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Become a certified teacher.

Talent Together helps Michiganders become certified teachers. Candidates receive their education for FREE while earning an income.

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Who is eligible?

Any Michigan resident with (at minimum) a high school diploma and strong interest in becoming an educator

  • Paraeducators who have yet to complete their bachelor’s degree
  • Substitute teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and still need to earn certification.
  • Parents and community members interested in teaching as a career
  • Professionals who wish to change careers
Apply

How Talent Together Works

We offer flexible pathways that center each teacher candidate's needs.

Female hands searching web information.

Apply

Individuals wishing to become Talent Together candidates complete an application on our website.

Program Plan

With personalized support from Talent Together staff, accepted applicants will enroll in a Talent Together degree or certification program through a partnering college or university.

Portrait of a young student in a library.

Coursework

Candidates will complete required coursework while working full time - and earning a wage - in a school in their communities.

Apprenticeship

While finishing certification courses, candidates become an apprentice teacher for one year, working in a classroom along side an experienced mentor teacher.

Program Benefits

Free Degree & Certification

Our program staff will match you with an accredited and approved Michigan educator preparation program. We pay full tuition and fees.

Earn an income

Earn an income and full benefits while working in a Talent Together district and taking coursework.

Training & Mentorship

Talent Together makes sure you're prepared to enter the classroom by providing rigorous on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced teachers.

Flexibility & Support

Our program staff will support you at each stage of your journey to earning your certification.

Our Results

Local districts that partner with Talent Together.
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Aspiring teachers currently working on track to earn their degree and teacher certification.
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Percent greater teachers of color compared with Michigan average.
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Expected increased earnings a participant can expect to see if they move from a para to teacher role.
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"Teaching is such a rewarding career. Talent Together is a great way to support teaching candidates from all walks of life - especially our community members of color - to lead our next generation of students."
Naomi NormanSuperintendent, Washtenaw ISD
Naomi Norman, Superintendent, Wayne RESA
"Talent Together was designed for aspiring teachers from all kinds of Michigan communities, including those who live in the Upper Peninsula, like me. If you live in a rural or remote area and want to become an educator, Talent Together just might be the right opportunity for you."
Dr. Greg NyenSuperintendent, Marquette-Alger RESA
Doctor Greg Nyen, Superintendent, Marquette Alger RESA
"As a special educator, I know there are fantastic people in our community who, with an opportunity like Talent Together, will become the kinds of teachers our students with special needs deserve."
Dr. Eric HoppstockSuperintendent, Berrien RESA
Doctor Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent, Berrien RESA
"Talent Together brings real-world expertise and training (at no cost!) to teacher candidates, allowing so many more people to not just become a teacher, but a great one. This is a game-changer for our community, our schools, and most importantly, our students."
Dr. Daveda ColbertSuperintendent, Wayne RESA
Doctor Daveda Colbert, Superintendent, Wayne RESA
"Right now, it could not be more important to remove barriers to the teaching profession. This initiative is an example of our great state coming together to prepare future teachers in innovative ways.”
Beth GonzalezDeputy Superintendent, Wayne RESA
Beth Gonzalez, Deputy Superintendent, Wayne RESA

Interested?

Our application is open now through January 5.

Apply