Michigan

Our Programs

Core Programs

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

Special Education

Get the expertise needed to support learners with disabilities

Courses & Endorsements

Candidates are provided 369 hours of comprehensive curriculum

Our Courses

#TEACH offers the equivalent of 14.76 college credit hours (Elementary & Secondary Certifications), 12.6 college credit hours (Lower Elementary PK-3), 13.16 college credit hours (Upper Elementary 3-6), 17.80 college credit hours (K-12 Certifications) and 33 college credit hours (Special Education).

Our general education programs offers courses in the following areas:

  • Child Development or Child Psychology
  • Family and Community Relationships
  • Diverse Learners
  • Instructional Strategies
  • Teaching Methods
 

Our Special Education Program offers the following courses:

  • Special Education Law
  • Identifying Students for Service
  • Individualized Education Program
  • IEP Meetings
  • Learning Team Communication
  • Accommodations and Modifications
  • Assistive Technology
  • Transition Services
  • Maintaining Student Records
  • Concentration Courses (EI, CI, LD, POHI)

Additionally, in response to new MDE requirements, we also offer two courses in Restorative Practices. Michigan law now requires districts to consider the use of restorative practices, especially when there are verbal and physical conflicts, bullying, theft, damage to property, class disruption, harassment and cyberbullying.

By engaging teachers new to the profession in this training, they will be prepared to comply with the new law. More importantly, however, the teacher will be able to effectively reduce suspensions and focus on teaching the student who misbehaved how to “repair the harm” that he or she caused.

All courses are self-paced and must be completed within 13 months. However, depending on your commitment, dedication, and time availability, they can be completed sooner. 

When you download the course lists below, please note that the number listed in the “hours” column represents “actual” hours.  So if a course says 10 hours, then it should take about 10 hours to complete the course. Some may finish sooner and some later, but the completion time should be within that range.

Did you take your MTTC Content Area Test prior to 1/1/2026?

Elementary

  • Lower Elementary PK-3 All Subjects (ZO) [Elementary]
  • Upper Elementary 3-6 All Subjects (ZP) [Elementary]

Language Arts

  • English Language Arts (BQ) [5-9, 7-12]
    • Note: Requires Content Test AND Professional Knowledge & Skills Test for ITC
  • Language Arts (BX) [K-8]
  • English (BA) [6-12]
  • Speech (BD) [6-12]
  • Reading (BT) [K-8, 6-12]

Library/Media

  • Library Media (ND) [K-12]
    • Library/Media is only offered to individuals who have a prior degree in Library Science with no teaching certificate or to individuals who have a teaching certificate with an ND endorsement that wish to expand the grade range of the ND.

Mathematics

  • Mathematics (EQ) [5-9, 7-12]
    • Note: Requires Content Test AND Professional Knowledge & Skills Test for ITC
  • Mathematics (EX) [K-8, 6-12]

Science

  • Biology (DA) [6-12]
  • Chemistry (DC) [6-12]
  • Physics (DE) [6-12]
  • Earth/Space Science (DH) [6-12]
  • Integrated Science (DI) [K-8, 6-12]
  • Physical Science (DP) [6-12]

Social Studies

  • Economics (CA) [6-12]
  • Geography (CB) [6-12]
  • History (CC) [6-12]
  • Political Science (CD) [6-12]
  • Psychology (CE) [6-12]
  • Social Studies (RX) {K-8, 6-12]

Arts

  • Music Education (JQ) [K12]
  • Visual Arts Education (LQ) [K12]

Health & Physical Education

  • Health & Physical Education (MC) [K12]

Agricultural Education

  • Agriscience & Natural Resources (HX) [6-12]

Other

  • Family And Consumer Sciences (KH) [6-12]
  • Non-Endorsed Content Area (NE)
    • NOTE: Individuals who hold the NE endorsement on a valid Michigan Teaching certificate may be assigned to non-endorsed areas at the grade level of the endorsement held. The endorsement is not a standalone and can only be offered to holders of an ITC, Standard or Professional certificate. A non-endorsed area is a content area that is not covered by any of the endorsements offered in Michigan.
  • Middle Level Specialization (ZL)
    • NOTE: This is available as an additional endorsement only and expands a teacher’s current endorsements from 6-12 to 5-12, K-8 to K-9 or 6-8 to 5-9.

