Michigan Alternate Route to Certification
Established in 2010 at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education, Michigan Alternate Route to Certification (M-ARC) is Michigan’s longest-running state-approved alternative route to certification program. Our program supports teachers’ growth by merging the Marsal School's over 100 years of experience preparing educators with the accessibility of an alternative pathway.
We believe that well-prepared teachers make a difference and that effective teaching matters. We use the Marsal School’s well-crafted practice-based approach to support our candidates in honing their practice while leading a classroom. In keeping with the mission of the Marsal School, M-ARC guides teachers to develop high quality, equitable, and socially just educational opportunities for all students.
M-ARC includes three program pathways open to candidates from across the State of Michigan:
- Additional Endorsement pathway allows practicing teachers to add new endorsement areas to their existing standard or professional certificates without leaving the classroom. PATHWAY ON HOLD - M-ARC will not be admitting candidates to this pathway for the 2023-2024 academic year. Check back in early 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Initial Certification pathway is an avenue into the teaching profession for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. Candidates in this pathway work as certified teachers (with salary and benefits) for 3 years while enrolled in the program.
- Teach For America (TFA)-Detroit Partnership pathway is exclusively designed for TFA-Detroit corps members pursuing initial teacher certification.
In each pathway, candidates teach under interim teaching certificates while receiving ongoing, content-specific instructional training and development from University of Michigan teacher educators. The program support lasts for three (3) years as candidates work towards earning their Michigan standard teaching certificates.
Want to learn more about the program or pathways?
See our upcoming information sessions
Program Overview
- M-ARC AT-A-GLANCE
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Why choose the Marsal School M-ARC program?
- World-class support from University of Michigan instructors
- Robust training in research-based teaching practice
- Focus on teaching toward social justice and equity
- Opportunity to receive University of Michigan graduate credits for M-ARC experiences
- Option to earn a University of Michigan master’s degree in conjunction with M-ARC participation
- Affordable and convenient monthly fee of $250
What does M-ARC offer?Preparation to teach:
- Online coursework
- Internship in a summer educational setting
- Professional learning communities to support the working individual
- Assistance with meeting requirements for a Michigan interim teaching certificate
Supported teaching experience:
- One-on-one instructional coaching in the classroom
- Professional learning seminars
- Guided professional reflection and portfolio development
- Assistance with meeting requirements for a Michigan standard teaching certificate
What are M-ARC’s enrollment requirements?- Aspire to inspire our leaders of tomorrow
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Pass Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
- Complete M-ARC application process
- CERTIFICATION/ENDORSEMENT AREAS
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M-ARC candidates can earn certification in the following content areas Grade Band Content Areas Elementary (grades K-8) Elementary teachers are qualified to teach all subjects in grades K-5 (and all subjects in grades K-8 in self-contained classrooms).
In addition, endorsements in the following content areas can be added to an elementary teaching certificate:
Language Arts
Mathematics
Integrated Science
Social Studies
Spanish
*English as a Second LanguageSecondary (grades 6-12) - English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Integrated Science (recommended)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth/Space Science
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Social Studies (recommended)
- Economics
- History
- Political Science
- World Languages
- French
- German
- Italian
- Latin
- Spanish
- *English as a Second Language
*NOTE: In M-ARC, the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement must be added to another grade level/content area certification. To determine if an endorsement aligns with the content and/or grade level you’d like to teach, please review the Michigan Department of Education’s Quick Reference: Courses that Can be Taught document.
- MASTER’S DEGREE/CREDIT OPTIONS
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There are a number of options available for M-ARC candidates to earn U-M master’s credits or a full master’s degree during their time in our program.
If you are interested in more detailed information regarding master’s degree or credit-bearing options for M-ARC candidates, please contact m-arcprogram@umich.edu.
Master’s Degree ProgramsEducational Studies Master’s Programs
- Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP)—Recommended
This 30-credit program is centered on the collaborative practice of continuous improvement. It is anchored deeply in theory and research on school leadership, improvement, social justice, and leadership development. We bring together a diverse cohort of students with shared interests in understanding and improving schools, instruction, and K-12 students’ educational outcomes. Educational Leadership and Policy master’s courses typically meet late afternoons or evenings to accommodate working professionals.
M-ARC Credit Equivalences for ELP Electives
Educational Leadership and Policy students are eligible to earn up to 12 credit equivalencies by completing M-ARC. These credits can be applied toward elective requirements in the ELP master’s program. - Additional Educational Studies Master’s Pathways
M-ARC candidates are eligible to apply to other pathways within the Educational Studies program; however, class schedules for these pathways are not typically compatible with working full-time as a teacher:
Master’s Program TuitionGraduate tuition rates vary depending on the number of credits earned per semester, duration of the program, and residency status. Scholarship funding for master’s programs is available to M-ARC candidates.
