Educator Certification Information
Certification Renewal
Educators are responsible for obtaining their certificates and keeping them up to date. All Michigan certificates expire on June 30 of a given year. The Michigan Department of Education does not notify teachers regarding expiring certificates. Teachers must know the validity period of their certificates and meet the necessary renewal requirements before the expiration date. Teachers may lose their positions or tenure if a teaching certificate expires.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) believes that all students should have access to high quality teachers. The Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educator (PME) campaign is designed to help teachers return to the classroom. For more information, please visit 
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-5683_14795_83462-556448--,00.html
Teacher Evaluation Timeline
View the certified teacher evaluation timeline here.
Educator Resources
Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Alternative Route Programs and Traditional Programs
Concordia University
GVSU Company Deferment Plan
The GVSU Company Deferment Plan is for students who qualify for their employer’s tuition reimbursement program and allows the amount of tuition and fees paid for by the employer to be deferred until the end of the semester. Any amount of tuition, fees, and other charges (including parking permits) not paid for by the employer must be received by the tuition deadline and included with this application.
To qualify for company deferment, you will need:
- Complete and sign
promissory note and email to studenta@gvsu.edu along with your current letter of eligibility from your employer (on company letterhead) - Go to myBanner and pay the $40.00 service fee plus any amount not reimbursable by the employer.
- The prom note, the letter and the payment should be made together. If that is not possible, please make your payment first.
The student, not the employer, is responsible for timely payment of this loan.
The loan is due in full, approximately 30 days after the end of the semester, regardless of employer reimbursement. The service fee is non-refundable.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. A new letter of eligibility from your employer must be submitted each semester.
You may send the information to:
Grand Valley State University
Attn: Student Accounts Office
1049 James H. Zumberge Hall (1049 JHZ)
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
Fax: (616) 331-3975
email: studenta@gvsu.edu
GVSU Health Related Academic Program
- TCAPS is currently affiliated with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to offer a health-related academic program. For questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@tcaps.net or 231-933-1710.
- GVSU Clinical Coordinator Contact Information Sheet
Grand Canyon University
We are offering scholarship cohorts for both master’s and bachelor’s programs, tailored for teachers, paraprofessionals, and any school employees interested in advancing their education or obtaining a teaching license. This is an opportunity for teachers to advance on the pay scale or others to get a teaching license at the most affordable prices in Michigan.
Programs eligible for the scholarship include:
Master's Degrees:
- Master in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary or Secondary Education
- Master in TESOL
- Master in Autism
- Master in Special Education
- Master in Secondary STEM
- Master in Secondary Humanities
Bachelor's Degrees:
- Bachelor in Elementary Education and Special Education
- Bachelor in Elementary Education
- Bachelor in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities
- Bachelor in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in STEM
All our programs are 100% online, fully accredited in Michigan, and lead to a teaching license directly here in Michigan.
If you or anyone you know might be interested, please feel free to reach out to me directly at brandee.hutchinson@gcu.edu or call/text me at 231.590.7489.
Important: Please do not inquire via the GCU website—contact me directly so I can ensure you receive personalized guidance and access to the scholarship and resources specifically for Michigan.
For More Information
For more information or questions, please contact Human Resources Director Erika Lahti at 231.933.1719 or lahtier@tcaps.net.