Professional Development

Eligibility for the Michigan Professional Education Certificate requires the holder of a provisional certificate to either obtain a degree at the master’s level or higher or to complete 18 semester hours in a planned course of study within the first six years of the teaching career. These programs are often called 18 hour planned programs. Other planned programs that satisfy the requirements of the Michigan Professional Certificate for teaching may emphasize study in early childhood and elementary education, effective teaching and instruction, middle level education, and secondary education.

Education professionals in Michigan have career-long needs for professional development opportunities because the professional education certificate is valid for five years. To renew a professional education certificate, individuals must complete six semester hours of credit (or the equivalent in continuing Education Units) every five years.

The Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development offers courses and workshops to help teachers meet these requirements. Educational computing and technology, cooperative learning, a whole-language approach to reading and literacy, and teaching writing and thinking are among topics of current interest. Enrollment in these courses requires admission to the College of Graduate Studies as a non-degree student.

There is no residency requirement for non-degree professional development programs, and courses are offered through CMU's Global Campus at locations throughout the state, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, Cadillac, Alpena, Oscoda, Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Clemens, Port Huron, Grand Rapids, Ionia, and Lansing.

Some courses taken for professional development or to meet continuing certification requirements may later be used to satisfy the requirements of a degree program. The number of courses that can be used in this way and the length of time in which these courses are valid as part of the degree program are strictly limited. Individuals considering a degree program are encouraged to apply for admission to the specific program option early in their graduate study.

Any questions regarding certification should be directed to the Center for Student Services at 989-774-3309 or ehscss@cmich.edu.​​