Michigan Education and Teaching Overview

According to the National Center for Education Statistics State Education Data Profiles, there were 1,714,709 students in Michigan schools during the 2006-2007 school year. In addition, there were 98,037 teachers teaching in Michigan, making the student to teacher ratio 17.5:1. This is two full students per teacher higher than the national student to teacher ratio or 15.5:1. The State Education Data Profiles also report data from 2005 that shows Michigan students on par with their peers across the nation for math, reading and writing assessments.


Michigan Teacher Requirements

Michigan teachers are among the highest paid teachers in the nation and enjoy numerous incentives and benefits aimed to enhance the recruitment and retention of high quality educators. The most marketable teachers will receive the best teaching opportunities; therefore, it is important to choose your school and teacher certification program with care if you want to be eligible for highly sought after positions. At the same time, there is a high demand for teachers who are qualified to teach students with special needs, math and science, as well as for teachers willing to teach in rural areas.

Overall, prospective teachers considering a career teaching in Michigan can expect higher than average pay and solid prospects for career advancement.

Michigan Teacher Requirements

Choosing the career of teaching in Michigan can be both a blessing and outrageous all at the same time depending upon what side of the restructuring line it is that you are standing on. Michigan, along with many other places is feeling the effects of attempting to function in an antiquated ‘No Child Left Behind’ program while current demands and global trends are passing them by without recognition.

Today, Michigan teachers receive high pay in comparison to other areas of the United States. But, the schools are torn between actual teaching and policing those who simply refuse to follow the rules. Some teachers are attempting to keep ‘No Child Left Behind’ game-plans going, while others are teaching ahead of their times in efforts to train young minds to compete in the new global marketplace.

Future job options in the high paying Michigan schools will exist for some time to come. Those choosing to enter the field of teaching in Michigan can expect to see changes implemented to settle current problems, and to promote a higher level of quality education being taught in the classroom.

Educators would do well to consider earning credits or degrees beyond the required BA degree in order to compete in the Michigan education marketplace. Current trends suggest that teaching in Michigan will someday include new requirements for high standards on all levels, and multiple review considerations for license renewals.

Online Colleges Offering Education and Teaching Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Programs Offered  
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential
Accreditation  

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of The North Central Association,www.ncahlc.org; 312-263-0456.

Accreditation  

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is the first online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). WGU’s Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

Campus Colleges Offering Education and Teaching Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Programs Offered  
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential
Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

McCann School of Business & Technology is accredited to award occupational associate degrees and certification diplomas by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education,.

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Teaching Salaries
Elementary School Teacher
$40,584
High School Teaching
$42,802
Education Admin for Elementary School
$65,372
School Principal
$82,696
 Source: PayScale.com
 * Based on 5 years experience