Helpful links related to tuition:
- Office of the Registrar: Tuition and Fees
- Office of Financial Aid: Cost of Attendance
- Rackham Graduate School: Cost of Attendance for Graduate Students
- Office of the Registrar: Residency and In-State Tuition
- Student Financial Services
Additional Graduate Credit OptionsNon-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) Credits
NCFD is an option for M-ARC candidates who seek graduate credits (5-8 credits) for completing M-ARC program requirements without pursuing a degree.
Cost: University of Michigan tuition rates. See above (Master’s Program Tuition) for links to information.
Application: Apply and enroll during final year in M-ARC.
The MichiganX MicroMasters program in Leading Educational Innovation & Improvement is a low-cost 12-credit online program. Participants earn a MicroMasters certificate and can transfer up to 12 credits to a U-M Educational Studies master’s program upon successful completion of the self-paced coursework. This program is an option for individuals who do not complete a master’s program at the Marsal School or seek the Non-Candidate for Degree option (NFCD).
MicroMasters - Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP)—Recommended
- FAQ
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1. How long is the program?
Per Michigan law, M-ARC requires candidates in all pathways to teach under the interim certificate for three (3) academic years while receiving support through our program. The Initial Certification pathway also includes spring/summer pre-teaching coursework; the TFA-Detroit Partnership pathway requires participation in the TFA Summer Pre-Service prior to beginning to teach.
2. Are the courses online?Additional Endorsement Pathway:
Throughout your time in the program, M-ARC will provide support via classroom observations/coaching (in-person and/or via video), ~2x/month online evening seminars with your cohort, and guided compilation of a professional learning portfolio.
Initial Certification Pathway:
Pre-teaching Coursework - In the spring prior to entering the classroom, you will participate in self-paced online pre-teaching courses (March-June). These courses are designed to be compatible with full-time employment and will require about 6-8 hours per week to complete. In addition to that coursework, you will participate in a spring or summer practicum experience that will include a student teaching component as well as pre-teaching seminars and program orientation. Opportunities will be available to participate in this experience in person in Ann Arbor or remotely from other parts of the state.
Teaching Support - Throughout your time in the program, M-ARC will provide support via classroom observations/coaching (in-person and/or via video), ~2x/month online evening seminars with your cohort, and guided compilation of a professional learning portfolio.
TFA-Detroit Partnership Pathway:
Throughout your time in the program, M-ARC will provide support via classroom observations/coaching (in-person and/or via video), ~2x/month online evening seminars with your cohort, and guided compilation of a professional learning portfolio.
3. How much does the program cost?
Additional Endorsement Pathway & Initial Certification Pathway:
$9000 total for the 3-year program; payable in monthly installments.
TFA-Detroit Partnership Pathway:
In most cases, M-ARC program fees are covered in full by a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. If you do not have these funds available, please contact us at m-arcprogram@umich.edu.
4. Is financial aid available?Because M-ARC doesn’t charge U-M full tuition rates, no university-based financial aid is available. However, M-ARC is pleased to be a participating institution in the following Future Proud Michigan Educator funding programs:
MI Future Educator Fellowship
To learn more about how you could receive up to $10,000 for your certification program, click here.Grow Your Own (GYO) Grant
If you are already employed in a Michigan P-12 public or charter school setting, your district may collaborate with M-ARC to apply for up to $10,000 to support you in earning your certification. To learn more, click here.
Need more information?
Upcoming Information Sessions
M-ARC Team
Connect with M-ARC
Location
University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education
610 East University Avenue, Suite 1225
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1259
Contact
m-arcprogram@umich.edu
(734) 647-0219
M-ARC, as part of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, is a participating institution in two Future Proud Michigan Educator funding programs.
- MI Future Educator Fellowship
Recipients may receive up to $10,000. - Grow Your Own (GYO) Grant
Applicants already employed in a Michigan P–12 public or charter school setting may receive up to $10,000 to support certification if their district collaborates with M-ARC.
Application Steps
Successfully complete these steps to be considered for acceptance into M-ARC.
- Additional Endorsement Pathway
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PATHWAY ON HOLD - M-ARC will not be admitting candidates to this pathway for the 2023-2024 academic year. Check back in early 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Initial Certification Pathway
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The next cohort will begin coursework in February 2024.
Priority Application Deadline: November 15, 2023 (admission decision provided by December 1)
Final Application Deadline: January 1, 2024
There is no application fee. A completed application includes the following:- Application (available in September 2023)
- Personal Statements (available in September 2023)
- Official Transcript for BA (or higher): Minimum GPA: 2.95. The official transcript must be sent directly from the granting institution of your most recent degree and must include the date on which your degree was awarded. Please request that transcripts be emailed to m-arcprogram@umich.edu (preferred) or mailed to: M-ARC Program, 610 E. University Suite 1225, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Recommendation Form (optional) - To be completed by someone who knows you in an academic or professional capacity and can briefly speak to your potential as a K-12 educator and a certification program participant.
