Meet an Alumni: Shelby Curtiss
Eric Hanby, a dedicated educator, made the switch to teaching after a career in healthcare administration. He currently teaches eighth-grade science at Cass City Junior Senior High School in Cass City, Michigan.
Meet a TC: Eric Hanby
Eric Hanby, a dedicated educator, made the switch to teaching after a career in healthcare administration. He currently teaches eighth-grade science at Cass City Junior Senior High School in Cass City, Michigan.
Meet an Alumni: Marin Jewell
After 16 years in general education, Marin expanded her impact through special education and now serves as a resource room teacher supporting students in grades 4–6 at Westfield Charter Academy. Through strong routines, meaningful literacy instruction, and individualized support, she helps students build skills, confidence, and a love of learning.
Meet a TC: Colleen Rouse-Ruttan
Inspired by a love of languages, culture, and connecting with students, Colleen transitioned from 15 years as a high school testing coordinator into teaching multilingual learners. Now supporting K–5 students at Oxford Community Schools, she brings joy to literacy instruction while helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Conference
MDE Teaching Certificates and Endorsement Areas Types of Teaching Certificates Wondering what type of teaching certificate you’ll earn—or what options might be available to you in the future? Michigan offers several types of teaching certificates, and each one has specific requirements, such as coursework, testing, professional development, and teaching experience and it’s important that you understand the unique requirements for the specifiic type of certification you will earn. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) shares official, detailed information about all certification pathways through its Educator Certification and Educator Services resources, so you can understand what’s required and plan your next steps with confidence. Please see below for a summary of each type of teacher certificate, and then dive into the MDE resources for more detailed information. MDE: Teaching Certificate Requirements Learn more >> Provisional Certificate Issued to individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program Requires passing the required subject-area tests Serves as an initial “standard” certificate before advancing to the Professional certificate Professional Education certificate A renewable certificate Earned after completing additional requirements such as: Teaching experience Professional development Additional coursework (as required by law) Interim Teaching Certificate In Michigan, the Interim Teaching Certificate is a temporary certificate that allows individuals to teach after passing the subject area test and while they work to complete their coursework. A temporary certificate issued to individuals in approved alternative route programs Allows individuals to teach while completing program coursework Requires: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher Acceptance into an approved alternative route provider Required pre-service coursework and/or field-based experiences Passing the required MTTC subject-area test(s) Valid for up to five years To transition from an Interim to a Standard Teaching Certificate, teacher candidates must: Successfully complete the entire alternative route program. Complete three years of successful teaching within their endorsement area(s). Standard / Provisional Teaching Certificate​ The Standard or Provisional Teaching Certificate is the typical initial credential for Michigan teachers. Requirements typically include: Completing an approved teacher preparation program Completing clinical experience/student teaching Passing the required MTTC exams Features: Serves as the initial standard teaching license Leads toward the Professional Education Certificate, a renewable advanced credential Valid for up to five years, renewable through continuing education Allows teaching in the endorsement area(s) for which the approved program and tests were completed Standard Teaching Certificate​ Issued to individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and passed required subject-area tests Considered the regular, renewable teaching certificate Authorizes teaching in the endorsement area(s) of the candidate’s approved program Renewable every five years with completed continuing education Additional Endorsements Endorsements can be added to an existing certificate Allow teachers to teach new subject areas or different grade levels Requirements vary by endorsement Endorsement Areas What is a teaching endorsement? A teaching endorsement explains what subject(s) and grade levels you are allowed to teach in Michigan. Your endorsement is based on your education, training, and required tests. Check your teaching certificate Your Michigan teaching certificate lists one or more endorsement codes (short letter codes like EX or LX). These codes show the subjects and grade levels you are qualified to teach. Use the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides official, detailed information about all teaching endorsements. On the MDE website, look for information for guidance on courses that can be taught. You can match the endorsement code(s) on your certificate with MDE’s descriptions to see exactly what each endorsement allows you to teach. Understand grade-level ranges Each endorsement is tied to a specific grade range, such as: Elementary: K–5 or K–8 Secondary: 6–12 All Grades: K–12 (varies by subject) The grade range tells you which students you are authorized to teach. Need help? If you still have questions, you can contact the Office of Educator Excellence at the Michigan Department of Education. Share your endorsement code(s) and your question, and they can give you a clear answer about what your certification allows you to teach. MDE: Courses That Can Be Taught Learn more >> Table of Contents
