Michigan has 85,038 public school teachers across over 938 school districts, and each of these teachers, if they wish to continue teaching, must renew their teaching certificates. Michigan's primary teaching certificate is the Professional Teaching Certificate. Below are steps on how to renew the certificate.
Michigan Educator Requirements
| Average Salary for Education Professionals in Michigan (2019) | $60,320 annually (Kindergarten), $69,050 annually (Elementary), $64,920 (Middle School), $63,000 (High School) |
| Required Degree | Master's Degree |
| Degree Field | Education |
| Testing Requirements | Basic Skills Test, Michigan Test for Teacher Certification content examinations |
'*Source:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics'
Step One: Update Personal Information
In order to begin the renewal process, the personal information of the educator applying for renewal must be updated within the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). This update must be completed before beginning the application process for certification renewal in order for the online system to recognize one's eligibility for renewal.
Step Two: Entering Continuing Education Requirements
Michigan's Department of Education requires 150 hours of education-related professional learning. In order for the online system to recognize the educator's eligibility, these hours must be entered into MOECS before beginning the application for renewal.
Step Three: Begin and Submit Application
Once personal information and continuing education requirements have been updated in the system, the educator must begin the application. The educator must follow the required steps and submit any requested documentation. At the moment, this application can only be completed online.
Step Four: Paying Renewal Application Fee
The state of Michigan requires that the educator pay a fee of $160 in order to renew their certificate. This fee must be paid every time the certification is renewed, once every five years.
More information on Continuing Education Requirements
Perhaps the most integral part of the renewal process is the requirement of 150 hours of education-related professional learning. There are four different options that an educator seeking renewal can use. The first is that the educator can take six semester-credit hours at an accredited university, while the second is taking 150 Michigan State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs). The third option is taking 150 hours of District Provided Professional Development (DPPD). The final option for the educator is to take a combination of all three previous options.
Renewal Resources for Michigan Educators
Within this section, you will find resources that can be used to assist in pursuing education-related professional learning. The links below lead to courses that can earn credits for the renewal of a teaching license.
- Professional Development: Natural Sciences
- Professional Development: Precalcus for Teachers
