The SCECH Saga: How Many Hours Do You Need to Not Be a Certified Doofus in Michigan?
Ever heard of SCECHs and thought, "Sounds like a type of exotic fish my grandma would knit a cozy sweater for?" Well, my friend from the mitten state, buckle up, because SCECHs are about as far from cozy knitwear as you can get. They're about keeping your educator certificate shiny and official, like a disco ball that reflects your teaching prowess.
How Many Scechs Do I Need In Michigan |
Why So Many Strange Acronyms, Michigan?
SCECH stands for State Continuing Education Clock Hours. Basically, it's a fancy way of saying you gotta put in some extra learning hours to stay on top of your teaching game. Think of it like educational vitamin gummies for your brain – a tasty (okay, maybe not) way to keep your knowledge sharp.
The Big Enchilada: How Many SCECHs Do I Need?
Hold onto your metaphorical textbooks, educators of Michigan! The magic number is 150. That's right, 150 SCECHs stand between you and becoming a certified...well, let's just say your students might not learn much from a Doofus in Charge (DIC).
But wait, there's more! You can actually fulfill this requirement in a few different ways:
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
- Clocking in 150 SCECHs from approved workshops, conferences, and online courses (because who doesn't love learning in their pajamas?).
- Taking 6 semester hours of college credit in a relevant field.
- Leveraging some serious past experience with Michigan District Provided Professional Development (DPPD) hours (but only if they happened before July 1st, 2020. Sorry, time travelers!)
Pro Tip: Make sure the SCECHs you choose align with your specific certificate and endorsement area. Nobody wants a math whiz teaching Shakespeare, no matter how many fish-themed sweaters they've knit.
Okay, I Get It. Now Where Do I Find These SCECHs?
Michigan is overflowing with SCECH opportunities, my friend! Here are a few places to start your treasure hunt:
- Your local school district – They often offer professional development programs that rack up those sweet, sweet SCECHs.
- Michigan Department of Education website – They have a whole section dedicated to SCECHs, like a digital library of learning adventures.
- Professional organizations in your field – They might host conferences or workshops that count towards your SCECH requirement.
FAQ: Conquering the SCECH Conundrum
How to find out how many SCECHs I need?
Tip: Review key points when done.
The number is usually 150, but check with the Michigan Department of Education for any updates.
How long are SCECHs valid for?
SCECHs typically stay valid for five years, but always double-check with the program provider.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
How do I report my SCECHs?
You'll likely report them through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
How much notice do I need to renew my certificate?
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
The renewal window is between January 1st and June 30th of the year your certificate expires. Don't be a last-minute Lucy with these deadlines!
How can I make sure my chosen professional development counts for SCECHs?
Before you sign up, make sure the program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
So there you have it, folks! The lowdown on SCECHs in Michigan, minus the scary jargon and with a sprinkle of humor (because who says learning can't be fun?). Now go forth and conquer those professional development opportunities, and remember, a little extra learning never hurt anyone (except maybe that time you learned miming was a good career choice).
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