Technology Education

  • Industrial And Technology Education (TE) [6-12]

ESL

  • English As A Second Language (NS) [PK-12]
    • English as a Second Language requires a core content endorsement

World Languages

Click here for important additional requirements for ESL, World Language and Bilingual endorsements

  • French (FA) [PK-12]
  • German (FB) [PK-12]
  • Greek (FC) [PK-12]
  • Latin (FD) [PK-12]
  • Spanish (FF) [PK-12]
  • Italian (FH) [PK-12]
  • Hebrew (FJ) [PK-12]
  • Arabic (Modern Standard) (FK) [PK-12]
  • Japanese (FL) [PK-12]
  • Chinese (Mandarin) (FR) [PK-12]
  • World Language-Other (FG) [PK-12]
  • American Sign Language (FS) [PK-12]

Bilingual Education (See note on Bilingual below)

Click here for important additional requirements for ESL, World Language and Bilingual endorsements

  • Bilingual Arabic (YK) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Chaldean (YP) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Chinese (YR) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Filipino (YS) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual French (YA) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual German (YB) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Greek (YC) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Hebrew (YJ) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Italian (YH) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Japanese (YT) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Korean (YN) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Polish (YI) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Russian (YE) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Servo-Croatian/Bosnian (YO) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Spanish (YF) [PK-12]
  • Bilingual Vietnamese (YM) [PK-12]

Special Education

  • Cognitive Impairment (SA) [K12]
  • Emotional Impairment (SE) [K12]
  • Learning Disabilities (SM) [K12]
  • Physical or Other Health Impaired (SC) [K12]
    • NOTE: Only available if you currently hold a standard certificate or higher OR if you hold an Interim Certification and have completed all required coursework in your initial #T.E.A.C.H. General Education program.

Business Education

  • Business Management Marketing Technology (GQ) [6-12]

Professional Knowledge & Skills Tests

NOTE: In addition to Content Tests, these tests are REQUIRED to be granted an ITC in the grade bands below.

  • PK-3 Grade Band (MTTC 117)
  • 3-6 Grade Band (MTTC 121)
  • 5-9 Grade Band (MTTC 135)
  • 7-12 Grade Band (MTTC 136)

Degree Programs & Graduate Credit

Explore #TEACH partnerships that connect you with degree and graduate credit pathways.

Master Degree Programs

Earn Your Teaching Certification While Completing Your M.Ed. with The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) offers a flexible, fully online option for individuals who want to advance their education career while working toward teacher certification or additional endorsements. Delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this program allows students to complete graduate‑level coursework while meeting state certification requirements.  

Program Highlights 

  • 100% online coursework with asynchronous learning and optional live sessions 
  • Designed for career‑changers and current educators 
  • Opportunity to earn teacher certification or endorsements while completing the M.Ed. 
  • Aligned to state certification requirements and supported by CAEP‑accredited #TEACH pathways 
  • Accessible to students in Michigan and select additional states  

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree and Teacher Certification Online with The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet’s Online Bachelor’s Teaching Pathway is designed for individuals who want to complete their bachelor’s degree and begin teacher certification at the same time. Offered fully online and delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this pathway provides a streamlined option for future educators who need a degree to move forward in the certification process.  

What This Pathway Offers 

  • Bachelor’s degree completion through the University of Olivet 
  • Embedded teacher certification preparation through #TEACH
  • 100% online coursework, designed for working adults 
  • Ability to apply previously earned college credits toward degree completion 
  • Coursework that prepares candidates to transition directly into the classroom  

The following are courses offered for graduate credit through Ashland University and #TEACH:

 

Child Development – Elementary (Download the Syllabus)

  • Essentials of Brain Based Learning​
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Middle Childhood Development

Child Development – Secondary (Download the Syllabus)

  • Essentials of Brain Based Learning​
  • Middle Childhood Development
  • The Adolescent Learner

Classroom Management (Download the Syllabus)

  • Building Community​
  • Cooperative Learning
  • Principles of Restorative Practice
  • Restorative Practice Activities in the Classroom


Assessment & Evaluation (Download the Syllabus)

  • Using Student Data​
  • Disaggregating, Organizing and Reporting Data
  • Principles of Fair Student Assessment
  • Formative and Summative Assessments
  • Evaluation

 

Each of the above listed courses are 3 graduate level credits.

Once you complete the course(s), you will be able to apply for graduate credit via Ashland University for an additional fee of $465 per/course.

