The Professional Innovators in Education Program, formerly Professional Innovators in Teaching, was created as an alternative route to teacher certification by MAPSA and approved by the Michigan Department of Education. The Professional Innovators Program is helping solve one of the most pressing challenges in the education sector: retaining and certifying high-quality educators.
The Professional Innovators Program offers a flexible, completely virtual pathway to full teacher certification, designed for working professionals, paraprofessionals, and career changers. Unlike traditional university-based programs, candidates don’t need to quit their jobs or start over on a degree. Instead, they earn their certification while they teach, in a supportive, real-world setting.
In 2024-2025, more than 160 charter, private, and traditional schools across Michigan have partnered with The Professional Innovators Program to:
The program is making a measurable difference, not just for educators, but for schools, students, and communities.
The Professional Innovators Program is designed to remove barriers and support a more diverse, representative teacher workforce.
While The Professional Innovators Program is flexible, it maintains a strong focus on quality and personal support.
This coaching model ensures that candidates are not just certified, they are prepared and confident.
Professional Innovators bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Schools benefit from this model by gaining certified, supported teachers without long delays or hiring uncertainties.
Professional Innovators in Education isn’t just a certification program, it’s a professional network that connects educators across the state.
The Professional Innovators in Education Program is Michigan’s premier flexible alternative route to certification. The fully virtual program is designed for professionals who want to be ready to lead in the classroom and transform education.
If you’re a school leader, board member, management company, authorizer, or policymaker, you have a role to play in strengthening Michigan’s teacher workforce.
Here’s how you can support or benefit from The Professional Innovators Program:
Learn more about how your school or organization can work with the PIIE program.
Together, we can ensure every Michigan student is led by a capable, and inspired educator.
Michigan's Charter School Association
123 W Allegan, Ste 750
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: (517) 374-9167
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