SB 989 Michigan Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i).

This bill modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking to teach without a full teaching certificate. It mandates that all candidates complete an approved alternative program with intensive training equivalent to at least 12 college credits, including coursework in child development, diverse learners, and classroom experience. A significant change is the prohibition of new interim certificates for special education teaching starting July 21, 2027, which requires applicants to complete an additional 32-credit specialized training program unless they already hold a full teaching certificate. The legislation also ensures that teachers holding these interim certificates receive intensive observation and coaching while they work toward earning a permanent Michigan teaching certificate.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

Jul 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

House Passage

Jul 2026

Signed into Law

Jul 2026

Introduced May 20, 2026 Signed Jul 29, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed by the Senate → As Passed by the House · 5 edits · Jul 3, 2026

MODERATE

This bill significantly expands the requirements for obtaining an interim teaching certificate, particularly for special education. It adds new mandatory training topics, raises the GPA threshold for program participants, and introduces a new research study on educator shortages. Additionally, it establishes a timeline to phase out interim certificates for special education by 2027.

Scope change

The scope of the bill expands from a general process for interim teaching certificates to include specific, rigorous requirements for special education certification and a state-wide research initiative on teacher shortages.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new mandatory training topic regarding student records management and legal bases for special education to the list of required training subjects.

Added a new requirement that alternative teaching programs must maintain a minimum cohort GPA of 3.0 for participants to be eligible for an interim certificate.

Added a new mandate for the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) to partner with universities to conduct a research study on educator shortages and submit annual reports.

TIMELINE

Established a deadline of July 21, 2027, after which interim teaching certificates will no longer be granted for teaching special education.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the eligibility criteria for special education interim certificates to require completion of an accelerated training program if the applicant already holds a Michigan teaching certificate.

Senate Introduced Bill → As Passed by the Senate · 7 edits · Jun 17, 2026

MODERATE

This bill establishes a new process for individuals to earn an interim teaching certificate, allowing them to teach while completing requirements for a full Michigan teaching certificate. It sets strict eligibility criteria for alternative teaching programs, including specific training hours and GPA requirements, and creates a phased ban on using this certificate for special education starting July 21, 2027. The legislation also mandates the creation of a research study on educator shortages and requires annual reporting on interim certificate usage and retention rates.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of teacher certification by creating a new pathway for interim certification, but simultaneously narrows the applicability of this pathway for special education teachers after a specific date.

REQUIREMENT

Establishes a new process for earning an interim teaching certificate that requires participation in an approved alternative teaching program with specific training components.

Sets minimum standards for alternative teaching programs, including at least 12 college credit hours of intensive training, a proven track record of success, and a minimum cohort GPA of 3.0.

Requires individuals without a Michigan teaching certificate to complete at least 32 college credit hours of special education training to qualify for an interim special education certificate.

Orders the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) to conduct a research study on educator shortages and submit annual reports on vacancy numbers, retention rates, and demographic data.

TIMELINE

Imposes a ban on granting interim teaching certificates for special education beginning July 21, 2027, though it allows current holders to continue teaching under their existing certificates.

ENFORCEMENT

Mandates that districts provide intensive observation and coaching to teachers holding interim certificates and requires them to make satisfactory progress toward full certification.

DEFINITION

Defines key terms such as 'CEPI', 'Cohort', and 'Subject area examination' to clarify the language used throughout the new section.

Floor votes · Senate Jun 17, 2026 · House Jul 3, 2026

How they voted

39–0

Passed

Total votes 39

Jun 17, 2026

D Democratic20

20 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican19

19 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jul 29, 2026

Introduced

FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE 7/21/2026 2:26 PM

upper

Jul 29, 2026

Signed into law

APPROVED BY GOVERNOR 7/21/2026 1:42 PM

upper

Jul 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #304 Yeas 108 Nays 0 Excused 0 Not Voting 2

lower

Jul 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

motion to discharge committee approved

lower

Jun 17, 2026

Committee

referred to Committee on Education and Workforce

lower

Jun 17, 2026

Introduced

received on 06/17/2026

lower

Jun 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED ROLL CALL # 132 YEAS 38 NAYS 0 EXCUSED 0 NOT VOTING 0

upper

Jun 16, 2026

Upper · Passed

REPORTED BY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FAVORABLY WITHOUT AMENDMENT(S)

upper

Jun 3, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

upper

Jun 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

REPORTED FAVORABLY WITHOUT AMENDMENT 6/2/2026

upper

May 20, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

upper

May 20, 2026

Introduced

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR DAYNA POLEHANKI

upper

1 primary · 6 co-sponsors