I want to make a difference in students' lives.
The Professional Innovators in Teaching program is a unique pathway that prepares you for your next step in your career. Through a cohort network of collegues and education professionals, educators grow and learn right inside charter school classrooms.
Your first year in this teacher alternative certification and endorsement program will include a combination of in-person and online facilitated learning through workshop training, real-time classroom instruction, and ongoing feedback from your cohort coach. After successful completion of your first year in the program, you will have the opportunity to participate in quarterly cohort network meetings. These meetings will provide a valuable network of your peers to support you in what we know to be the hardest time of your career as you become a seasoned and highly- effective teacher who loves your job.
Get answers to our most common program questions.
Eligibility checklist:
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then the answer is YES. To enter this program, your attitude and outlook on students are just as important as your academic history. We're doing something different here, and mindset is key.
* If you do not hold a BA or higher,
**If you do not have an overall GPA of 2.95 or higher, you may still be eligible. Contact us and we'll further evaluate.
The Professional Innovators in Teaching program is a mixed online, in-person and experiential learning program. Your schedule will look roughly like this:
The cost of the program is $7,500, which includes the cost of certification (a value of $160). Cost of required testing is NOT included in the program. Candidates should consult with their school for options on tuition reimbursement or support. Additionally, candidates are eligible for a full-time teacher salary which is determined by each individual school.
All tuition is due by July 31. 9-month and 12-month payment plans are available, but must also be secured by July 31.
Program cohorts are currently located in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing and Gaylord.
Don't see a cohort in your area? Contact us today to get help with placements.
Yes. We welcome all candidates! We work closely with candidates and host schools to find a match between passion and vision. The goal of this program is to create pathways for individuals who hold the values known of great educators to start a successful career in education!
We have found that the most successful candidates and future leaders in education are individuals who embrace a growth mindset for continuous development, value constructive feedback, are steadfast in their passion to help every child achieve against the highest expectations, are committed to collaboration and shared responsibility and recognize the importance of meaningful relationships with kiddos that come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique story.
We value teaching as a profession! Our program is setup to allow for true integration into a unique culture that relies on a match around mission as a critical foundation. Our program structure is focused on the classroom and real-time instructional coaching and mentoring. We place significant value on the support structure of the cohort, creating a network of professionalism. Everybody involved, inclusive of school leadership, teacher mentors, PLC leaders, and coaches approach the experience around shared values. Our curriculum is paced in a way that allows for exposure, coaching and practice to individualized growth plans.
Upon acceptance into the program, an interim certificate is issued by the Michigan Department of Education. Candidates must complete the full program to maintain certification. The program is inclusive of an initial year of intense coursework followed by two years of professional learning cohort participation. After three years of effective ratings, candidates will be recommended for standard certification.
On average, first-year teacher salaries in Michigan range between $32-$35K. Charter schools are mission focused and offer cultures of collaboration and opportunity for personal growth.
Ph: (517) 374-9167