Request Information
Fill out the form below to learn more about a specific program.
Choose Your Path
#TEACH is a CAEP-accredited pathway for teacher certification in Michigan. We provide university-level rigor, high-touch coaching, and a structured journey designed to help you master the craft of teaching, not just get a license.
Find the right program for your education career goals.
Initial Certification
Start your teaching career with our comprehensive certification program
Additional Endorsements
Expand your teaching credentials with specialized endorsements
Courses for Graduate Credit
Browse our graduate-level courses to earn credits that count toward certification or advancement
Degree Completion
Complete your bachelor’s degree while preparing to teach
Master’s Programs
Advance your career with our graduate education programs
Special Education
Get the expertise needed to support learners with disabilities
Your Journey to Teaching
Follow our step-by-step process to become a certified educator
1
See If You Qualify
A bachelor’s degree gets you started
2
Application
Submit your application and documents
3
Begin Coursework
Complete enrollment and begin coursework
4
Residency
Complete teaching residency
5
Certification
Receive your teaching certificate
Michigan Info Sessions
Pricing and Scholarships
We believe quality teacher preparation should be accessible. Explore our flexible payment plans, scholarships, and financial aid options.
- Payment plans available
- Third-party financing available
- Financial assistance and scholarships available
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Success Stories
Hear from our diverse community of certified educators
Resources & Support
Everything you need for success in your teaching journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to common questions about our programs
How do I apply?
It’s easy! All you need to do is complete our online application by clicking the “Apply Today” button or you can go to https://trainingeducators.info/forms/.
During the application process, you will be asked to submit your resume, provide proof that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution and a 2.95 g.p.a. or higher. Once you are admitted, you will be required to pay the one-time enrollment fee of $275 and select a payment plan and you will then be able to begin your coursework!
When can I apply to your program?
Admissions are rolling and applications are accepted year-round.
My degree is not in education, can I still apply to your program?
You are not limited by your degree! You can teach in any area as long as you pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in that area. So, if you want to teach elementary, you simply take and pass the elementary test. If you want to teach science, you simply take that test and pass. It’s that simple!
Can you help me with visa issues?
We do not have any guidance documents on work visas. However, we do recommend contacting the U.S. Department of State (https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/) for guidance on employment regulations.
Do I need a teachable major?
Unlike most colleges of education that require a “teachable major,” with alternative certification your degree can be in any area! Passing the MTTC test is proof of your content knowledge in the testing area. Once you pass the test, our job is to train you in the Pedagogy or “The Art of Teaching.”
Can I receive credit for prior coursework?
Yes! We offer credit for your prior college of education coursework! If you have taken courses in a college of education, you can request that we conduct a course waiver analysis. We will grant you credit for courses that match our course content. Please note that we will only grant credit for courses that were taken at a regionally accredited College of Education.
Do I need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) prior to admission?
You are not required to pass the MTTC prior to admission. You can be admitted and enrolled in our courses while you prepare for the MTTC. However, you are required to pass it prior to receiving your interim certification.
When should I take the test and which test should I take?
MTTC publishes Score Report Dates. Candidates should test prior to desired application deadlines and confirm correct test codes.
Do you offer assistance with MTTC Test Preparation?
Study guides and practice tests are available on our website.
How do I register to take the MTTC?
Register through the official MTTC website.
Do you assist with job placement?
Employers may post jobs on our site for candidates to search.
What if my degree is from out of the country?
Testing Requirements
You can be admitted to the #TEACH program prior to passing the MTTC. However, you must pass the test in your desired endorsement area(s) in order to receive your Interim Certification. Costs of these tests are not included in the program fee. The MTTC assessments and the tests are computer or paper based. You must use your social security number with all MTTC Exams in order to process your teacher certification paperwork. If you test in Michigan, all scores will automatically be sent to the Michigan Department of Education.
I took the Michigan Test of Basic Skills some years ago, is this what you mean by MTTC?
No, the Michigan Test of Basic Skills is no longer administered in Michigan. You must pass a MTTC content area test in order to enroll in #TEACH.
I took my MTTC several years ago, can I just send you those scores?
MTTC scores are valid for five years.
Can I meet the teaching time requirements if I teach online?
Online teachers may qualify using portfolio-based observations and some face-to-face teaching.
Requirements for Out-of-State Teacher Candidates
What if I am a Canadian Applicant?
Canadian applicants can apply for an interim certificate as if they are Michigan residents if you are from certain provinces. Acceptance depends on province of preparation.
Requirements for Out-of-Country Teacher Candidates
Additional Endorsement Applicants
Since September 1, 1993, it has been a requirement that a person holding a Michigan teaching certificate who applies for an elementary-level certificate or for additional endorsements must pass the appropriate tests to become certified.
Elementary-Level Certification
Candidates must pass the appropriate MTTC elementary subtests. MTTC #103 K-5 All Subjects is no longer accepted.
Secondary-Level Certification
Candidates for secondary-level teaching certificates must pass the corresponding subject-area test for each subject area in which they are to be certified. Candidates seeking certification in more than one field must take the MTTC test for each field.
What if I want to teach Early Childhood Education?
Alternative certification programs cannot certify early childhood education.
What if I want to get certified in ESL, World Language or Bilingual Education?
Detailed MTTC, OPI, and endorsement requirements apply depending on area. See official Michigan standards and Language Testing International for details.
What if I want to teach American Sign Language?
The ASL endorsement (FS) is available for interim certificates even without an MTTC. In lieu of an MTTC, candidates must demonstrate ASL proficiency to earn the FS endorsement. Learn more about the ASL endorsement: https://b3ff32fb-636f-46f5-9c63-ff1a68703978.filesusr.com/ugd/8c575d_6a2f3d5999814560bca8488fe2ed2bea.pdf.
Can I add an endorsement if I am already certified?
Yes! You can absolutely obtain an additional certification via #TEACH. Like other candidates, you must submit your resume and proof of a bachelor’s degree or higher and a 2.95 GPA. Also, as an additional endorsement candidate, you get the added benefit of a $1,000 discount and credit for prior coursework.
What if I want to teach theater?
According to MDE, a specific endorsement is not needed to teach a course called Theater/Performance. Districts may assign any teacher with evidence of relevant professional development.
Can I teach ESL with a Bilingual Education Endorsement?
Yes, teachers with a bilingual education endorsement may be placed in ESL classrooms.
How many credits is your program?
Programs are hour-based: Elementary/Secondary 369 hours; K-12 445 hours.
Are your courses content specific?
The way alternative certification works is that you show evidence of your content knowledge by passing the MTTC. As an alternative certification provider, our job is to train you how to teach the content effectively. As such, our courses focus on the Art of Teaching, not specific content.
If I pass the MTTC, why do I need to take the courses?
State law requires pedagogy coursework; content knowledge alone is insufficient.
How much does #TEACH cost?
Initial certification costs range from $5,530-$5,925 depending on which payment plan you choose. Discounts or scholarships may be available. See the Pricing & Scholarships page for more information.
Do you offer financial aid?
#TEACH is not a college and therefore cannot offer federal student aid. However, we do have financing options, payment plans, and a payment-in-full discount. Visit the Pricing & Scholarships page for details.
Approved by
