Michigan School
HR Resources
OPTIMISE is here to help district HR personnel promote special education jobs and get people hired.
Promote Within your district
Below are career development resources to elevate existing educators!
Talent Together
Future Proud Michigan Educator Grants
In support of Future Proud Michigan Educators, the governor and legislature worked together on a budget that supports the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan goals.
Local and intermediate school districts are eligible to apply to implement or sustain EXPLORE programs for students in grades 6-12 interested in the teaching profession or to support recent EXPLORE graduates with tuition expenses on the path to certification.
To support school employees who desire to earn certification, grants are available to local and intermediate school districts to build Grow Your Own programs in partnership with educator preparation providers.
This program provides a method for districts to offer a paid mentorship and salary for military veterans seeking educator certification.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified full-time mathematics or science teacher who taught students at the secondary school level; or a highly qualified special education teacher (at either the elementary or secondary level) whose primary responsibility was to provide special education to children with disabilities, and you taught children with disabilities that corresponded to your area of special education training and demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in the content areas of the curriculum that you taught.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans
*Borrowers can’t receive credit toward TLF and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for the same period of service. That means, if you seek and receive TLF, the five-year period of service that supported your eligibility will NOT count toward PSLF. We recommend that you consider whether you’re interested in PSLF before deciding to pursue TLF, because we can’t make changes once you receive forgiveness.
Special Education Teacher Tuition Reimbursement Grant
This grant can be used to cover tuition costs up to $800.00 per credit hour for a maximum of 18 credits over three years
T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood Michigan Scholarship Program
The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) states, “T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN is a statewide scholarship program designed to help child care center teaching staff, preschool teachers, family child care providers, group home owners, center directors, early childhood professionals, and administrators meet their professional development goals while continuing their current employment in regulated early childhood and school-age care settings.
Michigan Grant Watch
Grants for public school teachers for the improvement of education, grants for classroom supplies, innovative teaching strategies and professional development teaching opportunities. Find classroom grants for school funding, grants to public school educators to enhance teaching, provide support for STEM professionals and for the pursuit of careers in teaching.
27m(7) First-Time National Board Certification Grant
Teacher Next Door Program
The Teacher Next Door Program offers substantial housing grants to all Michigan teachers and educational staff, ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. This grant, aimed at facilitating home ownership, can be applied to any home purchase and is complemented by up to $10,681 in down payment assistance. Additionally, participants may be eligible for state-specific government housing grants to support their home-buying efforts further.
Eligible Staff: Teachers, Paraeducators, School Psychologists, Social Workers and other staff
Association of American Educators Foundation
The Association of American Educators offers grants and scholarships for teachers. Grants can be used on classroom supplies, while scholarships can be used for professional development.
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation (MDEF)
The McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation offers academic enrichment grants and teacher development grants.
Fund for Teachers
Fund for Teachers supports professional development projects that are directly and materially beneficial for the teachers’ students. Application requirements vary by state.
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program allows U.S.-based educators to bring international perspectives to their schools by funding their participation in a one-year professional learning opportunity and an international exchange lasting a few weeks.
The NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants
The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) states, “T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN is a statewide scholarship program designed to help child care center teaching staff, preschool teachers, family child care providers, group home owners, center directors, early childhood professionals, and administrators meet their professional development goals while continuing their current employment in regulated early childhood and school-age care settings.
27m Recognized Achievement National Board Grant
The 27m Recognized Achievement National Board Grant awards money to eligible teachers who hold National Board Certification at the time of application. Schools will need to apply on behalf of their teachers, and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers may receive up to $4,000. If employed in a schoolwide Title I building, teachers shall receive up to $10,000.
Career Development Programs
MAASE Administrator Coaching*
The MAASE Administrator Coaching program provides special education administrators with individualized, year-long support from experienced leaders who understand the demands of the role. Through structured coaching conversations and relationship-based coaching, this professional learning opportunity strengthens leadership skills, reduces professional isolation, and promotes retention across Michigan.
MAASE Paraeducator Bootcamp*
The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is proud to introduce the Paraeducator Professional Learning Series, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the training, growth, supervision, and feedback for paraeducators across Michigan.
Foundations Educational Services
We’ve helped improve student, teacher, and leader performance at schools that reflect the full diversity of American education—charter, district-run, independent, alternative and nontraditional. How can we help yours?
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Training Center
Courses from workshops and condensed highly detailed information to fine-tune your learning experience.
*Created by OPTIMISE Recommendations
Increase Exposure to Your Jobs by Using the Standardized Job Titles Below
Special Education Teacher
School Psychologist
Physical Therapist
School Social Worker
Paraeducator
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapy Assistant
Sign Language Interpreter
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Teacher for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Teacher for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Special Education Supervisor
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Special Education Director
Early Intervention Provider
Transition Coordinator
Speech-Language Pathologist
Increase Exposure to Your Jobs by Using the Standardized Job Titles Below
Special Education Teacher
School Psychologist
Physical Therapist
School Social Worker
Paraeducator
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapy Assistant
Sign Language Interpreter
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Teacher for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Teacher for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Special Education Supervisor
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Special Education Director
Early Intervention Provider
Transition Coordinator
Speech-Language Pathologist
Check Credentialing for Each Profession
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