TEACHER LICENSING EXAMINATION S.B. 354 (S-3):
SUMMARY OF BILL
ON THIRD READING
Senate Bill 354 (Substitute S-3 as amended on Third Reading)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to allow the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to issue a Michigan teaching certificate to an individual who held or was eligible to hold a valid teaching certificate in another state or with a Federally recognized Indian tribe if that individual passed either the reading subtest developed by the SPI or a reading test that was based on the science of reading and approved by the other state or Federally recognized Indian tribe and an existing licensing examination.
BRIEF RATIONALE
Reportedly, Michigan schools and communities are struggling due to a shortage of certified teachers. According to a report by Michigan State University's Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC), from the 2012-2013 school year to the 2016-2017 school year, more Michigan teachers exited the profession than entered it.[1] Though in recent years the rates of teachers entering and exiting the profession stabilized, the percentage of teachers who were in their first year of teaching reached an all-time high, as did the percentage of teachers who were new to their current district.[2] Due to the shortage, school districts have had to compensate by relying on teachers with temporary credentials, multi-site teachers, and third-party virtual course providers.[3] In 2023, Public Act 110 sought to address the shortage of certified teachers by requiring the SPI to grant a Michigan teaching certificate to an individual with a teaching certificate from another state, country, or Federally recognized Indian tribe if that individual had successfully taught for three years. Some people believe the State could attract even more teachers by expanding reciprocity to include certified teachers from other states who had less than three years of experience.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 11-12-24 Fiscal Analyst: Cory Savino, PhD
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.