Preschool teachers guide children through one of the most crucial child development stages. Michigan needs more dedicated professionals in this vocation than ever before. In 2023, their governor announced a goal titled “PreK for All.” The state aims to provide free PreK for all four-year-olds by 2027 who want to attend, increasing demand for licensed preschool teachers.
The average preschool teacher salary in Michigan as of May 2023 was $39,060. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
In this guide, Teachers of Tomorrow will examine the various salary ranges for Michigan’s preschool teachers. We’ll also provide the steps to becoming a preschool teacher in the state, including alternative teacher certification options.
What is a Preschool Teacher?
A preschool school teacher in Michigan generally teaches children 3-5 years old. The most popular age group is 4–5-year-olds who are in PreK, the grade before kindergarten. It is one of the most crucial periods of a child’s development, where their brains are rapidly growing. Research has shown that by 6-years-old a child’s brain has reached 95% of its adult volume.
Michigan preschool teachers work in public and private schools and childcare centers. Michigan PreK curriculums vary, but all must meet the state’s specific criteria and standards. Lessons and activities promote child participation, such as learning through play, song, or crafts. Teachers also use these lessons to improve students’ social, motor, and language skills.
Each successful preschool teacher is unique, but they all share some skills, such as:
- Patience: Working with young people requires calmness, composure, and empathy. Young children require instructions to be repeated frequently, have short attention spans, and struggle with emotional regulation.
- Energy: The youngest students are the busiest. They love to move their bodies and discover new things. Preschool teachers must be able to keep up with a dynamic age group that adores jumping, clapping, singing, and running around.
- Emotional Intelligence: Preschool teachers need to be the adults in the room. They must be calm, gentle, and loving while dealing with their students’ wide mood swings. Parents and guardians of this age group are often full of concerns as it is often the first time their children have ever been in school. Teachers must provide confident empathy while handling parents’ concerns, questions, and feedback.
Preschool school teachers have numerous responsibilities, including the following:
- Guiding children on how to socialize, especially with their peers.
- Creating lessons and activities that will engage students, expand their knowledge, encourage discovery, and develop their crucial skills.
- Build a classroom that fosters trust, provides stability, and encourages confidence.
How Much Do Preschool Teachers in Michigan Make?
The average annual salaries for preschool school teachers in Michigan as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Highest salary – $50,750
- Average salary – $39,060
- Lowest salary – $29,420
Preschool school salaries in Michigan are based on a school’s location and funding, in addition to the teacher’s qualifications, years of experience, and special skills.
How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Michigan
The United States does not have a standard process for becoming a preschool teacher. Each state has its own rules and regulations.
According to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the steps to becoming a licensed preschool school teacher in Michigan on the traditional pathway are as follows:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2.95 on a 4.0 scale: Preschool teachers in Michigan are required to have a standard four-year degree, preferably in early childhood education. Those who obtain an associate’s degree (two-years) can work in early child education as an assistant teacher or childcare provider but not as a fully licensed PreK teacher.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: PreK candidates can use the state’s searchable database for an approved educator preparation program. Most candidates on the traditional pathway use the one their college or university provides.
- Complete required reading courses: 6 semester credit hours for Michigan’s Reading Coursework Requirements must be included in a candidate’s teacher training.
- Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC): Preschool teachers must pass the MTTC for Early Childhood Education.
- Apply for a teaching certificate: Use the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) and follow the instructions, including how to upload documents, share exam scores, and make payment.
- Apply for Preschool teaching positions: Find work through Education Workforce Job Fairs and online job sites like Indeed and K12JobSpot.
- Submit to a state and federal background check: Teaching applicants must register and complete a Live Scan fingerprinting card.
- Complete First Aid and CPR coursework. As of August 2023, Michigan’s approved first aid and coursework requirements have changed, allowing new teachers to take the approved courses within the first year of employment. Note that the first aid course cannot be fully taken online but must include some in-person training.
Alternative Route to Certification for Preschool School Teachers
Michigan has approved alternative routes to certification through approved providers. Those wishing to become a preschool school teacher must select a certification program for PreK-3.
MDE’s alternative route to teacher certification includes the following steps:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Enroll in an alternative route preparation program
- Pass the appropriate MTTC(s)
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Criminal background check
Those who meet the MDE’s alternative route specifications may apply for an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC). It is a non-renewable 5-year certification, allowing candidates to work while completing their alternative route preparation program.
MDE’s other alternative route is through their Expedited Educator Preparation Programs. Candidates teach in partnership with a mentor or serve as the teacher of record under a mentor while on a valid substitute permit. They must also complete coursework in their discipline area through an approved provider.
What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Preschool School Teaching Job?
As a certified preschool school teacher in Michigan, you can work in various settings:
- Special Education: These professional educators require extra training to fulfill these roles. In addition, there are not enough qualified individuals. Thus, special education tends to pay higher.
- Public schools: PreK isn’t a mandatory grade in Michigan. However, the state funds two free programs: Great Start Readiness and Head Start. The investment in early education has a positive impact on public teaching salaries.
- Private schools: According to U.S. News, Michigan has over 350 private preschools. Salary ranges are heavily dependent on tuition fees in this educational sector.
- Charter schools: Michigan has around 370 charter schools, but only some offer PreK. Their teaching salaries are generally lower than public schools due to less funding.
- Online teaching: Online teaching for preschoolers isn’t as in demand as it is in higher grades. However, the positions often provide flexible hours and part-time work.
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