What level of education do I need to apply?

Anyone with at least a high school diploma or GED is eligible to apply. Whether you have a diploma, associate’s, bachelor’s, or advanced degree, we offer flexible pathways to meet your educational needs.

How do I know if my district participates?

All 56 county intermediate school districts in Michigan are part of the Talent Together consortium, making the program available statewide. If your district does not participate and you’re willing to change districts upon acceptance, we’ll help you find a suitable placement in a participating district.

What if I don’t currently work at a school?

That’s okay! While we prioritize applicants who work in schools, we welcome career changers, parents, and community members interested in teaching. We encourage you to apply even if you’re not currently employed in a school setting.

I’m currently in college. Can I transfer or stay in my program?

Transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Once you apply, we’ll review your educational background to determine your best-fit program. Complete an application so we can evaluate your situation.

What is a unique key?

When you start your application, you’ll see a field for your “unique key identifier.” This number is automatically generated when you begin a new application. It allows you to save your progress and check the status of your application later.

How do I get a unique key?

If this is your first time accessing the application, leave the unique key identifier field blank and click NEXT. After completing all required fields (marked with a red asterisk “*”) and exiting the application, your unique key will be emailed to you.

How should I enter my email and phone number?

Use an email address you check regularly and can access year-round. Enter your phone number without dashes or spaces.

How do I return to my application?

Locate your unique key in the email you received. Copy and paste it into the unique key identifier field to access your application. If you encounter an error, double-check that the key is entered correctly.

Please note that once your application is submitted, you cannot make changes.

Can I start a new application after receiving a unique key?

No. Each individual can submit only one application per year.

What if I have questions while completing the application?

The application includes links to short video guides to help you. Additionally, optional drop-in support sessions will be available during the application window. 

• Drop-In Session #1 Wednesday, December 4 | 3pm – 4pm   
• Drop-In Session #2 Tuesday, December 10 | 4 pm – 5pm  
• Drop-In Session #3 Thursday, December 19 | 5pm – 6pm
• Drop-In Session #4 Wednesday, December 27 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Why do you ask about criminal history?

Background checks are legally required for all public school educators in Michigan. Certain offenses outlined by the Michigan Department of Education may affect eligibility for a teaching credential.

Why do you collect demographic information?

Diversifying Michigan’s educator workforce is central to our mission. Currently, only 10% of Michigan’s teachers are people of color, compared to 36% of the state’s students. Research shows that students perform better when they have teachers who reflect their identities and understand their communities. Collecting demographic data helps us track progress toward diversity goals. This section is optional, and you may choose not to answer.

Are recommendations required?

Yes. You must submit at least two recommendations, with the option to include a third. At least one recommendation must come from a professional supervisor. See below for guidance on what qualifies as a “supervisor.”

What counts as a “supervisor”?

We define “supervisor” as anyone who evaluates your work. Below is some specific guidance for applicants in school and non-school settings:

• For school-based applicants: A supervisor could include a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, special education director, lead teacher, or any administrator who evaluates or coaches your work.

• For non-school applicants: In addition to a supervisor’s recommendation, we strongly encourage a recommendation from someone familiar with your experience in educational settings, such as volunteering, camps, or religious institutions.

How are recommenders notified?

Each recommender will receive a personalized email link to complete a short recommendation form, which takes about 5 minutes. Please note that we only accept recommendations submitted through this form; letters submitted outside the form will not be considered. 

Will I be notified when my recommendations are submitted?

Yes, you’ll receive an email notification for each submitted recommendation. You can also track their status by logging into your application with your unique key. If a recommendation is missing, follow up with the recommender promptly. Applications without two completed recommendations (including one from a supervisor) will not be considered.

Will my recommenders know the outcome of my application?

No. Recommendation feedback is confidential, and we do not share selection decisions with recommenders.

Is the recommendation survey confidential? Can applicants see it?

The survey is confidential, and candidates do not receive a copy of their recommendations.

What if my recommender didn’t receive the email?

If your recommender didn’t receive the email, do not submit another application. Instead, email , and we’ll send the link directly to your recommender.

I don’t have a resume. Is this required?

Yes. A resume with your professional experience is required for admission to Talent Together. If you’ve never created one before, we recommend using a free tool like this one to get started.

How long should my resume be?

Please keep it brief and aim for 1-2 pages.

How do I choose a certification area?

Applicants may select up to three preferred certification areas. Upon acceptance to Talent Together, one certification area will be assigned. Visit our website for resources to guide your decision, and consider consulting local school or district leaders to identify high-need certification areas in your community.

Why do you ask for a transcript?

For applicants seeking initial certification (becoming a new teacher), you must submit unofficial transcripts from the last college/university you have attended. These will help us match you with the best-fit program and assess potential transfer credits if accepted into Talent Together. High school transcripts are not required. 

Please contact the registrar or records office at your last institution to request a copy of your transcript.

Do I need to submit an “official” transcript, or is a copy okay? 

An unofficial copy of your transcript is fine, as long as it is current and accurate.

I have a low GPA. Will this affect my acceptance?
GPA is not a primary factor in our admissions decision. We collect GPA information to help match you with the right program and evaluate potential transfer credits. Don’t let a low GPA discourage you from applying—Talent Together encourages all applicants.

Can I save and return to my application?

Yes. Locate your unique key in the email you received. Copy and paste it into the unique key identifier field to access your application. If you encounter an error, double-check that the key is entered correctly.

Please note that once your application is submitted, you cannot make changes.

Can I check the status of my application after I’ve submitted it?

You may return to check the status of your application, including which recommenders have submitted their forms, at any time during the application window.