Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Michigan does not offer a license with minimal requirements that would allow content experts to teach part time.
Offer a license that allows content experts to serve as part-time instructors.
Michigan should permit individuals with deep subject-area knowledge to teach a limited number of courses without fulfilling a complete set of certification requirements. The state should verify content knowledge through a rigorous test and conduct background checks as appropriate, while waiving all other licensure requirements. Such a license would increase districts' flexibility to staff certain subjects, including many STEM areas, that are frequently hard to staff or may not have high enough enrollment to necessitate a full-time position.
Michigan recognized the factual accuracy of NCTQ's analysis. The state added that Resident Expert certification/authorization has been included in administrative rules, which are pending approval.
NCTQ looks forward to reviewing the state's progress in future editions of the Yearbook.