The Power of Mentorship in Teaching Apprenticeships
The Power of Mentorship in Teaching Apprenticeships A Partnership for Success Translating preparation program coursework into real, responsive teaching takes more than theory; it requires guidance, reflection, and support within the classroom. That’s where mentorship makes the difference. Mentor Teachers open their classrooms, demonstrate best practices, and model what effective teaching looks like in action. In turn, Apprentice Teachers gain hands-on classroom experience, helping them build confidence, refine their practice, and enter the profession better prepared to stay. Together, they create a collaborative learning environment where growth happens for educators and students. Why Mentorship Matters Mentor teachers are a key requirement for a Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Program. Mentor Teachers play a vital role in guiding Apprentice Teacher Candidates through on-the-job learning. They demonstrate essential teaching practices, including effective classroom management and the use of high-quality instructional materials. In Talent Together’s Teacher Candidate Survey, an overwhelming 95% of Apprentice Teacher Candidates reported feeling supported by their Mentor Teacher in successfully fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. Additionally, 94% agreed that their Mentor Teacher provides them with valuable, high-quality feedback they can apply in the classroom. During Talent Together’s year-long Registered Apprenticeship Program, Teacher Candidates are placed in the classroom working alongside a Mentor Teacher. Talent Together Apprentice Teacher Liz Chapman at Kalamazoo Public Schools shares this about her experience, “Being in the classroom for the entire school year allows me the opportunity to observe a more genuine picture of teaching. I have time to grow and change with the students and the curriculum, developing more fully as a teacher. The insight my mentor offers into the thought process of a successful teacher is incredibly valuable.” A look into Talent Together Mentor and Apprentice Teacher Pairs Mentor Teacher Diana Mickles and Apprentice Teacher Jasmine Jarmon Mentor Teacher Diana Mickles and Apprentice Teacher Jasmine Jarmon are demonstrating the power of mentorship at Ferndale Public Schools. For Jasmine, this apprenticeship marked a meaningful step outside her comfort zone. After years of working in one-on-one intervention teaching, starting to teach a full classroom was a new experience, but one that helped her grow in confidence and patience. With the guidance of her Mentor Teacher, she learned how to balance meeting individual student needs while leading whole-class instruction, preparing her to take on a classroom of her own confidently. For her Mentor Teacher, Diana, the experience reinforced the power of collaboration. Having Jasmine in the classroom allowed for shared lesson planning, co-teaching, and real-time problem solving. Mentor Teacher Diana shares, “Through Talent Together’s mentor professional learning and reflective conversations with other mentors, I have become even more intentional in my instructional choices and modeling my thinking for future educators.” Mentor Teacher Roxann Smith and Apprentice Teacher Lucy Rangel De Jackson In a Special Education classroom at Traverse City Area Public Schools, Mentor Teacher Roxann Smith and Apprentice Teacher Lucy Rangel De Jackson demonstrate the power of mentorship in practice. Lucy shares, “I’ve learned that flexibility is my greatest tool. This journey has shaped me into a creative problem-solver. I’ve learned to adapt my environment and my expectations in real-time to meet students where they are.” This mentorship has strengthened both Lucy and Roxann by emphasizing adaptability and collaboration. Lucy has grown more confident in adjusting instruction, supporting diverse learners, and contributing as a full member of the teaching team. For Roxann, mentoring has sharpened her practice by making her instructional decisions more intentional and reinforcing the value of shared resilience in Special Education classrooms. “To be a mentor, I had to re-learn how to articulate the why behind every split-second decision I make. I can no longer just ‘know’ how to de-escalate a situation; I have to be able to explain the behavioral theory and the sensory needs behind it to Lucy. This journey has made me a more precise educator and a more thoughtful communicator with parents and specialists,” shares Mentor Teacher Roxann. Mentor Teacher Sean LaForge and Apprentice Teacher Michelle Harrington At Roseville Community Schools, Mentor Teacher Sean LaForge and Apprentice Teacher Michelle Harrington focus on student engagement through differentiated activities that increase participation. Michelle shares, “ I have found that students are most engaged when we are using an active teaching strategy where they are up out of their seats and moving around into different stations or activities. I will definitely be using this strategy