You've Got the Knowledge, Now Get the SCECHs: Renewing Your Teaching License in Michigan (Without Tears!)
Hey there, Michigan educators! Ever feel like keeping your teaching license up-to-date is a never-ending game of professional hopscotch? You're not alone. Between juggling lesson plans, corralling tiny humans, and dodging rogue dodgeballs, remembering the magical number of SCECHs (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) can feel like trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics. But fear not, weary teacher warrior! This guide will break it down for you in a way that's easier to swallow than cafeteria mystery meat (hopefully).
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| How Many Scechs Do I Need To Renew My Teaching License In Michigan |
The SCECH Showdown: How Many Do You Need?
Brace yourselves, because this is the million-dollar question (or at least the certificate-renewing question). To snag that shiny renewed license, you'll need to rack up a whopping 150 SCECHs. That's right, 150 glorious hours of education-related awesomeness.
But wait! There's a twist (because plot!). You actually have a few options for hitting that magic number.
College Course Crusader: Channel your inner scholar and take 6 semester credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university. Bonus points if the courses relate to your teaching area!
Planned Course of Study Picasso: Feeling more artistically inclined with your learning? Craft a planned course of study (fancy talk for a series of connected courses) from an accredited institution.
The SCECH Stacker: Dive into the world of professional development and snag 150 SCECHs worth of workshops, conferences, or online courses. Just make sure they're relevant to your teaching field!
Pro-Tip: You can even mix and match these options to create your own SCECH smorgasbord.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Don't Get Stuck in the SCECH Swamp: Important Reminders
Clock Watchers: Remember, these SCECHs need to be earned since your last certificate renewal. Don't try to pull a fast one with those dusty old professional development hours from the Paleozoic Era.
Content Connoisseurs: Make sure those SCECHs align with your teaching content and grade level. Wouldn't want to become an expert on basket weaving when your students are grappling with geometry, right?
Deadlines Don't Dilly Dally: You can only renew your certificate between January 1st and June 30th of the year it expires. Don't wait until the last minute and end up in a teacher-fueled panic (we've all been there).
Remember: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is your friend. They have a treasure trove of information on their website to help you navigate the wonderful world of SCECHs https://mdoe.state.mi.us/moecs/login.aspx.
FAQ: Your SCECH Survival Guide
How to Find SCECH-Approved Courses?
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The MDE website has a nifty list of approved providers https://mdoe.state.mi.us/moecs/login.aspx. You can also check with your school district or professional organizations for recommendations.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How Do I Track My SCECHs?
Most professional development providers will report your SCECHs to the MDE electronically. You can also track your progress on your MOECS account https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/moecs.
How Long Are SCECHs Valid?
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
There's no expiration date on SCECHs, but they need to be earned since your last certificate renewal.
How Much Do SCECHs Cost?
The cost of SCECHs varies depending on the provider and the type of course. Some resources may be free, while others may require a fee.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
How Do I Know If My District-Provided PD Counts as SCECHs?
Check with your district's HR department. They can tell you if their professional development programs are MDE-approved and how many SCECHs they're worth.
So there you have it! With a little planning and these handy tips, you'll be a SCECH-savvy teacher in no time. Now go forth and conquer that professional development jungle, armed with knowledge and (hopefully) a slightly less mystery-meat-filled cafeteria experience.
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