Teaching Experience Requirement

Candidates must have taught successfully for the equivalent of three years, following the issuance of their provisional certificate and within the validity of their grade-level and subject area(s). The success of the teaching experience is determined by the Michigan Department of Education and the local school districts in which the candidate taught.

Experience can be accumulated through part-time work, including substitute teaching, under the following prorating formula: one half or more of a teaching day (2.5 or more clock hours) is the equivalent to one day, and 150 accumulated days is the equivalent of one year. However, but not more than 1 year of employment can be earned during a calendar year and only one day of employment can be earned during a calendar day. There is no requirement that such experience be under contract, in consecutive years or be completed in Michigan.

The teaching experience does not have to be completed before expiration of the provisional certificate as it remains cumulative toward the professional certificate. It is not lost when the initial provisional certificate expires but rather like credit, it remains “in the bank” until you have the requirements necessary to go from provisional to professional certificate.

Acceptable teaching experience

• All public, private or parochial school teaching at grade levels and in subjects endorsed on certificate.
• Community school director if MA or appropriate coursework in this area.
• Community education or adult education teaching if teaching high school completion courses and in some cases general or basic education courses. Most of these cases are determined on their individual merits.
• Federal title programs but only if the position is definitely a teaching position.
• Guidance and counseling, but only if certified.
• Most administrative positions in schools such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, curriculum directors or coordinators.
• Nursery and pre-school teaching only if the school is licensed by the state Department of Social Services or part of a public institution's program.
• Peace Corps, but only if it is a teaching position for areas in which one is certified to teach.

Not acceptable teaching experience

• Any experience not listed above.
• Any position designated as a teacher aide by the school system regardless of the duties performed.
• Community college, junior college or college teaching.
• Paraprofessional experience.
• Private tutoring.
• School social worker unless the employer requires a teaching certificate for the position.

Please direct questions related to educator certificate renewal or advancement to the Office of Professional Preparation Services at the Michigan Department of Education: (517) 373-3310 or visit their FAQ Web page.