{"id":47378,"date":"2025-02-16T18:35:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T00:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=47378"},"modified":"2025-02-16T18:38:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T00:38:14","slug":"how-much-does-a-preschool-teacher-make-in-michigan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-a-preschool-teacher-make-in-michigan\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Preschool Teacher Make in Michigan?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mileap\/early-childhood-education\/prek-for-all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PreK for All<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d The state aims to provide free PreK for all four-year-olds by 2027 who want to attend, increasing demand for licensed preschool teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>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.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will examine the various salary ranges for Michigan\u2019s preschool teachers. We\u2019ll also provide the steps to becoming a preschool teacher in the state, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/alternate-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alternative teacher certification options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-47384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/michigan_preschool_teacher.jpg\" alt=\"Group Of Elementary Age Children In Art Class With Teacher\" \/>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Preschool Teacher?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A preschool school teacher in Michigan generally teaches children 3-5 years old. The most popular age group is 4\u20135-year-olds who are in PreK, the grade before kindergarten. It is one of the most crucial periods of a child\u2019s development, where their brains are rapidly growing. Research has shown that by 6-years-old a child\u2019s brain has reached<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK525261\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 95% of its adult volume.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan preschool teachers work in public and private schools and childcare centers. Michigan PreK curriculums vary, but all must meet the state\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mileap\/Documents\/Early-Childhood-Education\/gsrp\/implementation\/curriculum_section.pdf?rev=f030e30d34534cb1b1a3b2220f232215\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">specific criteria and standards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lessons and activities promote child participation, such as learning through play, song, or crafts. Teachers also use these lessons to improve students\u2019 social, motor, and language skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each successful preschool teacher is unique, but they all share some skills, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Patience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Energy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional Intelligence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Preschool teachers need to be the adults in the room. They must be calm, gentle, and loving while dealing with their students\u2019 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\u2019 concerns, questions, and feedback.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool school teachers have numerous responsibilities, including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guiding children on how to socialize, especially with their peers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating lessons and activities that will engage students, expand their knowledge, encourage discovery, and develop their crucial skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build a classroom that fosters trust, provides stability, and encourages confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Do Preschool Teachers in Michigan Make?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average annual salaries for preschool school teachers in Michigan as of May 2023, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes252011.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest salary &#8211; $50,750<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Average salary \u2013 $39,060<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowest salary &#8211; $29,420<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool school salaries in Michigan are based on a school\u2019s location and funding, in addition to the teacher\u2019s qualifications, years of experience, and special skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1037\" height=\"627\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-47381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/michigan_public_wages.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Michigan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The United States does not have a standard process for becoming a preschool teacher. Each state has its own rules and regulations.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan Department of Education<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (MDE), the steps to becoming a licensed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/become-a-teacher-in-michigan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preschool school teacher in Michigan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the traditional pathway are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obtain a bachelor\u2019s degree with a minimum of 2.95 on a 4.0 scale: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool teachers in Michigan are required to have a standard four-year degree, preferably in early childhood education. Those who obtain an associate\u2019s degree (two-years) can work in early child education as an assistant teacher or childcare provider but not as a fully licensed PreK teacher.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete a teacher preparation program: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PreK candidates can use the state\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">searchable database<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for an approved educator preparation program. Most candidates on the traditional pathway use the one their college or university provides.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete required reading courses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 6 semester credit hours for Michigan\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\/cert-guidance\/becoming-a-teacher\/reading-coursework-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading Coursework Requirements<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">must be included in a candidate\u2019s teacher training.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass the<\/b> <b>Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Preschool teachers must pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mttc.nesinc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MTTC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Early Childhood Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for a teaching certificate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Use the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/Services\/ed-serv\/moecs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and follow the instructions, including how to upload documents, share exam scores, and make payment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for Preschool teaching positions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Find work through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/educator-recruitment\/education-workforce-job-fairs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Education Workforce Job Fairs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and online job sites like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/m\/jobs?q=Teacher&amp;l=Michigan&amp;vjk=f60877b83bcc55f4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indeed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.k12jobspot.com\/Search\/Opportunities?keywords=&amp;location=Michigan&amp;stateFilterValue=Michigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">K12JobSpot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Submit to a state and federal background check: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching applicants must register and complete a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibtfingerprint.com\/locations\/?st=mi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live Scan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fingerprinting card.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete First Aid and CPR coursework. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of August 2023, Michigan\u2019s approved first aid and coursework requirements have changed, allowing new teachers to take the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\/cert-guidance\/becoming-a-teacher\/cpr-first-aid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">approved courses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within the first year of employment. Note that the first aid course cannot be fully taken online but must include some in-person training.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative Route to Certification for Preschool School Teachers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan has approved alternative routes to certification through approved providers. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those wishing to become a preschool school teacher must select a certification program for PreK-3.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MDE\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\/cert-guidance\/becoming-a-teacher\/alternative-routes-to-teacher-cert-or-endorsement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alternative route to teacher certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> includes the following steps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bachelor\u2019s degree with a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enroll in an alternative route preparation program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the appropriate MTTC(s)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CPR\/First Aid certification<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those who meet the MDE\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MDE\u2019s other alternative route is through their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\/cert-guidance\/becoming-a-teacher\/expedited-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expedited Educator Preparation Programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/ed-serv\/ed-cert\/cert-guidance\/becoming-a-teacher\/expedited-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">approved provider<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Preschool School Teaching Job?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a certified preschool school teacher in Michigan, you can work in various settings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Special Education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: PreK isn\u2019t a mandatory grade in Michigan. However, the state funds two free programs: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mikidsmatter\/programs\/preschool-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great Start Readiness and Head Start<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The investment in early education has a positive impact on public teaching salaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/education\/k12\/private-k12\/preschool\/michigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to U.S. News<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Michigan has over 350 private preschools. Salary ranges are heavily dependent on tuition fees in this educational sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Charter schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Michigan has around 370 charter schools, but only some offer PreK. Their teaching salaries are generally lower than public schools due to less funding.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online teaching:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Online teaching for preschoolers isn\u2019t as in demand as it is in higher grades. However, the positions often provide flexible hours and part-time work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1018\" height=\"706\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-47382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/michigan_public_salary.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related teaching careers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-an-art-teacher\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become an Art Teacher<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/online-teaching-jobs-from-home\/?utm_campaign=CEOBlogTX&amp;utm_source=Organic&amp;utm_medium=Web&amp;utm_id=Celebrate_And_Inspire\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online Teaching Jobs from Home<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/kindergarten-teacher-requirements-and-skill-sets\/?utm_campaign=CEOBlogTX&amp;utm_source=Organic&amp;utm_medium=Web&amp;utm_id=Celebrate_And_Inspire\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a Kindergarten Teacher Do<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related Articles\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/become-a-teacher-in-michigan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become a Teacher in Michigan in 2023<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-make-in-michigan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make in Michigan<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-a-middle-school-teacher-make-in-michigan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does a Middle School Teacher Make in Michigan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-insights"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-02-28 06:46:27","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47378"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47559,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47378\/revisions\/47559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}