in my own classroom in the future.” This energetic teaching pair works together to set clear expectations for their students in a relaxed atmosphere. They work hard to form bonds with students and take time to learn each personality in their classroom. “There is a certain level of experience you can get from being a sub, but actually being in a teaching position full-time with the same students each day is transforming me as a teacher. It really is helpful when encountering difficult situations to have someone right there with you to provide guidance or advice,” shares Michelle. Mentor Teacher Sean shared that he is pleased with the positive impact Michelle is making in his classroom. “Mentoring has pushed me to verbalize and reflect on my own teaching strategies. That process has strengthened my practice and made me a better teacher as well.” Honoring Mentors and Apprentices We are incredibly grateful for all the Mentor Teachers who have partnered with Talent Together across our last three cohorts. Their time, expertise, and care are invaluable. We also celebrate our Apprentices, who are stepping confidently into the teaching profession, learning from their Mentor Teachers, and shaping the future of education. Talent Together remains committed to mentorship-driven preparation, ensuring every new teacher has the guidance and support needed to succeed. Learn more about being a Mentor Teacher with Talent Together! Kriha, N., George, D., Feinstein, J., & Skubel, A. (2025, October). Building futures: Strengthening the educator workforce through teacher apprenticeships (RTAP National Report). The Education Trust & Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance. https://edtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RTAP-National-Report-Final.pdf
Program addresses Michigan’s teacher shortage by recruiting from the community
Program addresses Michigan’s teacher shortage by recruiting from the community By Dee Morrison, WGVU News A statewide non-profit organization is tapping coaches, bus drivers, or lunchroom attendants for a unique training program Talent Together operates what leaders call a “grow your own” program to address the state’s teacher shortage. Executive Director Dr. Sarena Shivers explains. “We are looking for potential teachers right in the communities that they currently serve. They may already be a bus driver, maybe they are a parent, maybe they’re a teacher’s assistant. In some capacity, they are already serving in that community, and what we do is help them find their way to the teacher classroom certification by matching them with a postsecondary institution.” Classes are virtual, allowing candidates to receive post-secondary education while living and working in their own community. The program also includes a year-long apprenticeship with a master teacher. “One more thing that makes our program unique is that we are partnered and recognized as an apprentice program through the US Department of Labor, and our Teacher Candidates receive 80% of a teacher’s salary in full benefits during that apprenticeship year.” Talent Together is led by all 56 intermediate school districts and regional education service agencies in Michigan so is available statewide. Since its launch in 2022, it has placed 218 teachers and another 137 will join the teacher workforce at the end of this school year. Talent Together received 1,703 applications for its 4th cohort. Listen to the full conversation here
Types of Teaching Certification
MDE Teaching Certificates and Endorsement Areas Types of Teaching Certificates Wondering what type of teaching certificate you’ll earn—or what options might be available to you in the future? Michigan offers several types of teaching certificates, and each one has specific requirements, such as coursework, testing, professional development, and teaching experience and it’s important that you understand the unique requirements for the specifiic type of certification you will earn. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) shares official, detailed information about all certification pathways through its Educator Certification and Educator Services resources, so you can understand what’s required and plan your next steps with confidence. Please see below for a summary of each type of teacher certificate, and then dive into the MDE resources for more detailed information. MDE: Teaching Certificate Requirements Learn more >> Provisional Certificate Issued to individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program Requires passing the required subject-area tests Serves as an initial “standard” certificate before advancing to the Professional certificate Professional Education certificate A renewable certificate Earned after completing additional requirements such as: Teaching experience Professional development Additional coursework (as required by law) Interim Teaching Certificate In Michigan, the Interim Teaching Certificate is a temporary certificate that allows individuals to teach after passing the subject area test and while they work to complete their coursework. A temporary certificate issued to individuals in approved alternative route programs Allows individuals to teach while completing program coursework Requires: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher Acceptance into an approved alternative route provider Required pre-service coursework and/or field-based experiences Passing the required MTTC subject-area test(s) Valid for up to five years