REQUIREMENTS



Teacher Requirements

Michigan law requires that a person employed in an elementary or secondary school with instructional responsibilities shall hold a certificate, permit, or vocational authorization valid for the position to which he/she is assigned.

The No Child Left Behind Act (2001) requires all teachers of core academic subject areas be Highly Qualified.

Highly Qualified teachers in Michigan are defined as all elementary certified teachers who have taken and passed the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).  These individuals are considered Highly Qualified for grades K-5 (all subjects) and grades 6-8 (self-contained settings only).  All middle (6-8) and secondary (9-12) certified teachers who have taken and passed the MTTC for the endorsements listed on their certificates are considered Highly Qualified in those areas. All middle and secondary certified teachers who hold a major in their endorsement area are considered Highly Qualified for that content/subject.

Paraprofessional Requirements

As partners in the instructional process, paraprofessionals must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or
  • Obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or
  • Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment.
    • Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics;  or
    • Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

The Michigan State Board of Education has approved the following formal assessments by which a paraprofessional can demonstrate knowledge: