About Alternate Route to Interim Teacher Certification

The Alternate Route to Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) Program will provide the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to become a highly qualified, certified teacher. Individuals applying to Schoolcraft’s program will be expected to meet all admission requirements as established by the superintendent of public instruction, based on section 1531i of the Revised School Code (MCL 380.1531i). Individuals admitted to the program will be expected to demonstrate the ability and disposition to complete both the program of studies and also become an effective classroom teacher. Candidates completing the alternate route program will be recommended for the Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate and also awarded a Schoolcraft College Certificate of Completion.

It is the policy of Schoolcraft College that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, creed, or handicap, be excluded from participating in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program or activity or in employment.

Important information about the Alternate Route to Interim Certification program, both for initial certification and adding an endorsement(s) to a current certificate:

• Applicants must have a minimum of an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Individuals with less than a 3.0 (2.99-2.80 ) GPA may contact the Education Office to have their transcripts evaluated
• Michigan’s alternate route programs can be used for initial teacher certification, adding subject endorsements and adding elementary or secondary endorsements to current teaching certificates
• Currently certified teachers may apply for the Individual Program Plan(IPP) which may allow them to use prior teacher education coursework
• Individuals may apply for the elementary education (Grades K–5 or 6–8 self-contained), the secondary education (grades 6–12), or the K–12 (Music, Art, Physical Education, etc.)
• Individuals applying to the ARC program should demonstrate recent experience in the classroom as a teacher, paraprofessional or volunteer
• Individuals must be able to demonstrate the social, emotional, and professional characteristics expected of a certified teacher
• The Special Education and Early Childhood endorsements are not available through the alternative route programs
• Successful completion of an intensive academic pre-certification semester is required prior to recommendation for the Interim Teaching Certificate and additional endorsements
• The pre-certification courses and related field experiences must be completed within two consecutive semesters. Failure to complete the requirements will necessitate application for readmission to the program
• Candidates will complete a minimum of 60 hours in a classroom based practicum
• Candidates are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the program, in order to continue to work through the course of studies
• ARC teachers will work with assigned peer mentors for the three years following the issuance of the Interim Teaching Certificate
• ARC teachers will participate in workshops and professional development activities during the three years following the issuance of the Interim Teaching Certificate
• Academic professional development courses will be scheduled during the spring/summer, while completing the 3 years of classroom teaching
• ARC teachers must successfully serve as a certified teacher of record for three years in a public or charter school following the issuance of the Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate
• Certification and endorsements are valid and recognized while the ARC teacher works with Schoolcraft College
• All program requirements must be completed within 5 years of admission to the program

Other Program Notes

• ARC teachers will be responsible for making arrangements for their teaching positions following issuance of the Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate
• The ARC Teacher must complete the initial three year teaching position in a public, charter, or parochial school within 100 miles of the college, unless other arrangements have been made with the program
• ARC teachers can be certified to teach in the content areas identified by the Michigan Department of Education and those which the candidate has demonstrated proficiency by passing the applicable MTTC exam(s). Candidates seeking an endorsement in a world/bilingual language, or English as a second language must pass both the oral and written proficiency examinations
• Candidates are not required to have a major/minor in their selected endorsement areas
• Additional endorsements can be added to the provisional certificate following three years of successful teaching with the Interim Certificate.
• ARC teachers must teach within the new endorsement area for a minimum of 12 weeks, in order to transfer the endorsement to the next certificate
• Applicants with criminal records who are not eligible for teacher certification in Michigan cannot be admitted to the program. Candidates with a felony or misdemeanor conviction are required to submit all related court documents to the program upon admission. Final determination for the candidate’s certifiably is held by the Michigan Department of Education.