To transition from an Interim to a Standard Teaching Certificate, teacher candidates must: Successfully complete the entire alternative route program. Complete three years of successful teaching within their endorsement area(s). Standard / Provisional Teaching Certificate​ The Standard or Provisional Teaching Certificate is the typical initial credential for Michigan teachers. Requirements typically include: Completing an approved teacher preparation program Completing clinical experience/student teaching Passing the required MTTC exams Features: Serves as the initial standard teaching license Leads toward the Professional Education Certificate, a renewable advanced credential Valid for up to five years, renewable through continuing education Allows teaching in the endorsement area(s) for which the approved program and tests were completed Standard Teaching Certificate​ Issued to individuals who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and passed required subject-area tests Considered the regular, renewable teaching certificate Authorizes teaching in the endorsement area(s) of the candidate’s approved program Renewable every five years with completed continuing education Additional Endorsements Endorsements can be added to an existing certificate Allow teachers to teach new subject areas or different grade levels Requirements vary by endorsement Endorsement Areas What is a teaching endorsement? A teaching endorsement explains what subject(s) and grade levels you are allowed to teach in Michigan. Your endorsement is based on your education, training, and required tests. Check your teaching certificate Your Michigan teaching certificate lists one or more endorsement codes (short letter codes like EX or LX). These codes show the subjects and grade levels you are qualified to teach. Use the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) website The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides official, detailed information about all teaching endorsements. On the MDE website, look for information for guidance on courses that can be taught. You can match the endorsement code(s) on your certificate with MDE’s descriptions to see exactly what each endorsement allows you to teach. Understand grade-level ranges Each endorsement is tied to a specific grade range, such as: Elementary: K–5 or K–8 Secondary: 6–12 All Grades: K–12 (varies by subject) The grade range tells you which students you are authorized to teach. Need help? If you still have questions, you can contact the Office of Educator Excellence at the Michigan Department of Education. Share your endorsement code(s) and your question, and they can give you a clear answer about what your certification allows you to teach. MDE: Courses That Can Be Taught Learn more >> Table of Contents
My Endorsement
My Endorsement TC Resources > Certification & Offboarding Have you ever wondered what your Michigan teaching endorsement allows you to teach?Below are the essential steps for finding accurate, official information. Review Your Michigan Teaching Certificate Your teaching certificate will list your specific endorsement area(s) based on your education, training, and testing. These endorsement codes determine the subject(s) and grade level(s) you are qualified to teach. Visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Website The MDE provides detailed, authoritative information on teaching endorsements. You can find this information under: Educator Certification Approved Programs Look Up Endorsement Codes Michigan uses endorsement codes (e.g., EX, LX) to identify different subject areas and grade levels. To understand what your code means: Locate the endorsement code(s) listed on your certificate Cross-reference them with MDE’s official endorsement descriptions This will tell you exactly which subjects and grade levels your endorsement covers. Review Grade-Level Bands Endorsements in Michigan are typically aligned to specific grade bands, such as: Elementary: K–5 or K–8 Secondary: 6–12 All Grades: K–12 (varies by subject) Your endorsement’s grade band determines the student populations you are authorized to teach. Contact the MDE Certification Office (If Needed) If you still have questions or need clarification: Contact the Office of Educator Excellence at the Michigan Department of Education Provide your endorsement code(s) and specific questions They can give you definitive answers about what your certification allows you to teach. Table of Contents
MTTC Prep
MTTC Preparation The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a required step for earning teacher certification in Michigan, ensuring that candidates demonstrate both professional readiness and subject-area knowledge. Each post-secondary program has its own guidelines for when to take the MTTC, so it’s important to confirm timing with your PSI advisor. Planning ahead is key to successfully navigating this important requirement. Why is the MTTC required? The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) states: Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1531 requires a testing program as part of Michigan’s teacher certification requirements to ensure that certified teachers can demonstrate the necessary professional readiness and content knowledge to serve in Michigan schools. The MTTC program consists of subject area tests, one for each endorsement area a candidate is seeking. Individuals should not take an MTTC without first being directed to by MDE or a preparation