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HB 6016

Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 16 co-sponsors

Michigan HB6016 creates a standardized interim teaching certificate path linked to an alternative program, with a phased limit on special education interim certificates by 2027.

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Bill Summary · HB 6016

Overview

House Bill 6016 (Michigan, 2025-2026) revises the interim teaching certification process under the state’s Revised School Code (amending sec. 1531i). The bill aims to expand and standardize how individuals can enter the teaching profession through an interim certificate linked to an alternative preparation pathway, with explicit timelines and stronger focus on special education and educator shortages data.

Primary purpose and intent

  • Create and govern an interim teaching certificate pathway for individuals who enroll in an approved alternative teaching program.
  • Align Michigan’s interim certification process with federal requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), as applicable.
  • Implement a specific timeline that gradually restricts the interim pathway for teaching special education, culminating in a prohibition beginning July 21, 2027, for new interim certificates in special education (with a grandfathering provision for those already granted earlier).
  • Establish minimum program requirements, performance expectations, and oversight to ensure candidates are prepared for state teaching standards and to support districts through observed practice and coaching.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Interim certificate framework (new process)

    • The State Superintendent must establish an interim teaching certificate process that qualifies individuals to teach in public schools and to pursue a Michigan teaching certificate via this route.
    • The process must meet applicable federal alternative certification requirements (NCLB/ESSA).

  2. Special education transition restrictions

    • Starting July 21, 2027, the process may not grant interim certificates for teaching special education.
    • Individuals who already hold an interim certificate in special education before that date may continue teaching under that certificate, subject to other applicable laws and rules.

  3. Eligibility and program requirements (for general interim certificates)

    • Participants must be enrolled in an approved alternative teaching program.
    • Program providers must demonstrate:
      • Intensive training equivalent to at least 12 college credits, covering topics such as child development, family and community relationships, diverse learners, instructional strategies, and field-based experience.
      • A proven track record of producing successful teachers or be modeled after a successful program.
      • A cohort GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of degree completion.
      • Acceptance of only individuals meeting the degree requirements (bachelor’s or higher from an accredited institution).
      • Passing the appropriate subject area examinations.

  4. Special education interim pathway (for those not holding a certificate)

    • If an individual does not hold a Michigan teaching certificate but seeks interim status in special education, they must complete a 32+ credit hour (or equivalent) training program covering essential knowledge and practices for special education, including assessment, accommodations, IEPs, collaboration, transitions, records management, and legal bases.
    • If the individual already holds a Michigan teaching certificate, they may use an accelerated training program for special education instead of the full 32-credit-hour pathway.

  5. Post-interim requirements and certification standards

    • Individuals earning a Michigan teaching certificate via this process must comply with rules governing teachers (administrative rules).
    • Interim certificate holders may be employed if accompanied by intensive district observation and coaching and if the teacher shows satisfactory progress toward full certification.

  6. Data, accountability, and research

    • The Superintendent must establish standards for granting a full certificate after 3 years of satisfactory interim teaching performance.
    • CEPI, in partnership with universities, must conduct and report on educator shortages, including vacancies, retention, source of graduates, regional needs, and related data, with annual reporting obligations.

  7. Rulemaking and data reporting

    • The Department will promulgate necessary rules to implement the subsection.
    • Annual reporting on interim certificates issued for special education and retention rates is required.

Who is affected

  • Prospective teachers entering through an approved alternative program.
  • School districts and public school academies employing interim certificate holders, with required coaching and supervision.
  • Special education candidates, particularly changes beginning in 2027, as the interim path for new special education certificates is restricted.
  • Institutions operating alternative teacher preparation programs (program providers must meet defined criteria).
  • CEPI and collaborating state universities (data collection and reporting on educator shortages).

Timelines and procedures

  • July 21, 2027: Interim certificates may not be granted for teaching special education (new pathway). Existing interim certificates for special education granted before this date may continue, subject to other rules.
  • Standards for full certification after 3 years of interim teaching performance to be established by the Superintendent.
  • Annual reporting deadlines: January 1 of each year for interim and educator-shortage data; ongoing CEPI reporting as required.

Notes

The bill emphasizes alignment with federal guidance, a data-driven approach to addressing shortages, and a phased narrowing of the interim pathway for special education to ensure long-term credentialing integrity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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