TEACHER LICENSING EXAMINATION S.B. 354 (S-3):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 354 (Substitute S-3 as reported)
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 an existing licensing examination.
BRIEF RATIONALE
Reportedly, Michigan schools 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.[1] Though in recent years the rates of teachers entering and exiting stabilized, the percentage of teachers who were in their first year of teaching or who were new to their districts reached an all-time high.[2] Due to the shortage, school districts must rely 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 teaching certificate to an individual with a teaching certificate from another state, country, or Federally recognized Indian tribe if that individual successfully taught for three years. Some believe the State could attract more teachers by expanding reciprocity to include certified teachers with 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: 10-24-24 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.