Graduate Credit for Individuals currently enrolled in #TEACH

If you are currently enrolled in #TEACH and have completed all of the lessons in any of the listed sequence of courses, you may apply for graduate credit​ (waived courses cannot be counted).

Additional Information

#TEACH Courses are SCECH Approved

State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are state-approved workshops, trainings, online courses, meetings, or conferences that are used for the renewal of educator certificates issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). SCECHs equal the total instructional hours in a program/meeting.

In partnership with our SCECH Sponsor, GPS Solutions, #TEACH offers SCECH hours for all online courses. You must already possess your standard or professional certification and have an assigned PIC number to receive SCECHs.  ​

For more information, please review the information in the tabs below.  

Teaching in a digital environment course is now SCECH approved.

State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are state-approved workshops, trainings, online courses, meetings, or conferences that are used for the renewal of educator certificates issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). SCECHs equal the total instructional hours in a program/meeting.   

In partnership with our SCECH Sponsor, GPS Solutions, #TEACH offers 12 SCECH hours for the course Teaching In a Digital Environment. You must already possess your standard or professional certification and have an assigned PIC number to receive SCECH’s.   

MDE requires 6 credit hours or the equivalent every five years to renew your standard or professional certification. Every 25 SCECH hours equals 1 Credit hour.   

Click Here for more information on Standard Certificate Renewal  

Click Here for more information on Professional Certificate Renewal  

To process your SCECH’s credits, we charge an administrative fee of $40 for this course. This includes checking the submitted work and processing the SCECH’s with the Michigan Department of Education.

#TEACH courses are now SCECH approved.

State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are state-approved workshops, trainings, online courses, meetings, or conferences that are used for the renewal of educator certificates issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). SCECHs equal the total instructional hours in a program/meeting.

In partnership with our SCECH Sponsor, GPS Solutions, #TEACH offers the equivalent of between 362 SCECH hours (Elementary & Secondary Certifications) and 438 SCECH hours (K-12 Certifications). You must already possess your standard or professional certification and have an assigned PIC number to receive SCECH’s. Additionally, you cannot receive SCECH credit for any courses that were waived. 

MDE requires 6 credit hours or the equivalent every five years to renew your standard or professional certification. Every 25 SCECH hours equals 1 Credit hour. Therefore, 150 SCECH’s will meet the MDE requirement.

Click Here for more information on Standard Certificate Renewal

Click Here for more information on Professional Certificate Renewal

To process your SCECH’s credits, we charge an administrative fee of $1 per/hr.  To complete your Application for SCECH Credit, please click the application button below.  

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Courses You Can Teach By Certification Area

This document serves as a guide for assigning staff to common or typical course titles offered in Michigan middle and high schools (6-12 departmentalized).

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Special Requirements for ESL, World Language and Bilingual Endorsements

This document serves as a guide for special requirements in the listed endorsement areas.

Initial Certification

Alternative Teaching Certification in Michigan 

The #TEACH program is an alternative route to teacher certification in Michigan designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It combines online coursework, in‑classroom teaching experience, and ongoing instructional coaching to prepare candidates for long‑term certification. 

 

Step 1: Get Started (Admission) 

Applicants must: 

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution (any major) 
  • Have a minimum 2.95 GPA 
  • Provide proof of Adult/Child CPR & First Aid certification 
  • Pass a criminal background check 
  • Submit a resume 

Once admitted, staff work with candidates to map out their path to certification.  

 

Step 2: Coursework 

Candidates complete up to 445 hours of coursework, covering: 

  • Child development or child psychology 
  • Family and community relationships 
  • Diverse learners 
  • Instructional strategies 
  • Teaching methods 

The program also includes a Restorative Practices course, added in response to Michigan Department of Education requirements.  

 

Step 3: Residency

During the first three years (in most cases), candidates teach as certified classroom teachers while receiving ongoing support. This includes: 

  • Side‑by‑side work with Instructional Coaches 
  • Targeted, individualized mentoring 
  • Ongoing training and in‑classroom support 

This residency model allows candidates to gain real classroom experience while continuing their professional development.  

 

Step 4: Full Certification 

After completing all program requirements — including three years of teaching with successful evaluations — a candidate’s Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate converts to a Michigan Standard Certificate. 

Next Steps:

View courses and endorsements on the page below.

