Continuing Certification for Michigan Teachers at EMU
NOTE: Please print, read, and keep a copy of these directions for future reference.
News About Continuing Certification in Michigan
Planned Programs
- What is a Planned Program?
- Who writes Planned Programs?
- How should I apply to EMU for Continuing Certification?
- What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
- What transcripts do I need?
Certificate Information
- What if I want to change my name on my certificate?
- What grades does a Secondary Certificate cover?
- What grades does an Elementary Certificate cover?
- May I apply to become a Substitute Teacher through EMU?
- How can I obtain an Interim Occupational Certificate (Annual Vocational Authorization)?
Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates
- What are the requirements for the first renewal of a Provisional Certificate?
- What are the requirements for the second renewal of a Provisional Certificate?
- What are the requirements the Professional Certificate?
- What are the new course requirements from the Michigan Department of Education?
- What are the requirements to Add an Endorsement?
Miscellaneous
Applications & Forms
Planned Programs FAQs
1. What is a "planned program"?
The first provisional certificate is valid for six years. During that six year period, the Michigan Department of Education expects teachers to continue their development as a professional educator. Indeed to renew the provisional certificate, or earn the professional certificate, Michigan teachers must complete a "planned program" of study with an approved Michigan institution that prepares teachers. A planned program consists of college coursework that leads to one of the following: 1) a master's degree in a field that is appropriate for the teacher's professional development, 2) a new endorsement area on the Michigan teaching certificate, or 3) development of content knowledge and/or skills that clearly demonstrate the teacher's growth as a professional in the field of education.
In order to renew a provisional certificate, a teacher must have completed nine (9) credit hours toward a planned program. Of those nine credits, six (6) must be earned at EMU. Community college coursework will not be accepted toward a planned program unless it is program-relevant and pre-approved by an appropriate advisor.
In order to earn a professional certificate, a teacher must have completed 18 credit hours toward a planned program and have three years of appropriate (documented) teaching experience. Of those 18 credits, 12 must be earned at EMU. Community college coursework will not be accepted toward a planned program unless it is program-relevant and pre-approved by an appropriate advisor.
Planned programs need to have a theme. A set of unrelated classes does not constitute a planned program. Courses used toward initial certification are not counted.
Top of Page |
Top of "Planned Programs"
2. Who writes "planned programs"?
For master's degrees, the program of study that you receive from your advisor is your "planned program". For endorsements, faculty advisors in various departments will write a program for you. See the list of Advisors for 2007-2008 at http://www.emich.edu/coe/advising/pdfs/listofadvisors0708.pdf. Nancy Dahl (Coordinator of Continuing Certification) approves all other planned programs.
If you need a program of study for an endorsement, please contact advisors during the months of September through April. Faculty advisors are not usually on campus from May through August. Please plan ahead.
Top of Page | Top of "Planned Programs"
3. How should I apply to EMU for continuing certification?
Apply using a graduate application. The admission status you choose depends on your current goal (i.e. master's program, adding a teaching endorsement, renewing a provisional, or earning a professional). If you are unsure of your interests, simply apply as a graduate "non-degree" student. Do NOT use the undergraduate application to take classes for continuing certification. For other helpful information, please refer to http://www.emich.edu/coe/oas/certforms/contcertbegin.pdf .
Top of Page | Top of "Planned Programs"
4. What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Continuing Education Units (also known as State Board CEUs) are State Board-approved in-services, workshops, training, or conference credits that are used for the renewal of selected certificates issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Teachers may not use CEUs for a provisional renewal, endorsement program, or the first professional certificate. However, they can be used to renew a professional certificate.
The renewal of all professional certificates is handled by the Michigan Department of Education directly (517.373.3310, through the michigan.gov Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_5683_5708-32511--,00.html ).
The Office of Academic Services does not handle professional certificate renewals.
