Prepare

OPTIMISE better prepares current and future professionals by explaining career pathways, highlighting training & funding options, and outlining practical next steps so interested people can move from curiosity to credentials and readiness.

Outcomes

The work of OPTIMISE has made system changes within Michigan Special Education, creating ready-trained personnel and help advance their careers within Michigan Special Education.

College Programs

Customized map to help students find an education college program were they want to go.

College Education Career Pathways

Hear from colleges and universities about their programs and certification routes can lead to a career in education.

College Bound Resource Kits

College-bound resource kits give students clear, shareable information about educator career paths, scholarships and next steps.

Prepare

Outcomes

College Programs

College Education Career Pathways

College Bound Resource Kits

Outcomes

A new Pre-Kindergarden (PK-12) Special Education Generalist Credential was needed to streamline special education preparation and credentialing so future special educators have a clearer, more flexible pathway into the profession.

Outcome to Date:

A new, more formal, statewide training platform to prepare Michigan’s paraeducators needed to provide more consistent, high-quality personnel.

Outcome to Date:

Open more Paraeducator-to-Professional Pathways to help paraeducators to move into other professional special education roles.

Outcome to Date:

Expand higher education options for school psychology programs, including more flexible and online options.

Outcome to Date:

Offer a new alternate route to Special Education Administrator Credentialing to ease the accessibility to leadership jobs.

Outcome to Date:

Build a new School Administrator Training on special education framework including IDEA, FAPE, inclusive leadership, specially designed instruction, discipline, communication, and parent partnerships.

Outcome to Date:

College Programs:

Programs for Every Career

Central Michigan University

University of Wisconsin

Northern Michigan University

Alma College