Michigan Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Michigan: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Michigan guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Michigan
NASET board certification is one of the most valuable credentials a Michigan special educator can hold, and the demand for qualified, credentialed teachers has never been higher than ever at 13.7% of Michigan’s students (above the national average) carrying an active IEP across 551 school districts.
To earn your Michigan teaching certificate with this endorsement, you must meet requirements set by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree through an accredited, MDE-approved teacher preparation program
- Complete required reading coursework: 6 semester hours (elementary) or 3 semester hours (secondary)
- Complete a first aid and CPR course from an accredited provider
- Pass the required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for your endorsement area
- Apply through the Michigan Education Information System (MEIS)
Michigan issues the Provisional Certificate for new teachers, the Professional Education Certificate for those with three or more years of experience, and the Interim Teaching Certificate for alternative-route educators. A new standalone endorsement approved in May 2025 takes effect in fall 2026 — giving future educators greater flexibility across disability categories. Pursuing NASET board certification alongside your state license is one of the smartest early-career moves a Michigan special educator can make.
👉 Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to nearly 80 SCECH-eligible courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Michigan
Michigan teachers advance professionally by earning 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) per five-year cycle.
NASET is now a Michigan SCECH-approved provider as of April 30, 2026, through a sponsorship with the Michigan Music Education Association (MMEA). All NASET certifications, courses, and webinars qualify for SCECH credit. A $3.72 per clock hour fee applies through MMEA for processing.
For Michigan special educators, NASET board certification now counts directly toward the 150-hour renewal requirement, making it one of the highest-value professional investments available in the state. Every hour you spend earning a NASET board certification is an hour that advances both your credentials and your renewal cycle.
Submit NASET certificates through MMEA for your official SCECH transcript. Questions? Email careercenter@naset.org.
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, which is the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!Special Education Teacher Salary in Michigan
Michigan educators in this field earn among the highest average salaries of any teaching specialty in the state.
- Average statewide salary: ~$60,128–$65,000/year
- Typical range: $44,807–$59,506
- Top earners (90th percentile): up to $65,599+
- Experienced educators in well-funded districts: $90,000+
Earning potential grows with years of experience, advanced degrees, and professional credentials. Teachers who hold a NASET board certification are better positioned for leadership roles, recruitment bonuses, and career advancement across Michigan’s 551 districts.
Explore the State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide to compare Michigan with other states.
IEPs in Michigan
Michigan follows all federal IDEA requirements with state-specific rules under the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE):
- Michigan recognizes 13 disability classifications for IEP eligibility
- IEPs must be reviewed annually, with full re-evaluations every three years
- Students with disabilities are eligible for services from birth through age 26
- Transition planning begins at age 16, covering post-secondary education, employment, and independent living
Strong IEP development is a core skill for every Michigan special educator, and NASET board certification in IEP development is built specifically for this. The Board Certification in IEP Development (BCIEP) covers eligibility, goal writing, services, and compliance. Browse real-world examples at NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country to see compliant, student-centered plans in practice.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Michigan Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
Advance Your Career With NASET!
The National Association of Special Education Teachers is the leading professional organization for special educators in the U.S. — and NASET board certification is the most recognized credential in the field.
Michigan educators now have full SCECH credit access through NASET, with approval via MMEA effective April 30, 2026. Every NASET certification — including the BCSE, BCASE, and BCIEP — counts toward Michigan’s renewal requirement and signals a level of expertise that districts recognize and reward.
Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into leadership, NASET is your partner at every stage of your career in Michigan.
Explore all NASET certifications and take your career to the next level NASET Certifications