Top of Page | Top of "Planned Programs"
5. What transcripts do I need?
If your coursework is from EMU, we can access your records. Records that are over 10 years old take a little bit longer to access since they are typically archived. If you are asking to use coursework outside of EMU toward your planned program, we will need a copy of the transcript sent to the Office of Admissions, 401 Pierce Hall Ypsilanti, MI, 48197 (1.800.Go.To.EMU).
You can use unofficial transcripts during advising sessions. However, programs of study are NOT official until you have provided EMU with official transcripts that are appropriate to the planned program.
Top of Page | Top of "Planned Programs"
Certificate Information FAQs
1. What if I want to change my name on my certificate?
Contact Mr. Andy Beal at 517.335.0580 or beala@michigan.gov. This service requires a fee of $50.
Top of Page | Top of "Certificate Information"
2. What grades does a secondary certificate cover?
- Grades 6-12 in the areas of endorsement
- For those who have 7-12 endorsements, they are considered 6-12 endorsements beginning August 16, 2006.
Top of Page | Top of "Certificate Information"
3. What grades does an elementary certificate cover?
- Grades K-5 all subjects
- Grades 6-8 all subjects in a self-contained classroom
- Grades 6-8 for any subject area in which the teacher has an endorsement
Top of Page | Top of "Certificate Information"
4. May I apply to become a substitute teacher through EMU?
No, these permits are handled by school districts, not universities. Create an MEIS account at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5236_29341---,00.html and then apply by clicking on the link to Online Substitute Permit Application. Or, you can contact a school district directly. EMU is not involved in the licensing of substitute teachers.
Top of Page | Top of "Certificate Information"
5. How can I obtain an Interim Occupational Certificate (Annual Vocational Authorization)?
The Annual Vocational Authorization is now known as the Interim Occupational Certificate. Create an MEIS account at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5236_29341---,00.html and then apply by clicking on the link to Annual Vocational Authorization Application. EMU does not process applications for Annual Vocational Authorizations or Interim Occupational Certificates. If you have questions regarding this authorization/certificate, please contact the Michigan Department of Education at 517.373.3310.
Top of Page | Top of "Certificate Information"
Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates FAQs
1. What are the Requirements for the First Renewal of a PROVISIONAL Certificate?
- Completion of nine credit hours after the issuance of the Michigan Provisional Certificate or master's degree in a field related to teaching from EMU. Coursework must support either: 1) a coherent plan for professional development that is appropriate for the teaching context, or 2) development of new knowledge and/or skills in existing endorsement areas, or 3) the addition of a new endorsement area. (Six credits are required from Eastern Michigan University and three credits may be transferred if approved by the certification coordinator. No community college credits will be accepted unless pre-approved. No CEUs may be used.)
- A photocopy of the most recent Michigan certificate (front side only).
- Official transcripts from other schools — if you are using transfer credits. Please send your transcripts to the Office of Admissions, 401 Pierce Hall, EMU, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Do not send original transcripts to the Office of Academic Services in the College of Education.
- A valid Eastern Michigan University identification number (EID#). If you do not have one, you will need to apply as a graduate "non-degree" student or an undergraduate "non-degree" student as appropriate to your educational level.
- Application Form
NOTE: Grades are posted at the end of the semester. We recommend teachers for renewal AFTER grades are posted. We will NOT provide 90-day letters before grades are posted.
Top of Page | Top of "Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates"
2. What are the Requirements for the Second Renewal of a PROVISIONAL Certificate?
- Completion of 18 credit hours after the issuance of Michigan Provisional Certificate or Master's Degree in a field related to teaching from EMU. Coursework must support either: a) a coherent plan for professional development that is appropriate for the teaching context, or b) development of new knowledge and/or skills in existing endorsement areas, or c) the addition of a new endorsement area. Twelve (12) credits are required from Eastern Michigan University and six credits may be transferred if pre-approved by the certification coordinator. No community college credits will be accepted unless pre-approved. No CEUs may be used.