Acceptance

• Applicants are encouraged to submit all required application materials as a packet as early in the application process as possible
• Review of application materials may commence when all materials have been received
• Individuals should submit the following:
  • ARC Program application
  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Photo ID
  • MTTC Content exam(s)

• An individual can become certified to teach in as little as one semester
• Candidates seeking only additional endorsements will complete the current ARC coursework and requirements
• Unlike the traditional teacher preparation program, the alternate route candidate’s certification or endorsement(s) is not contingent on their academic major or minor
• Candidates, as well as currently certified teachers, can be recommended for a wide variety of endorsements, except Special Education and Early Childhood Education

Certification is available in the following areas:       

• Elementary education (Grades K–5 or 6–8 self-contained)
• Secondary education (grades 6–12)
• K–12 (Music, Art, Physical Education, ESL, etc.)
• New co-horts of the ARC program begin each year in the fall, winter, and spring/summer semesters
• The four pre-certification courses are offered in the evenings on the Livonia campus. ARC teachers are able to select the district/school in which they will be employed
• The ARC program will sponsor and mentor the new ARC teacher for the initial three years of classroom teaching with the certificate
• Each new ARC teacher is provided ongoing support of a college supervisor, a building based peer mentor, and professional development coursework during the initial three years of teaching

Alternate Route to Interim Teacher Certification Program

Please Note: Requirements for admission to the program are subject to change at any time. If you have questions or desire additional information, please contact the Teacher Education Office at 734- 462- 4335.

In order to be evaluated for a Michigan teaching certificate, individuals who have completed course work, degrees or a teacher preparation program in another country (with the exception of individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program and degrees in Canada and who hold a valid teaching certificate from Ontario, Newfoundland, Quebec, or Saskatchewan) must provide a course by course evaluation report from one of the evaluation services listed below:

(A copy of the transcript evaluation report must be submitted with a copy of the transcripts and other required admission documents.)

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274
Telephone: 212-966-6311
Chicago Telephone: 312-222-0882
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (212) 739-6120
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.wes.org
http://www.wes.org/application

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Telephone: 414-289-3400
Fax: 414-289-3411
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ece.org

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3665
Telephone: 310-258-9451
Fax: 310-342-7086
Website: http://www.ierf.org

Source: FACTS ON EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION (Revised on 12 /16/2014) – MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Applicants must have a minimum of an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Individuals with a GPA of 2.8 or higher can contact the Teacher Education office to have their transcripts evaluated
• Applicants must pass the MTTC Content exam for the subject(s) they plan to teach prior to program admission
• Applicants must be able to pass a background check
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate the social, emotional, and professional characteristics necessary to become an effective certified teacher
• Applicants should have prior experience in the classroom as a teacher, support person, or volunteer
• Applicants may be required to demonstrate reading and writing competency prior to admission to the program
• Applicants with criminal records who are not eligible for teacher certification in Michigan cannot be admitted to the program. Individuals with a felony or misdemeanor conviction are required to submit all related court documents to the program at the time of application. Final determination of candidate’s eligibility to be certified is made by the Michigan Department of Education
• Application Deadlines for rolling admissions:
  • Fall- July 24
  • Winer- November 1
  • Spring/summer- March 24
• Individuals should also complete the general admissions application for Schoolcraft College (submission does not insure admission to the ARC program)

• Applicants are encouraged to submit all required application materials as early in the application process as possible
• Applicants should submit the following:
  • ARC application
  • Resume’
  • Transcripts (Official or unofficial)
  • Photo ID
  • MTTC Exam Results (Should be sent directly from MTTC)
• Program admission can be granted only after all admission requirements have been met
• The ARC program does not offer probationary admission

The requirements for admission to an Alternate Route Program are:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 point scale)*Individuals with a GPA of 2.80-2.99 can have their transcripts reviewed
• Pass the applicable MTTC Subject Area Test(s) 
• Pass the criminal background check (Fingerprinting may also be required by some school districts for fieldwork)
• Demonstrate the social, emotional, and professional behaviors consistent with those of professional educators
• Prior experience in the classroom as a teacher, support person, or volunteer is preferred
• Demonstrate college level reading/writing skills

• The Alternate Route Program (ARC) can be used for initial teacher certification and adding subject endorsements to a current teaching certificate
• Program requirements are the same for initial certification and adding endorsements
• Alternate Route Programs are unable to accept transfer credit for prior academic work
• Individuals may apply for the elementary education (Grades K–5 or 6–8 self-contained), the secondary education (grades 6–12), or the K–12 (Music, Art, Physical Education, etc.) certificate programs
• Successful completion of an intensive academic precertification semester is required prior to the recommendation for the Interim Teaching Certificate and additional endorsements
• The precertification courses and related field experiences, must be completed within two consecutive semesters. Failure to complete the requirements will necessitate application for readmission to the program. Precertification courses will be offered at the Livonia campus
• Candidates will complete up to 105 hours of field experience in the classroom during the semester prior to Interim Certification
• Candidates are required to maintain a minimum course-based GPA of 3.0 during the program, in order to continue to work through the course of studies
• The Special Education and Early Childhood Education endorsements are not available through the Alternate Route programs