program. An individual cannot obtain a certificate or endorsement simply by passing an MTTC. Get to Know Your Required MTTC Tests To determine which MTTC test you need, it is essential to work with your Faculty Advisor or Program Director. Taking the wrong test means you will have to retest to qualify for certification. This step is especially important as Michigan is currently implementing changes to the certification structure. To learn more, refer to: Revised Certification Structure Implementation Timeline  Find Details On Your Test This list provides detailed information on all MTTC tests. Click the  MTTC tests link. Locate the test(s) required for your certification. Click on each test for details, including: Format Time Test Dates Test Sites Passing Score Fees Score Reporting Testing Policies Registering for the MTTC You must receive specific directions from your Academic Advisor or Program Director before registering. Once approved to register: Go to the Registration and Scheduling page. Click Registration. Click Register. Create an account. Complete the registration process When should I take the MTTC? Your program determines the timing—check with your Academic Advisor or Program Director. If you are completing a degree at one PSI and then moving to another PSI for certification, you will wait until enrolled in the certification program to confirm MTTC timing. What accommodations are available? Alternative testing arrangements are available on a case-by-case basis. Instructions can be found here. Do I need multiple MTTC tests for multiple subjects? Each certification area has its own MTTC. Talent Together covers only the MTTC attempts for your assigned certification area. Passing an MTTC alone does not qualify you to teach a subject. Certification must match the Talent Together–assigned area of high need. Do Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) applicants need to pass the MTTC? Yes. Confirm the required test and timing with your Academic Advisor or Program Director. Do I need to submit my score to Talent Together? Yes. Please send your score report to your Success Navigator or Education Development Specialist. Unofficial results (pass or fail) are typically available on the day of your test. Official score reports (pass or fail) are released approximately 2–6 weeks after testing, depending on your test date. You can find official score report release dates on the MTTC website. Where are the MTTC test locations? How long does the MTTC test take? What is the format? Once you have confirmed with your academic advisor or program director, you can click on the appropriate link, HERE. The test information page will show the location of testing centers, the length of the test, the format of the test and other information specific to the MTTC test you need to take.  Testing Accommodations Testing locations provide appropriate arrangements to individuals who demonstrate a documented need. Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Some accommodations can be provided without prior approval such as: visual enhancements, comfort aids and unscheduled breaks. Documentation and accommodations that need prior approval can be found on the links below. Pearson: Video on Testing Accommodations Required Documentation MDE Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements Pearson Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements Paying for the MTTC Talent Together will pay for Teacher Candidates to take the MTTC exam up to two times. Teacher Candidates must connect with their Academic Advisor at their PSI to ensure they are taking the correct MTTC exam. The exam can be paid for in one of two ways: MTTC Voucher Teacher Candidates can request a prepaid MTTC voucher code approximately 1 month prior to taking the exam. This is the preferred method since the exam fee does NOT come out of your annual $750 allowance for textbooks and supplies. Complete this form to request an MTTC Voucher Code. Once your request is approved, you’ll receive a voucher code to use during checkout when registering for the exam. MTTC Voucher Code Request Reimbursements Teacher Candidates can pay upfront and submit a reimbursement request. Reimbursements must follow the Teacher Candidate Supply Reimbursement Guidelines, and it is important to note that paying for the MTTC in this way does count toward the annual $750 supply reimbursement limit. How much does the MTTC cost? The cost of the MTTC varies by subject area, and is listed in the test description. Talent Together covers the cost of two MTTC attempts. Teacher Candidates may submit a Voucher request or, if needed, submit receipts for reimbursement. What if I need more than two attempts? Talent Together covers two attempts. Additional attempts are candidate’s responsibility. Scores are reported to MDE. There is no limit to the number of MTTC attempts allowed. After the fourth failure, MDE recommends academic counseling. Will Talent Together reimburse for tutoring or study tools? Pearson & Mometrix study materials are reimbursable. Other outside study platforms may not be covered. See Supply Reimbursement Guidelines Studying for the MTTC There are many study materials online, both free and paid. Use other resources cautiously. Use these resources to create your own study plan. outline and a second tab with a completed example. You may use this personally or complete it with your Success Navigator or Education Development Specialist for added accountability. Click to make a copy