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Back-to-School Message
from Director Kelli Brozanski
As we begin a new school year, I want to extend my appreciation to each of you for the commitment, creativity, and resilience you bring to Michigan’s students every day. The start of a new year always carries a sense of possibility, and your work is at the heart of that promise.
This year, our focus remains clear: ensuring every learner in our state has access to high-quality, inclusive, and supportive educational experiences. Whether you work directly with students, support educators, or strengthen systems behind the scenes, your efforts make a profound difference in shaping successful outcomes for all Michigan learners.
I am continually inspired by how educators adapt, innovate, and collaborate to meet evolving needs. From embracing new instructional approaches to strengthening partnerships with families and communities, your dedication helps make our schools places where every student can thrive.
As we move forward, our team will assist you—offering resources, technical assistance, and collaborative guidance to strengthen implementation, support problem-solving, and elevate promising practices across the state. Please know that your voice and expertise matter. We encourage you to share your insights, celebrate successes, and reach out to MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov when you need support.
Thank you for all you do to uplift students, empower colleagues, and strengthen the future of education in Michigan. I wish you a year filled with growth, connection, and meaningful moments with your learners.
Warm regards,
Kelli Brozanski | Director
Office of Educator Excellence
Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
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Reminder: Important Date Change! Application Now Open for National Board First-Time Candidate Grant
The application is open for the fourth round of the National Board First-Time Candidate Grant, funded by Section 27m(7) of the State School Aid Act. Please note this is a change to the application timeline. The grant application opened July 31, 2026, and will close at 5:00 p.m. on August 28, 2026.
Teachers in schoolwide Title I schools pursuing National Board Certification for the first time may be eligible. National Board Certification is a high-quality professional development program that elevates educator standards to improve learning outcomes for students.
Districts and educators are encouraged to regularly visit MDE's National Board Certification Grant Opportunities webpage for updates.
The End of Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Grow Your Own (GYO) Grant is Approaching
The official end of the GYO grant is September 30, 2026. Please review the FY23 GYO Grant Closeout Video, available on the GYO School Staff webpage, to support your district’s preparation for ensuring candidates are supported throughout the remainder of their pathways, and all financial and performance reports will be submitted on time.
The GYO Team would like to remind FY23 grantees of the final Office Hours sessions, which are intended to provide assistance with any remaining questions regarding the FY23 GYO grant closeout process:
Please remember to register for the Zoom session using a valid email address, as the system will send the access link directly to the email you provide.
For urgent questions, please email the GYO Team at MDE-EdWorkforceGrants@Michigan.gov and include the phrase “GYO CLOSEOUT” in the subject line.
The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opens September 1
Each year, from the first business day in September through the first business day in December, districts and public school academies (PSAs) may submit data appeals regarding inaccurate educator effectiveness ratings for any of the past five years to the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). This year, ratings may be corrected back to the 2021-22 academic year.
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.
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Nominate the 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year
The September deadline for nominations for the 2027‑28 Michigan Teacher of the Year will be here soon. The Michigan Department of Education invites parents and/or guardians, colleagues, and community members to recognize exceptional educators from across our state. Ten Regional Teachers of the Year will be selected, with one ultimately named Michigan Teacher of the Year.
Eligible nominees must hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate, have at least five years of teaching experience in Michigan at the time of application, and be in good standing with their school or district.
Nominations must be submitted using the online form by Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Districts and intermediate school districts with their own processes for awarding local teachers of the year are welcome to nominate their winners directly by emailing MTOY@Michigan.gov.
For more details on the Michigan Teacher of the Year program and other educator recognition opportunities, visit the program webpage or contact MTOY@Michigan.gov with any questions.
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Talent Pool
The Michigan Talent Pool is a group of elementary and secondary educators nominated by their supervisors that the Michigan Department of Education draws upon throughout the year when opportunities for engagement and recognition become available.
We welcome recommendations of outstanding classroom teachers and/or principals who exhibit strong potential for professional leadership, and demonstrate the following:
- Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
- Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom;
- Contributions to education that are largely unheralded, yet are worthy of the spotlight; and
- An engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.
Recommendations to the Talent Pool should be submitted by the nominee's supervisor and can be made via the online recommendation form.
The nomination form includes a one-page letter of recommendation explaining how the nominee meets the above criteria. Please note that these recommendations are confidential and should not be discussed with the recommended educator or others in your school or community.
Please direct any questions to Jennifer Robel at RobelJ@Michigan.gov.
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Career Development Resources
from OPTIMISE
Opening the Pipeline of Talent Into Michigan’s Special Education (OPTIMISE) brings together partners from across Michigan to support professionals who help children and young adults with disabilities. Formed in 2021, the task force developed a shared plan to attract, prepare, and retain a strong and diverse workforce. Below is a collection of resources developed by OPTIMISE to support that mission.
MDE Office Closures Through 2026
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September 7: Labor Day
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November 3: Election Day
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November 11: Veterans Day
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November 26 and 27: Thanksgiving
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December 24 and 25: Christmas
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December 31: New Year's Eve
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