Michigan’s Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification, or MARTC, have been in place since 1993.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Michigan.
Alternative certification routes were designed to address teacher shortages in certain grade levels and subject areas. Although they have not been used in a widespread manner across Michigan, under MARTC, you can work as a teacher while completing requirements for full certification. Three main alternative routes to certification currently exist in Michigan:
Grand Canyon University - Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programs
For those seeking licensure or looking to enter the field of education for the first time, but with a degree in a field other than education, GCU has initial programs that lead to licensure and programs that do not lead to licensure.
USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching Online — No GRE *
Purdue Global University - offering Bachelors and Masters programs
From master’s degrees to teacher-certification pathways, Purdue Global University offers flexible online education programs to help you pursue a career in teaching, enhance your current skills, or advance in your education career.*
No experience is necessary for the Accelerated Certification in Education or Wayne State University Pathways programs.
Troops to Teachers:Before you can work in any Michigan school district, you must pass a criminal history background check. This will be conducted through the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You must go to one of these LiveScan fingerprinting locations, pay the fees, and have your fingerprints taken. The Michigan Department of Education will receive the results of your background check and notify the school district of whether or not you should be hired.
For more information on the Accelerated Certification in Education program, call 989-964-4661.
For more information on Wayne State University’s Pathways program, call 313-577-0902.
For more information on Troops to Teachers, call 517-373-9732.
For general information on alternate routes to teacher certification in Michigan, contact Rajah Smart at the Department of Education at 517-335-6615 or email SmartR@mi.gov.