Superintendent's Workforce Guide
June 2022 Edition
Workforce Supports for Michigan Superintendents
Please watch the brief video overview to learn more about the resources provided in this edition of the workforce guide.
Recruitment and Development of the Educator Workforce
Developing a high-quality workforce is a top priority. Investigate resources below to support recruitment for educators and education-related positions.
- Job seekers are connecting with prospective employers through MDE facilitated Education Workforce Job Fairs.
- Students enrolled in teacher preparation programs have long been an underutilized resource for filling vacancies. Read this memo to learn more Supporting Hard-to-Fill Positions With Teaching Candidates.
- Do you know someone who has a bachelor's degree and would like to become a teacher through an expedited pathway? Read about Expedited and Alternative Routes preparation pathways.
Grant Resources: Future Proud Michigan Educators
MDE offers two grant opportunities to develop Future Proud Michigan Educators that will serve their local communities. These grants are an extension of Michigan's efforts to grow and diversify the educator workforce and reduce educator shortages through the Future PME initiative.
Welcome Back!
The Michigan Department of Education's Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educators campaign allows educators with expired credentials to return to the teaching workforce by reducing or eliminating professional learning recertification requirements. The campaign recognizes these educators' experience and preparation while providing an opportunity for immediate employment with a local education agency, both traditional public school districts and public school academies, as part of strategic efforts to increase the number of certified educators in areas of shortage.
Recruitment and Retention Resources
Building on previous research and coaching projects for the Midwest Alliance to Improve Teaching Preparation, the Michigan Department of Education requested REL Midwest’s assistance in developing materials to help district leaders improve their teacher recruitment and retention strategies. Please utilize these resources to support your local workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
Educator Total Compensation Plan: Resource with definitions and examples for district leaders and hiring personnel to support communication of total compensation for recruitment, retention, and equity.
Supports Associated with Teacher Retention in Michigan: An Interactive Practitioner’s Guide. A guide to bridge the gap between research and specific actions districts can take to improve teacher retention.
Define, Identify, and Fund Nontraditional Pathways into the Teaching Profession. A Resource for Michigan Districts: An introduction for school district leaders and teams to nontraditional pathways into the teaching profession.
Nomination window is open: Education Support Staff Professional of the Year (ESSPOY)
Educator Recognition Programs
- Learn about recognition programs to help shine the spotlight on the all-too-often unsung heroes in our schools across the state; including the introduction of the next Michigan Teacher of the Year.
- View the latest Proud Michigan Educator Video.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
Governor's Educator Advisory Council
Professional Learning Reminders
Districts are required by law (MCL 380.1527) to provide 5 days (30 hours) of professional development to all teachers annually. In addition, teachers within their first three years of classroom teaching must be assigned a mentor and receive an additional 15 days (90 hours) of professional development over those three years per MCL 380.1526.
Districts need to maintain documentation related to both professional learning laws and enter new teacher professional learning hours into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). District Provided Professional Development (DPPD) hours provided related to both laws may be used for recertification purposes.
Districts should begin planning their yearlong DPPD programs for the 2022-23 school year and be prepared to submit program applications two weeks before the start date for State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) approval. Helpful resources related to these processes include:
Applications for 2022-23 Staffing Permits open July 1
There are many solutions to address staffing challenges; understanding the options for teacher placement, permits, and authorizations can help maximize available human resources.
Reminder: Review and Update Personnel Contacts
The contact within the Educational Entity Master (EEM) are used by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to communicate directly with key administrative personnel, such as Lead Administrator, Human Resources, and School Board President, regarding matters such as staffing, job fairs, changes to law or policy, and other related matters.
It is strongly recommended that all districts routinely review their contacts to ensure all are up to date. This is especially appropriate to do during periods of routine staffing changes, such as over the summer. See How to Add, Remove, or Edit a Contact in the EEM for guidance.
Michigan Department of Education: Office of Educator Excellence
The Office of Educator Excellence serves the community by providing whole-child centered resources to ensure every student in the P-20 system has equitable access to a high-quality, barrier-free system of education professionals. This is accomplished by the recruitment, preparation, certification, development, support, retention, and recognition of educators through collaboration with internal and external partners.
Please share your feedback.
Email: MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov
Website: michigan.gov/mde
Location: 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48915, USA
Phone: 517-241-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/MIEducator
Twitter: @MIEducator