts Education, adopted by the State Board of Education on June 12, 2001. The proposed music standards would replace Michigan’s current Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Music Education, adopted by the State Board of Education on May 11, 2004.
Feedback on the proposed visual arts teacher preparation standards must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., October 23, 2025, at the Visual Arts Educator Preparation Standards Public Comment website.
Feedback on the proposed music teacher preparation standards must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., December 4, 2025, at the Teachers of Music Preparation Standards Public Comment website.
All comments will be reviewed in preparing final recommendations to the State Board of Education at a future meeting. For additional information, please contact Dr. Gina Garner at GarnerG1@Michigan.gov.
New Video: Grow Your Own Staff 27b Grant Sunset Guidance
All districts awarded 27b Grow Your Own Staff funds are encouraged to watch the newest 27b grant technical assistance video. The 30-minute video features reminders of upcoming deadlines, addresses common grant misconceptions, offers proactive suggestions for administering the grant in its final year, and previews additional supports and opportunities the program office has planned in the coming months.
Coming Soon! Michigan Teachers Can Earn Grant Awards for National Board Certification
The Michigan Department of Education is excited to announce a third round of the 27m National Board Recognized Achievement Grant. Teachers who hold National Board Certification at the time of application may be eligible. National Board Certification is a high-quality professional development program that elevates educator standards to improve learning outcomes for students.
The application window will open January 14, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2026. Teachers are encouraged to communicate with their districts. Local education agencies (both traditional public school districts and public school academies) and intermediate school districts must apply on behalf of educators.
Full details regarding the third round of the National Board Recognized Achievement Grant (27m) and eligibility requirements can be found on MDE's National Board Certification Grant Opportunities webpage. Please direct questions regarding the grant to MDE-EdWorkforceGrants@Michigan.gov.
Introducing the Resource Spotlight
The Michigan Department of Education and Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) support every district, school, educator, and student across the state. Each month, we will spotlight one of the many MDE and OEE resources designed to advance that mission.
This month's featured resource is OEE's Directory of Educator Preparation Providers and Programs. Do you need professional learning hours for recertification? Are you interested in expanding your knowledge into a new grade band or subject area? The directory has information about all approved preparation programs, including those to earn an additional endorsement.
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