Adding a Special Education Endorsement brings versatility to a teacher’s career. It allows them to work in both general and special education settings and teach a broader range of students, including those with disabilities.
Teachers with this endorsement also gain skills in key areas such as behavior management, differentiated instruction, and individualized education plans (IEPs). As a result, they gain the skills needed to help advance students with disabilities.
A Michigan-certified teacher can add a special education endorsement to their certificate while working full-time in a special education role. To do this, they must enroll in an approved preparation program and work 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 with a bachelor’s degree but no teaching certificate may still qualify for employment. If they are enrolled in a traditional, expedited, or alternative certification route, they may still qualify. In that case, they can be employed under a Full-Year Basic Permit (FYB) for special education. The employing district or ISD applies for the FYB permit.
Specific and detailed coordination with the special education preparation provider is essential. Collaboration with the employing school is also vital to ensure proper special education placement.
Steps to add a Special Education endorsement to your Michigan teaching certificate:
- 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. Accredited colleges and universities offer these programs. michigan.gov
- 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
- Apply for the Endorsement: Apply 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: [email protected]
Questions regarding endorsements and certification:
Office of Educator Excellence at: (517) 241-5000
Or go to: [email protected]
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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, including Michigan’s leading education organizations. They also collaborate with the legislature to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work involves collaboration with all levels of education to achieve this goal.
OPTIMISE promotes twelve professions within Michigan’s special education field, steps to reach those professions, 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