• ARC teachers must successfully work as a certified teacher for three years in a public, charter, or private school following the issuance of the Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate. All program requirements must be completed within five (5) years of admission to the program
• ARC teachers will work with an assigned peer mentor during the initial three years of teaching
• ARC teachers will participate in workshops and professional development activities during the initial three years of teaching with the Interim Teaching Certificate
• On-line and hybrid professional development courses are scheduled during the spring and summer while the candidate completes three (3) years of classroom teaching. These courses must be completed as prescribed, in order to remain active in the ARC program
• The Interim Teaching Certificate and endorsements are valid and recognized only while the ARC teacher actively participates in the Schoolcraft ARC program
• Candidates can be certified to teach in the content areas identified by the Michigan Department of Education and those which the candidate has demonstrated proficiency by passing the applicable MTTC exam(s). Candidates are not required to have a major/minor in their selected endorsement area(s)
• ARC teachers with an Interim Teaching Certificate will not be eligible to add additional endorsements to their certificates after receiving the initial Interim Certificate. Additional endorsements can be added to the provisional certificate following the three years of successful teaching with the Interim Certificate

• The ARC teacher will be responsible for making arrangements for their teaching positions following issuance of the Interim Teaching Certificate. The ARC teacher may select the school/district in which they wish to teach
• The ARC teacher must complete the initial three year teaching position in a public, charter, or private school within 100 miles of the college, unless other arrangements have been made with the program
• ARC teachers must teach within the new endorsement area for a minimum of 12 weeks, in order to transfer the endorsement to the next certificate.
• ARC Teachers must complete all program requirements within five years. Time extensions by the MDE are not available for this certificate

• ARC teachers will be able to assume full-time classroom teaching positions in any public, charter, or parochial school/district
• ARC teachers are employed as certified teachers and are considered highly qualified by the state
• Schoolcraft’s ARC program will sponsor /mentor the ARC teacher for the initial three years of certified teaching
• ARC teachers will work with assigned peer mentors, attend workshops, and professional development conferences and complete prescribed coursework throughout the initial three years of teaching with the certificate or endorsement
• Michigan’s Interim Teaching Certificate/endorsement is recognized only while actively participating in the ARC program
• The certificate/endorsement is good for a maximum of five years. The ARC teacher can be recommended for a new, Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate, following three years of successful teaching with the certificate

This program requires an application and special admission process

Contact the Associate Dean, Education Programs to complete an application or for additional information at 734‑462‑4335.

For more information on Michigan Alternative Route to Interim Teacher Certification (MARITC), call 517-335-6615.

For more information on certification, please contact: Michigan Department of Education, 608 W. Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909, 517-373-3310, [email protected]

Complete Our Online Application

The applicant must have an earned bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Individuals with less than a 3.0 GPA may contact the Education Office to have their transcripts evaluated.

Applicants should request official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing college or university to Schoolcraft College Records Office. 

1. Application
2. Official transcripts
   Applicants may provide unofficial transcripts when applying to the program; once accepted, they must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. 
3. MTTC Test Results
4. Current First Aid/CPR certification is required when recommended for certificate
5. Photo ID
6. Résumé

The Michigan State Board of Education requires that candidates for initial licensure (Teaching Certificate) pass the appropriate subject area tests (Elementary Education, and content areas such as; Math, History, Biology, etc.,) in each teaching area prior to admission to the program. More than one content exam may be taken in order to add desired endorsements. A major/minor in the subject is not required when taking the exam(s).

Information and registration is conducted by Evaluation Systems at www.mttc.nesinc.com.

MTTC Tests may be retaken, if needed. Final results should be sent directly to the Schoolcraft College Education Office. Test results cannot be accepted from the applicant.

Applicants will participate in a professional interview prior to admission to the program. The interview will assist in identifying applicants with the background, knowledge, and dispositions, to complete the program and become successful classroom teachers.

Applicants must submit to a criminal background check.

Applicants are required by Michigan law to hold First Aid/CPR certification prior to being certified to teach.

