Michigan Teacher Professional Development - FREE SCECHs

According to Michigan's Department of Education, the Standard Teaching Certificate is the initial credential for those who have completed a teacher preparation program in Michigan. Valid for five years, this certificate allows for unlimited renewals, each extending its validity by another five years. Renewal requests can be submitted starting January 1 of the certificate's expiration year. Although Michigan educators can upgrade to a Professional Teaching Certificate (tier 2 license), it is not mandatory.

Renewal Requirements – Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Completing 150 hours of education-related professional learning is a valuable way to renew your Standard Teaching Certificate. This requirement not only ensures your continuous professional development but also keeps you updated with the latest trends and practices in education.
• Holding a master's degree or higher in an education-related field from a regionally accredited institution, which can be utilized once to renew the Standard Teaching Certificate.
• Possession of a valid teaching certificate from another state is also eligible for a one-time use to renew the Standard Teaching Certificate.

In Michigan, teachers are required to accumulate a total of 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) that align with the subject area and grade range specific to their certification and endorsements.

For clarity, one SCECH Hour is equivalent to one hour of professional learning.

SCECHs are managed within the system, eliminating the need for further documents during the application. The sponsoring organization must submit the programs for educators to be awarded SCECHs, and the educators must complete the evaluation in their MOECS (Michigan Online Educator Certification System) profile.

To renew their Standard Teaching Certificate in Michigan, teachers are required to engage in 150 hours of professional learning related to education every five years. This requirement can be met through various avenues, including:

• Obtaining a master's degree or higher in the field of education
• Securing a teaching license from another state
• Accumulating 150 hours of District Provided Professional Development (DPPD)
• Earning 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs)
• Completing six semester credit hours from an accredited college or university
• A mix of any of the methods mentioned above