Dr. Michael F. Rice Michigan superintendent of public instruction | Michigan Department of Education
The State Board of Education in Michigan has approved new standards aimed at enhancing the preparation of special education teachers. These standards are designed to guide universities and colleges in developing and improving special education teacher programs.
Teachers who complete these endorsement programs will be equipped with a strong understanding of special education requirements and strategies, enabling them to address the needs of a diverse range of students in suitable classroom environments.
"Today is a big day for Michigan students who receive special education services and their parents and guardians," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice following the approval. "Special education teachers will be better prepared to educate and support their students in the coming years."
The new standards allow for a special education teacher endorsement on a Michigan teaching certificate, which can also be combined with other endorsements in general or special education. This endorsement will support students with special needs receiving instruction from general education teachers endorsed in content areas.
Dr. Michele Harmala, deputy superintendent of MDE’s Division of Educator Excellence, stated that these standards align with Goal 7 of Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which aims to increase the number of teachers in shortage areas. She noted that stakeholders from various backgrounds developed these standards based on the Council for Exceptional Children’s Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators.
Dr. Gina Garner, higher education consultant for MDE's Office of Educator Excellence, mentioned that these standards would facilitate credentialing for those seeking special education credentials and for out-of-state teachers moving to Michigan.
A committee worked from August 2023 through August 2024 to develop these standards. After presenting them at a January 2025 meeting, public comments were collected until February 27 through an online survey with feedback leading to adjustments in four proposed standards.
Committee member Valencia Cade highlighted the importance of these standards by stating they provide a clear path toward certification while focusing on both special education and effective teaching practices simultaneously.
The new endorsement allows educators to teach across various programs such as cognitive impairment and specific learning disabilities but excludes certain specialized areas like autism spectrum disorder and early childhood special education without existing endorsements.
Implementation begins immediately with alignment efforts by educator preparation programs, aiming for prospective educators to enter new programs by fall 2026 and begin working with this endorsement by spring 2028. Currently, there are approximately 12,000 special education teachers in Michigan.
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