Education (Teachers)

signed · Michigan · Senate Jul 29, 2026

SB 989: 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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens teacher qualifications by requiring intensive training and prohibiting interim certs for special education, enhancing educational standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Teachers

passed both · Michigan · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 6016: Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i).

HB 6016 modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking temporary teaching credentials. The bill mandates that all applicants must hold a degree from an accredited institution, pass subject exams, and complete an intensive training program equivalent to at least 12 college credit hours. A key provision eliminates the ability to grant new interim certificates for special education teaching beginning July 21, 2027, while allowing those currently holding such certificates to continue teaching. Additionally, the law requires school districts to provide intensive observation and coaching to anyone teaching under an interim certificate while they work toward full certification.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens teacher qualifications by requiring degrees, exams, and training, and restricts interim special ed certs to improve educational standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Teachers

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signed · Michigan · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 5646: Education: other; certain requirements for the approval of teacher preparation programs; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531l.

This bill would require Michigan teacher preparation programs to mandate specific literacy training for all participants by September 2027. The legislation adds new requirements to the state's school code, making completion of LETRS training and comprehensive knowledge of the science of reading mandatory for graduation from these programs. Specifically, all individuals in teacher preparation programs must complete LETRS training, and those who teach literacy or reading methods courses must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of reading science. The bill applies to both traditional teacher preparation programs and alternative teaching programs, with the state department responsible for enforcing these new approval standards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates literacy training for teacher preparation programs, enhancing teacher qualifications and student reading outcomes through science of reading requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

signed · Michigan · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 5697: Education: teachers and administrators; completion of certain training for K-5 teachers; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531k.

This bill requires K-5 teachers and literacy support staff in Michigan to complete specific professional training focused on reading and literacy instruction by the 2029-2030 school year. The legislation designates a single state-approved provider to deliver the training, which must cover evidence-based reading methods, assessment strategies, and a multitiered system of supports for addressing learning difficulties. School districts must report annual compliance data to the state department, which will publish public reports on implementation progress and recommend funding adjustments as needed. The training includes mandatory components on phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and data-driven decision-making, with phased implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates professional training for K-5 teachers on evidence-based reading methods, directly supporting teacher development and improving student literacy outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Testing & Assessment

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 5631: Appropriations: supplemental; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

HB 5631 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates specific funding amounts for Michigan public schools during fiscal years 2025-2026. It authorizes $17.9 billion from the state school aid fund and other designated funds (like the school transportation fund, enrollment stabilization fund, and educator fellowship fund) for the 2025-2026 school year, with slightly adjusted amounts for 2026-2027. The bill establishes a monthly payment schedule (October through August) for distributing these funds to school districts and intermediate districts, requiring the state treasurer to make payments via electronic transfer or warrant on specified dates. It also includes provisions for adjusting payments due to errors or changes in law and specifies that unspent general fund allocations will transfer to the school aid stabilization fund. This bill directly affects all public school districts and intermediate districts in Michigan by determining their state education funding allocation and payment timeline.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $17.9B for school funding via supplemental appropriations, directly advancing public education budget priorities without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $17.9B supplemental funding for Michigan public schools, directly advancing school aid and operations per the School Aid Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget School Funding School Transportation Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · House Dec 31, 2025

HB 5431: School aid: supplemental; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 11s, 33, 201 & 236 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds secs. 27g, 97h, 201j, 201k & 236t.

HB 5431 allocates supplemental funding for Michigan public schools, primarily targeting districts affected by drinking water emergencies. It provides $10 million from the state school aid fund and $4.8 million from the general fund (2025-2026) for districts with at least 4,500 students (or 2,600+ post-2016) in cities with declared water emergencies, to hire staff like nurses and mental health workers and provide related services. The bill also allocates $12.5 million for educator talent programs through intermediate districts. All funds require reporting on service usage and must be expended by 2030.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $14.8M (state school aid + general fund) for school staff/services, increasing public education funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $14.8M (state/general funds) for school staff hiring and mental health services in districts with water emergencies, directly supporting student well-being and educational access.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $4.8M general fund for mental health workers/nurses in schools with water emergencies, directly funding healthcare services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding Student Health Teachers Mental Health

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passed · Michigan · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 5358: Education: teachers and administrators; teacher licensing examination requirements; provide for. Amends sec. 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531).

HB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires reading disability training for teachers and streamlines certification for experienced educators, strengthening teacher qualifications and access to licensure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 11, 2025

SB 380: Education: teachers and administrators; references regarding teacher performance evaluations; modify. Amends sec. 4, art. I, secs. 2a & 3b, art. II & sec. 3, art. III of 1937 (Ex Sess) PA 4 (MCL 38.74 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0379'25

SB 380 modifies Michigan's teacher tenure rules to clarify how probationary teachers (new teachers) achieve tenure and how performance evaluations affect both probationary and tenured teachers. It requires probationary teachers to earn "effective" or "highly effective" ratings on their most recent three year-end evaluations (with specific timelines: 5 years before July 1, 2024, and 4 years after) to complete their probationary period. For tenured teachers rated "ineffective" or "minimally effective," the bill mandates an individualized development plan with clear goals, to be completed within 180 days. The bill directly affects public school teachers in Michigan, particularly new educators seeking tenure and existing tenured teachers needing performance support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires probationary teachers to achieve 'effective' ratings for tenure, strengthening performance evaluation standards for educators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 189: Education: teachers and administrators; waiver for certain certification tests; provide for. Amends sec. 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531).

SB 189 allows out-of-state teachers with at least three years of successful teaching experience in their home state or country to obtain Michigan teaching certificates or endorsements without retaking required exams or completing Michigan's reading certification requirements. It directly affects educators moving to Michigan from other jurisdictions who provide documentation of their teaching history. The bill maintains existing requirements for Michigan-certified teachers (including reading coursework) but waives exam and reading credit hurdles for qualifying out-of-state applicants. The legislation does not change Michigan's standard certification rules for new teachers or alter the reading competency standards for existing educators.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationWaives certification exams for out-of-state teachers, easing workforce entry and supporting educator recruitment in K-12 schools per bill's explicit purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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passed · Michigan · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 83: School aid: other; future educator student teacher stipend program; modify. Amends sec. 27c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1627c).

SB 83 allocates $30 million from the state school aid fund and $20 million from the educator fellowship fund for the 2024-2025 school year to create a stipend program for student teachers in Michigan. Eligible student teachers must be enrolled in approved teacher training programs, working in a school district or qualifying public preschool program, and not yet employed as a full teacher. The program provides up to $9,600 per semester directly to student teachers through their training programs, with priority given to those receiving Pell Grants if funds are limited. This affects student teachers pursuing certification and their educator preparation programs, aiming to support their classroom experience during training.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $50M from existing state funds to create a stipend program for student teachers, directly funding public education through budget execution.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $50M for student teacher stipends, directly funding educator training and retention programs to strengthen teacher pipeline.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Student Financial Aid Teachers

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