This bill allows Michigan school districts to hire non-certified teachers for specific subjects like computer science, engineering, and career and technical education, provided the hires meet strict qualifications such as holding a bachelor's degree with a major in the subject area and having relevant work experience. While districts must prioritize hiring fully certified teachers when possible, the legislation creates an exception for CTE programs, permitting non-certified instructors with industry expertise to work in those roles for up to 20 years with potential extensions. Additionally, the bill streamlines the path to certification for these temporary hires by waiving the student teaching requirement if they complete three years of successful classroom instruction.
This bill extends the ability of Michigan school districts and academies to hire non-certified teachers for career and technical education programs in fields like engineering, robotics, and industrial technology. To qualify, these educators must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, possess at least two years of professional experience in their specific field within the last decade, and maintain a valid professional license or certification if one is required for the subject they teach. While the law generally requires districts to hire certified teachers first, it allows them to keep non-certified staff for up to 10 years with approval from state or district officials if those staff members are actively pursuing certification or have significant industry expertise. Additionally, the bill creates a pathway where non-certified teachers who successfully complete three years of classroom instruction can have their student teaching requirement waived to obtain a provisional teaching certificate.
This bill modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn mathematics credits through career and technical education programs instead of traditional classroom courses. Specifically, it permits pupils to satisfy the algebra II requirement by completing approved CTE curricula in fields such as engineering, construction, or computer science that cover the same mathematical content. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that students can partially or fully meet the foreign language requirement by completing CTE or visual and performing arts instruction. These changes aim to provide more flexible pathways for students to graduate while maintaining specific academic standards in math and language arts.
This bill allows Michigan school districts and academies to hire non-certified teachers for specific subjects like computer science, engineering, and career and technical education. To qualify, these teachers must hold a bachelor's degree in their field of study, possess relevant professional experience, and pass any required subject exams. The law prioritizes hiring certified teachers but permits the use of non-certified staff if a certified candidate is unavailable or if the teacher is actively pursuing certification. Additionally, the bill extends the maximum employment period for non-certified career and technical education instructors to 10 years with approval, and it offers a pathway to waive student teaching requirements for those who complete three years of successful classroom work.
This bill updates Michigan's high school graduation requirements by amending existing sections and adding new provisions to the state's school code. It directly affects all public school districts and academies by establishing specific credit mandates for mathematics, social science, health, arts, and foreign languages. Key changes include clarifying math pathways that allow career and technical education courses to count toward algebra II, mandating online learning experiences for every student, and requiring two credits in a language other than English.
This Michigan bill updates high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn math credits through approved career and technical education programs in trades like welding, construction, and engineering. It adds a new section to the state school code that recognizes formal CTE programs as equivalent to traditional math courses when they cover the same content as state assessments. The legislation also clarifies how personal finance courses can count toward multiple subject requirements, including math, arts, and foreign language credits. These changes directly affect public school districts and academies in Michigan by providing more flexibility in how students meet graduation standards while maintaining core academic expectations.
This bill creates a new corporate income tax credit for Michigan employers who train apprentices and employ students in career and technical education programs. Starting in 2026, eligible businesses can receive tax credits covering up to 50% of certain training expenses or $2,000 per apprentice or student, with small businesses under 50 employees receiving an additional 10% bonus credit. The credit applies to qualified expenses such as wages, benefits, and classroom instruction costs, and any unused portion can be refunded to the taxpayer. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Labor to annually report on program participation, employment outcomes, and the fiscal impact of the credits to legislative committees.
This resolution designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers (like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades) without creating new laws or funding. The resolution urges continued awareness of CTE programs, which support over 115,000 Michigan high school students annually and align with projected job openings requiring postsecondary training. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding requirements and serves only to raise public awareness.
SB 59 adjusts how Michigan school districts count students enrolled in approved work-based learning programs for state funding purposes. It modifies the "membership" calculation (used to determine school funding) to ensure these students are included in district counts, rather than being excluded under current rules. This change directly affects school districts and public school academies that operate or enroll students in work-based learning programs. The bill adds a new provision (Section 61e) to clarify that students in such programs must be counted in membership for funding, aligning with their educational placement. This ensures consistent funding for districts supporting these students' learning experiences.
HB 4154 amends Michigan's Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act to explicitly include trade schools as eligible institutions for high school students to take college-level courses at reduced cost. This change directly affects Michigan high school students who want to enroll in career-focused programs at trade schools, allowing them to access the same tuition support previously available only at community colleges and universities. The bill updates the definition of "eligible postsecondary institution" to specifically list trade schools, without altering existing rules about course limits, fees, or student eligibility. This clarifies that trade schools can now participate in the program, expanding educational pathways for students seeking vocational training.