Additional Endorsements

Add an Additional Endorsement to Your Teaching Certificate 

If you’re a certified teacher looking to add an additional endorsement, our program offers two flexible online options designed to fit your experience, schedule, and prior coursework. 

 

Two Flexible Program Options 

Option 1: Online Traditional Course Option 

This option is ideal if you prefer a structured learning experience or want to build your knowledge step‑by‑step. 

What this option includes: 

  • Complete up to 37 online course modules at your own pace 
  • Coursework is equivalent to 14–17 credit hours 
  • Fully online and designed for working educators 

Credit for prior coursework: 
You may be able to reduce the number of courses required by receiving credit for eligible education courses you’ve already completed. View course lists to see what may qualify. 

Option 2: Online Challenge Course Option 

This option is best for experienced educators who already have strong content knowledge in the endorsement area. 

How it works: 

  • You complete a challenge course that assesses your knowledge of Phase I coursework 
  • If you pass, all Phase I courses are waived 
  • A transcript review is still completed to determine whether any Phase II courses can also be waived 

If the challenge course is not passed: 

  • You will transition to the Traditional Course Option 
  • (SPED programs are not eligible for the Challenge Course option) 

 

Important Timing Information (Please Read) 

While the coursework itself must be completed within 13 months, the overall endorsement process spans a longer timeline. 

  • The program requires a minimum of 3 years to fully complete 
  • After coursework is finished, you must wait until the third anniversary of your Interim Certificate before the new endorsement can be officially added to your Standard or Professional Certificate 
  • Your Interim Certificate can be issued as soon as you pass the required test, even if you are still completing coursework or portfolio requirements 

This timing requirement applies to general education endorsement programs only. 

This information does not apply to Special Education (SPED) endorsements. 
For SPED endorsement details, please visit our SPED Program Page. 

 

Additional Endorsement Scholarships Available 

Scholarships are available for both program options, helping reduce the cost of adding an endorsement to your certification. 

 

Which Option Is Right for You? 

  • Choose Option 1 if you want guided coursework or need content refreshers 
  • Choose Option 2 if you have strong prior knowledge and want to potentially waive coursework 

Either path allows you to expand your certification, increase flexibility in your teaching assignments, and strengthen your career opportunities—without starting over. 

 

Ready to Get Started? 

Explore course lists, confirm eligibility, and apply today to begin adding an endorsement that aligns with your experience and professional goals. 

 

Special Education

Become a Special Education Teacher in Michigan 

If you’re passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs, the #TEACH Special Education (SPED) Program offers a flexible, state‑approved pathway to earn a Michigan Special Education endorsement. 

This program is designed for both currently certified teachers and individuals seeking initial certification, and it prepares educators to serve students across K–12 settings. 

 

Special Education Endorsement Areas Available 

Through the #TEACH SPED program, you can earn endorsements in the following areas: 

  • Cognitive Impairment (SA) – K–12 
  • Emotional Impairment (SE) – K–12 
  • Learning Disabilities (SM) – K–12 
  • Physical or Other Health Impairment (SP) – K–12 

Each endorsement focuses on evidence‑based instructional strategies and real‑world application in special education classrooms.  

 

Who Can Apply 

If You Are Already Certified 

Certified Michigan teachers can enroll to add a Special Education endorsement to an existing Interim, Standard, or Professional Certificate. 

If You Are Not Yet Certified 

Individuals who are not currently certified may also apply, provided they meet the program’s admission requirements and are pursuing certification through an approved pathway.  

 

Program Format and Learning Experience 

The SPED program is delivered fully online, allowing educators to complete coursework while continuing to work. The program includes: 

  • Structured online coursework 
  • Mentoring and instructional support 
  • Materials aligned with Michigan Department of Education requirements 
  • Membership in the Council for Exceptional Children, included with course fees 

Coursework is designed to prepare educators to support students with disabilities through inclusive, legally compliant, and student‑centered instructional practices. 

 

Why Choose Special Education? 

Earning a Special Education endorsement allows educators to: 

  • Serve students with diverse learning, behavioral, and health needs 
  • Expand employment opportunities across districts and grade levels 
  • Build advanced skills in individualized instruction and student advocacy 
  • Meet growing statewide demand for qualified SPED teachers 

 

Take the Next Step 

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families, the #TEACH Special Education Program provides the training, support, and flexibility to help you succeed. 

Download the SPED course list