Advance Your Career with a Special Education Endorsement

Adding a Special Education Endorsement adds versatility to a teacher’s career, allowing them to work in general and special education settings and teach a broader range of individuals, including those with disabilities.

Teachers with an endorsement gain in areas including behavior management, differentiated instruction, and individualized education plans (IEPs) and help advance students with disabilities.

A Michigan-certified teacher can add a special education endorsement to their teacher certificate while employed as a full-time teacher in a special education position by enrolling in an approved preparation program and working under a valid Special Education Teacher Approval. This approval is applied for by the employing district or ISD. Continuing annual approvals (renewals) require the completion of six-semester credits since the issuance of the previous approval. 

An individual who has a bachelor’s degree but does not yet have a teaching certificate and is participating in a traditional, expedited, or alternative route to certification may be employed under a Full-year Basic Permit (FYB) for special education. The FYB permit is applied for by the employing district or ISD. Specific and detailed coordination with the special education preparation provider and the employing school is vital for the special education placement.

Steps to add a Special Education endorsement to your Michigan teaching certificate:

1. Complete Required Coursework: Enroll in an approved Special Education preparation program, which includes coursework in areas such as teaching students with disabilities, legal aspects of special education, and instructional strategies. These programs are offered by accredited colleges and universities. michigan.gov
2. Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC): After completing the necessary coursework, you must pass the MTTC for Special Education to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to teach in this field. michigan.gov
3. Apply for the Endorsement: Submit an application through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) to add the Special Education endorsement to your existing teaching certificate.
   michigan.gov

For detailed information and guidance, refer to the Michigan Department of Education’s resources on adding an endorsement to a Michigan teaching certificate Here.

Questions regarding special education assignments and placement:

MDE Office of Special Education at: 1 (888) 320-8384 

Or go to: MDE-OSE@michigan.gov 

Questions regarding endorsements and certification: 

Office of Educator Excellence at: (517) 241-5000 

Or go to: MDE-EducatorHelp@michigan.gov

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About OPTIMISE

OPTIMISE attracts, prepares, and retains diverse and qualified personnel to help advance individuals with disabilities (Birth to 26 years). 

The OPTIMISE Task Force, Core Team, and Action Teams work with numerous partners, Michigan’s leading education organizations, and legislature to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work includes working with all levels of education to accomplish this goal.

OPTIMISE promotes twelve professions within Michigan’s special education field, steps to reach that profession, degree programs in the state, financial help with grants/scholarships, industry support, and a real-time job board.

Join a great group of dedicated people who help individuals with disabilities excel.

Go to: OPTIMISE.education