Your Career
Among the many advantages enjoyed by MEA members is access to a variety of career advancement resources through MEA’s Professional Development/Human Rights Department, including online professional development, certification guidance, conferences and trainings, and National Board Certification.
MEA provides members with up-to-date information on state requirements for maintaining a teaching certificate in Michigan, and provides assistance to members when individual questions arise.
MEA also assists members with compliance issues related to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
MEA coordinates training in professional development, advocacy, member engagement, leadership, bargaining, communications and political action at our two major conferences — the Bargaining and Public Affairs Conference and the Summer Leadership Conference.
At these conferences, MEA members have the opportunity to develop new skills and connect with colleagues from across the state.
MEA’s PD/HR Department provides training on professional development issues, along with topics such as KEYS, team building, personality and behavioral assessments, diversity and other education-related issues. Staff members are also available to conduct local trainings upon request.
“MEA has the reputation of providing quality training and skill development at its conferences and training sessions,” said Marty Lankford, director of MEA’s Professional Development/Human Rights Department. “Not only do all MEA members get the benefit of sessions covering a wide variety of topics, they also get top-notch trainers and the opportunity to earn credit towards an advance degree or professional learning.”
MEA provides mentoring assistance to members who apply for National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The mentor conducts informational sessions to help participants complete the sometimes-complicated certification process.
MEA also provides grants to assist members who must retake sections of the written assessments. These grants are available on a limited basis.
MEA provides assistance to members in addressing specific questions related to special education rules and services, including topics involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) rights.
MEA also provides training to both EA members and ESP members on special education issues as they arise.
Online Professional Development
This link will take you to the Members Only section of the website. You will be required to enter a login and password to access the Online Professional Development area.
Latest credit-bearing MEA online courses available
These Webinars cover the current certification rules from the Michigan Department of Education.
Certification Resources for Members Only
This link will take you to the Members Only section of the website. You will be required to enter a login and password to access the Certification-related documents.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Professional Development and Teacher Certification.
Since the final approval of the Administrative Rules Governing Michigan Teacher Certification on May 18, 2012, the Michigan Department of Education has put in place new procedures regarding Teaching Certificates. Teachers may now progress to the Professional Certificate or renew the Professional Certificate with District Provided Professional Development (DPPD).