Applicants are required to participate in the program orientation session. Additional information about this will be sent to all students accepted into the program.

Maintain a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average for all supportive and prerequisite courses.

The requirements for admission to an Alternate Route Program are:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 point scale)*
• Pass the applicable MTTC Subject Area Exam(s) prior to admission
• Pass the criminal background check
• For Individualized Program Plan only- Copy of current Michigan teaching certificate
• For Individualized Program Plan only– Letter of recommendation (teaching effectiveness)from current Administrator or copy of the prior two years of Michigan teacher effectiveness rating

*If your GPA is 2.8 or higher, you may contact the ARC Office for a transcript review

• The ARC program sponsors the teacher who may be adding endorsements to their certificate. A robust peer mentorship program and ongoing professional development coursework will be provided to each ARC teacher. The program, in consultation with the building administrator and the teacher, will identify a qualified teacher in the building who would serve as the ARC teacher’s peer mentor. Additional professional development and individual support are offered throughout the program. Teachers will complete the program’s additional on-line professional development coursework during the summer months.
• For teachers in the IPP, the peer mentoring program may be arranged for 1 to 6 semesters. The length of the peer mentoring experience will be determined by the ARC program, based on the experience level of the teacher and the demonstrated ability to teach the new endorsement content effectively.
• All teachers, regardless of the amount of peer mentoring they will receive, will be sponsored by the ARC program for the initial three years of having and using the new endorsement. This will include continuing support of the college mentor, professional development coursework during the summer months, and completion of related program requirements.
• The mentoring and professional development program does not replace nor interfere with the building’s/district’s professional growth program. The qualified teachers who serve as peer mentors for the ARC teachers are paid each semester for their work and support of the newly certified teacher. The mentor’s salary is provided through Schoolcraft College.

• Completed as part of the teacher’s formal education program
• Completed at an accredited teacher preparation institution
• Course grade is B (3.0) or higher
• Addresses outcomes of current ARC course
• Submitted to the program when the Individual Program Plan (IPP)is requested

Teachers may be recommended to the state for the endorsement(s) as soon as they have satisfied the requirements of the initial four pre-certification courses. This may occur when admitted to the program, or within one or two semesters following admission.

No. The teacher must pass the appropriate MTTC exam and be admitted to the ARC program.

• Elementary education (Grades K–5 or 6–8 self-contained)
• Secondary education (grades 6–12)
• K–12 (Music, Art, Physical Education, ESL, etc.)

Currently certified teachers, can be recommended for all endorsements, except Special Education and Early Childhood Education.

Teachers can be certified to teach subjects in grades 6-8, in a departmentalized program, using either a secondary certificate (grades 6-12, specific content) or they are able to use an elementary certificate by adding an appropriate endorsement to the certificate. These include: English Language Arts, Elementary Social Studies, Elementary Math, and Elementary Intergraded Science.

Yes, individuals can add endorsements to their interim or current certificate using the MTTC Content Exams. These exams should be taken and passed prior to admission to the program. The ARC program encourages individuals to consider having more than one endorsement, helping to make the ARC teacher more marketable following certification. The ARC teacher will be expected to use each endorsement at least once during the initial three years of teaching with the endorsement.

• New cohorts are scheduled to begin in May (spring), August (fall), and January (winter)
• Evening courses (precertification courses) will be offered at the Livonia campus at 6 pm, Mondays-Thursdays
• The majority of post certification (Professional Development) coursework will be offered on line

1. The Interim Teaching Certificate/additional endorsements are valid only while the ARC teacher is actively participating in Schoolcraft’s ARC program.
2. The Interim teaching certificate/endorsement is valid only in Michigan.

At the conclusion of three years of successful teaching and completion of the ARC program, the ARC teacher is recommended for the Standard Teaching Certificate and/or permanent endorsements.

The ARC program is expected to sponsor and mentor the teacher while they are teaching with the interim teaching certificate.

The ARC teacher will be required to complete the following:

1. Participate in a process of ongoing supervision and professional development arranged by the college supervisor (classroom visits, electronic observations, workshops)
2. Complete and upload, to Live Text, all specified documents and artifacts
3. Successfully complete the required Professional Development coursework during the three summer sessions, with at least a 3.0 in each course.
4. Maintain ongoing communication with the ARC program
5. Inform the ARC Program when leaving or changing a position