One thing that Michigan school leaders and lawmakers agree on is the need for more teachers. 

As teacher wages have failed to rise to meet the cost of living, getting new teachers to take on the demanding job–and keep them in the field–has become harder.

Michigan has made major investments into getting more teachers into the classroom over the last four state budget cycles.

“In fiscal year 2020 and earlier, Michigan’s state school aid act included no funding to address the teacher shortage,” says the Michigan Department of Education in a press release. “Since then, funding to address the educator shortage increased to $575 million in fiscal year 2023, $448 million in fiscal year 2024, and $140 million in fiscal year 2025.” 

Part of that funding was funneled into Talent Together, a partnership between all 56 intermediate school districts in the state. Talent Together works to make it easier for professionals in other fields to make the jump into teaching and to allow current teachers to gain more training. 

What does Talent Together do? 

Talent Together offers scholarships, stipends for student teachers, accelerated certifications, current teacher training and more. 

Participants can earn a free degree and certification from an accredited and approved Michigan Educator Preparation Program. 

In addition, participants can earn income and benefits while working in a Talent Together district and taking coursework. 

Who can apply to Talent Together? 

The program prioritizes candidates who currently work in schools, but any Michigan resident with a high school diploma is eligible to apply. 

• Candidates with no college credits who are interested in seeking both a degree and teacher certification. 
• Candidates who have some credits toward a degree or an earned associate degree and are interested in completing their bachelor’s degree and seeking initial teacher certification. 
• Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in seeking initial teacher certification.

How can those interested in becoming teachers apply? 

While the application for Cohort 3 is closed, interested applicants can fill out an interest form for the next round.