Strengthening the Michigan Special Education Workforce

Strengthening the Michigan Special Education Workforce Meeting the Growing Demand for Special Education Teachers The need for qualified special education teachers is rising, and Talent Together Teacher Candidates are stepping up with the confidence, skills, and experience to succeed. Currently, 37.62% of our Teacher Candidates are enrolled in a special education pathway, preparing to fill certified special education teacher vacancies across Michigan. The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative at Michigan State University is a research center devoted to producing evidence that improves education policy. Their recent 2025 Michigan Teacher Shortage Study highlights the urgent need for certified special education teachers across MI. Fully staffing districts with qualified special education professionals is essential to closing achievement gaps and ensuring all students receive a fair and equitable education. A Candidate’s Perspective Taia Cisco, a Talent Together Teacher Candidate and Special Education Teacher Assistant at Calhoun Intermediate School District, is enrolled in the Siena Heights Cognitive Impairment Program and works with students with mild cognitive impairment. “I’ve gained strategies in behavior management, communication, and individualized education planning. I use task analysis, multi-sensory instruction, positive behavioral support strategies, and augmentative and alternative communication tools to support student success. Strengthening my individualized education program knowledge has enhanced my ability to set goals, track progress, and collaborate effectively.”  Taia Cisco The Siena Heights Cognitive Impairment program equips educators to support students with memory, concentration, task completion, following instructions, and problem-solving challenges. “I’m learning to adapt instruction, support students more effectively, and advocate for students’ needs. This has helped me create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment and will continue to shape how I educate and advocate for students with cognitive impairments in the future.” Shares Taia Cisco A Strong Foundation in Special Education Talent Together is partnering with Siena Heights University’s online Special Education Cognitive Impairment Program, perfect for educators already working in a classroom. This collaboration is helping to strengthen the special education workforce. The program is based on genetic and neurological medical foundations, by Dr. Carrie Mitchell-Hammer and the late Dr. Martha Carroll, trailblazers in cognitive impairment. From day one, educators dive into hands-on field experiences, working with real students in real classrooms.  Special Education teacher candidates utilizing the electronic autopsy table at Siena Heights University “The asynchronous structure provides flexibility for Teacher Candidates working in K-12 special education settings, allowing them to immediately apply their learning in the classroom. The ripple effect of this model is truly exciting, as it cultivates a new generation of passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable special educators who are ready to shape the future of special education.” Dr. Carrie Mitchell-Hammer  Be Part of Michigan’s Education Transformation Talent Together is committed to developing the next generation of educators by providing accessible, high-quality pathways to teacher certification. Our tuition-free, job-embedded program, supports aspiring educators to teacher certification.  By joining, partnering, or supporting Talent Together, you become part of a statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening Michigan’s education workforce—helping to fill critical teacher vacancies and ensure that all students receive the support and instruction they deserve.

Serving Rural Schools

Serving Rural Schools Educator Development Specialist Support for Teacher Candidates in Rural Schools At Talent Together, we’re committed to serving educators all across Michigan. We provide support for teacher candidates through our Educator Development Specialist services. Dr. Sara Croney, superintendent for Gwinn Area Community Schools, highlighted the transformative power of educators, stating: “Our greatest strength is a quality, motivated teacher who can change the motivation and beliefs of a child from lukewarm to full steam ahead with achievement! Talent Together teachers are helping to excite our learners to believe they are capable.”  Our Educator Development Specialist team provides in-person and online classroom observations, shares helpful resources, and works closely with teacher candidates.  Quote by: Kimberly Shoup, Educator Development Specialist at Talent Together  “I am continually impressed by the dedication, skill, and hard work I often experience while working with staff in rural schools. Many staff members live in the same community, and their own children attend the school where they work. They have no desire to leave the district once they earn their teacher certification and are committed to contributing to their community by becoming a certified educator.”  Keep reading to learn about Eccles, one of the small rural schools that Talent Together serves. If you’d like to get involved, check out these opportunities: Apply to be a teacher Apply to be a teacher leader Contact us to become a Talent Together participating district Make a financial contribution Eccles School, a one room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, MI Eccles is a historic one-room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, Michigan. It serves 24 students in kindergarten through 8th grades with personalized, multi-age instruction. Run by the Huron Area ISD under Dr. Nancy Lubeski, Eccles blends its old-fashioned charm with strong special education and therapy programs. This year, Eccles welcomed its largest kindergarten class, with seven students. Two teachers cover all subjects and grade levels.  Jodi Geiger is a dedicated paraeducator at Eccles School and a teacher candidate with Talent Together. Jodi says, “I enjoy being able to help students and seeing them make learning progress.”  Jodi is pursuing her teacher certification, and we are truly blessed to have her as part of the Talent Together program. Reflecting on her experience, Jodi shares, “Talent Together has been extraordinarily wonderful—checking in on you, helping you through the steps, and always being there if you have questions along the way.” Educator Development Specialists embrace Michigan’s diverse communities, and assist teacher candidates to become strong educators for their schools and students.  More information about the rural school districts in Huron County can be found at Huron County Rural Schools.  

Meet a TC: Jessie Piippo

Jessie Piippo is a dedicated and passionate future special education teacher with a background in healthcare. She is pursuing her dream of helping students realize their potential and succeed in the workforce. Through Talent Together, Jessie has overcome financial challenges and is now an instructor in the Project SEARCH program, where she works closely with student interns to teach job-specific and soft skills.

Meet a TC: Jasmina Dimitrieska

Jasmina Dimitrieska is an experienced educator from Macedonia who relocated to Michigan three years ago. After teaching for over twelve years in her home country, she aimed to continue her teaching career in the United States with the help of Talent Together.

Meet a TC: MJ Reynolds

Maurice Reynolds, known as “MJ,” has dedicated nearly 20 years to education. He has worked at Youth Advancement Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he has served as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, and transition coordinator. The academy focuses on at-risk students, creating a supportive environment to help them transition to high school, college, or the workforce. MJ is currently pursuing his special education teacher certification through Talent Together out of a strong commitment to helping students who often feel overlooked.

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 a TC: Charity Murph

Charity Murph has dedicated over 15 years to education, starting as a volunteer at her children’s schools. As someone who describes herself as both introverted and outgoing, Charity reflects on her own experiences as a child—wanting to succeed academically but often feeling shy and hesitant. This inspired her to help students who face similar challenges. Through hard work and persistence, she has embraced opportunities to grow as an educator and is now working toward becoming a certified teacher through Talent Together.

Meet a TC: Dawn Benner

After relocating to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2019, Dawn Benner began her career as a special education paraprofessional and quickly discovered her passion for the field. Now, with the support of Talent Together and Northern Michigan University (NMU), she is on her path to becoming a teacher.

Meet a TC: Ruben Gonzalez

Ruben Gonzalez is a devoted father, husband, and education professional who spent eight years as a behavior specialist at Fiedler Elementary. Talent Together helped him pursue his lifelong goal of becoming a teacher. After completing an apprenticeship year, he now teaches right down the hall from his former mentor teacher.