Educationally Speaking - Issue 30

Issue 30 | August 2022

Be sure your email address is up-to-date in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System to receive important notifications regarding YOUR certificate.

Please see the archived newsletters for other important information that affects licensure.

2022-23 Regional Teachers of the Year

On August 9th, the 2022-23 Regional Teachers of the Year (RTOY), including the Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY), were honored at the State Board of Education meeting. To learn more about this year's cohort, please visit: the 2022-23 Regional Teachers of the Year page.

Update to Criminal Arraignment and Conviction Reporting Forms

Both districts and school employees are required to report information related to criminal arraignments and criminal convictions to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The forms on which to report information, and the timelines required for each, can be found on MDE’s Educator Conduct and Criminal Convictions webpage.

As a reminder, this webpage also includes information and training materials related to the legal requirements of mandatory reporters, spotting abuse and neglect, and ethical professional conduct.

School Counselor Professional Development Requirements for Certificate Renewal

School counselors are required to complete 50 professional development hours specific to college and career preparation in order to renew a school counselor credential as required by Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1233 (6-8). Hours must be accrued as follows:

25 hours in college preparation and selection; and
25 hours in career consultation; 5 of which must include the exploration of military career options.

For more information, please view the School Counselor Credential Renewal page.

The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window opens September 1

Each year, starting on the first business day in September and ending on the first business day in December, districts and public school academies (PSAs) may submit data appeals for inaccurate educator effectiveness ratings for any of the past five years into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). To support teacher re-certification, it is essential that educator evaluation and assignment information entered into the REP is accurate. This appeals window is only for the purpose of updating inaccurate effectiveness ratings data within the REP. It is not a process for contesting the outcome of an evaluation. Any data corrected during the appeals window for teachers in instructional roles will appear in MOECS immediately after being entered by the district.

Nominations Open: 2022-23 Education Support Staff Professional of the Year Award

Each school community has numerous dedicated professionals who spend their day in support of educators and students. The Education Support Staff Professional of the Year program exists to honor these outstanding staff persons. Nominations can be made using the online nomination form. Please click here for additional information about this award program.

Stipends Available to Advise the Development of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), in partnership with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, seeks a diverse pool of early career and veteran educators to become part of the Bias Review Committee, Content Advisory Committees, and Standard Setting Committees for multiple tests in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program. Beginning this summer, participants may earn stipends of $75 for one-day committee meetings and $150 for multi-day committee meetings. These committees review test materials to help ensure that they are fair to all candidates, reflect the diversity of the Michigan population, and address the essential knowledge and skills expected of a well-prepared beginning teacher. In addition to stipends, benefits of participation include substitute reimbursement, State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), the chance to make a difference in Michigan teacher development and performance, and the opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with educators in your field. Visit the Michigan Teacher Test for Certification website for further information and to apply today!

MI Kids Back on Track

The MI Kids Back on Track program connects Michiganders with rewarding job and volunteer opportunities to use their time and talents to help our kids. You can make a difference and help children in your community throughout the school day or during an afterschool program.

To register, visit the MI Kids Back on Track registration page.

Explore Military Career Options

Are you interested in learning about the career opportunities for students who are considering joining the military? Earn 5 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) by exploring Military Career options! Visit Understanding the Modern Military for further details.

Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

Looking for new professional learning opportunities? Check out the Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options document for current offerings.

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