- Photocopy of the most recent Michigan certificate (front side only).
- Official transcripts from other schools — if you are using transfer credits. Please send your transcripts to the Office of Admissions, 401 Pierce Hall, EMU, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Do not send original transcripts to the Office of Academic Services in the College of Education.
- Application Form
NOTE: Grades are posted at the end of the semester. We recommend teachers for renewal AFTER grades are posted. We will NOT provide 90-day letters before grades are posted.
Top of Page | Top of "Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates"
3. What are the Requirements for the PROFESSIONAL Certificate?
- Three years of teaching experience (150 days per year, 450 days total) as demonstrated by the experience report (see http://www.emich.edu/coe/oas/certforms/experience.pdf ). This form is known as the Experience Report and the Recommendation for the Professional Certificate.
- Completion of the entire 18 credit hours after the issuance of the Michigan Provisional Certificate or master's degree from EMU in a field related to teaching. Coursework must support either: a) a coherent plan for professional development that is appropriate for the teaching context, or b) development of new knowledge and/or skills in existing endorsement areas, or c) the addition of a new endorsement area. Twelve (12) credits are required from Eastern Michigan University and six credits may be transferred if pre-approved by the certification coordinator. No community college credits will be accepted unless pre-approved. No CEUs may be used.
- Photocopy of the most recent Michigan certificate (front side only).
- Official transcripts from other schools — if you are using transfer credits. Please send your transcripts to the Office of Admissions, 401 Pierce Hall, EMU, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Do not send original transcripts to the Office of Academic Services in the College of Education.
- After the professional certificate has been issued, the teacher must earn six (6) credit hours OR 18 hours of CEUs that have been approved by the Michigan Department of Education. Contact the Michigan Department of Education (visit http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_5683_5708-32511--,00.html and complete the application process through MEIS) or contact Marleen Higbee (phone = 517.373.3310, fax = 517.373.0542) to renew the professional certificate. Eastern Michigan University does not process renewals of professional certificates.
- Application Form
- Completion of the reading diagnostics course if applying after July 1, 2009.
Top of Page | Top of "Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates"
4. What are the new course requirements from the Michigan Department of Education?
Beginning July 1, 2009, in addition to the regular reading courses required for the professional certificate (please see requirements below), teachers must complete an additional three (3) credit hour course in reading diagnostics in order to be recommended for the initial professional certificate.
The reading diagnostics courses at EMU are as follows: RDNG 592 Elementary Literacy Assessment and RDNG 592 Secondary Literacy Assessment.
If you have further questions pertaining to the new reading course, please contact the Department of Teacher Education, in 313 Porter. The phone number is 734.487.3260.
Top of Page | Top of "Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates"
5. What are the requirements to add an endorsement?
- Signed program of study form from appropriate Eastern Michigan University department, if needed. Coursework must be completed as described on the program of study.
- Photocopy of MTTC test scores for the endorsement area to be added if not already on EMU's test score database.
- Photocopy of latest Michigan certificate (front side only).
- Appropriate transcripts on file at EMU.
- Billing from the Michigan Department of Education.
NOTE: Do NOT send payment with your application. The state will bill you at a later date. Professional licenses cost $160. Renewals cost $100. Endorsements cost $50.
Top of Page | Top of "Provisional Renewals & Professional Certificates"
Miscellaneous FAQs
1. Civil/Criminal Convictions Issues
Teacher candidates are recommended for certification once they complete all program requirements. Teacher candidates with any enumerated offense will undergo administrative review with the Michigan Department of Education. Click here for more information.
Top of Page | Top of "Miscellaneous"
2. Who processes my application?
Nancy L. Dahl
Coordinator, Continuing Certification
Office of Academic Services
206 Porter Bldg
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Fax: 734.487.7089
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Dahl at ndahl@emich.edu.
Top of Page | Top of "Miscellaneous"
