Education (Teachers)

passed · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 300: A resolution to declare May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates the week of May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week throughout Michigan. It directly affects teachers, students, parents, and the general public by encouraging them to recognize and thank educators for their contributions. The resolution contains no new laws or funding, but rather serves as a formal declaration to honor the teaching profession.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors teachers and encourages recognition of educators, aligning with support indicators for supporting teachers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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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 · House Dec 31, 2025

HB 5427: Education: other; virtual instruction days; allow. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1284c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5428'25

This bill limits Michigan school districts to 15 virtual instruction days per school year, counting these days as regular school days for funding and attendance purposes. It permits virtual learning only for emergencies, student testing days, or teacher training (capped at 30 hours yearly). School districts must get board approval and notify students' families before implementing virtual days. The bill directly affects public school districts and their scheduling decisions for remote learning.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts virtual learning days to 15 annually, limiting district flexibility in remote instruction programs and capping teacher training hours.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 11, 2025

HB 4585: Education: school districts; salary cap for school administrators and certain other school employees; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1246a.

HB 4585 sets a salary cap for school administrators in Michigan, directly affecting superintendents, principals, and other school leaders in public school districts and intermediate school districts. The bill prohibits districts from paying these administrators more than four times the starting teacher salary or three times the average teacher salary in the district, whichever amount is greater. Existing contracts that exceed this cap will be exempt until the contract expires, providing a transition period for current employees. The legislation aims to align administrator pay more closely with typical teacher compensation structures within each school district.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill imposes salary cap on school administrators, restricting compensation within education funding structure, aligning with 'oppose' criteria of limiting costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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