Note: Applicants who are offered admission will also need to complete the requirements listed in the Enrollment Steps section of the website.
- TFA-Detroit Partnership Pathway
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- To apply to be a Teach For America-Detroit corps member, visit teachforamerica.org/register
- Accepted TFA-Detroit corps members will be contacted with instructions for completing M-ARC enrollment requirements.
Enrollment Steps
Timeline for Completion
- Steps 1–3: Complete as soon as possible, but no later than July 1 in the year you begin M-ARC.
- Steps 4–7: Complete upon acceptance into M-ARC.
Pass the MTTC in all content area(s) and grade level(s) relevant to your desired certification/endorsements.
- Which test(s)?
Take the MTTC that corresponds to the content area(s)/grade level(s) you wish to teach. Visit the M-ARC Overview page for a complete list of the certification/endorsement areas supported by M-ARC.
- When?
We encourage you to take the MTTC(s) before the program begins in March, but at minimum the test(s) must be scheduled by May 1. Most subject area tests are offered frequently year-round, but others are offered only periodically. Plan accordingly and register early. You must pass the MTTC for all desired endorsement areas no later than July 1 in the year you begin M-ARC. You cannot be recommended for an interim certificate until your official MTTC scores are received by the University of Michigan-M-ARC.
- How will the University of Michigan receive my scores?
We can only accept test results sent to us directly from the testing center. When you take your test(s), please indicate that you want test results sent to the University of Michigan-M-ARC (Institution Code: 55).
First aid and CPR certification must be valid at the time you are recommended for your teaching certificate. Test availability varies; plan accordingly and register early. Select a course from the MDE list of approved first aid/CPR training courses. The course (or combination of courses) must include first aid, adult CPR, and child/pediatric CPR. The training must include an in-person component; fully online courses are not accepted. Email your proof of certification to m-arcprogram@umich.edu.
The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is administered by Language Testing International and is only required for those seeking a world language endorsement. Email m-arcprogram@umich.edu to request M-ARC-specific test registration instructions.
Order Criminal Background Check via Castle Branch.
This is in addition to any background check you may have done for your employer and is required by the University of Michigan for anyone seeking an interim teaching certificate. No fingerprinting is required. Castle Branch will provide the results to M-ARC. Cost: $42.
Links to individual forms are also included below:
- Consent to Photograph or Record Electronically
- Read this Notification Letter which provides details about the university’s data collection practices.
- Permission to Be Contacted for Additional Data Collection
- Teacher Certification Acknowledgment of Understanding
- Criminal Background Affidavit
- Initial Certification Pathway
- Additional Endorsement Pathway - PATHWAY ON HOLD - M-ARC will not be admitting candidates to this pathway for the 2023-2024 academic year. Check back in early 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 academic year
Submit Form W-9.
Do not send your W-9 over email, as it includes sensitive personal information. The university’s Financial Services Office requests that we collect this form from you as part of their billing protocol. Please mail the completed form to:
- M-ARC Program
610 E. University, Suite 1225
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Connect with M-ARC
Location
University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education
610 East University Avenue, Suite 1225
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1259
Contact
m-arcprogram@umich.edu
(734) 647-0219
M-ARC includes three program pathways open to candidates from across the State of Michigan:
- Additional Endorsement pathway allows practicing teachers to add new endorsement areas to their existing standard or professional certificates without leaving the classroom. PATHWAY ON HOLD - M-ARC will not be admitting candidates to this pathway for the 2023-2024 academic year. Check back in early 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Initial Certification pathway is an avenue into the teaching profession for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. Candidates in this pathway work as certified teachers (with salary and benefits) for 3 years while enrolled in the program.
- Teach For America (TFA)-Detroit Partnership pathway is exclusively designed for TFA-Detroit corps members pursuing initial teacher certification.
M-ARC Pathways
under construction
M-ARC Pathways
Additional Endorsement
PATHWAY ON HOLD - M-ARC will not be admitting candidates to this pathway for the 2023-2024 academic year. Check back in early 2024 for updates about the 2024-2025 academic year.
This pathway allows practicing teachers to add endorsement areas to their standard or professional teaching certificates without leaving the classroom. In this program, candidates begin teaching under an interim certificate in their new content area upon entry to the program, and receive ongoing, practice-focused, content-specific training and development for three years before adding new endorsements to their standard or professional certificates. During this three-year period candidates may also teach under their existing standard certificate endorsements, so long as a portion of their teaching assignments throughout each program year is in their new endorsement areas. Candidates are responsible for securing appropriate employment in any K-12 school in the State of Michigan.
The M-ARC Additional Endorsement pathway includes 3 components:
- Field Instruction: Experienced educators work one-on-one with candidates in their classrooms through observations of teaching practice, coaching conversations, and assessment of growth and proficiency across program standards.
- Seminar: Experienced educators facilitate collaborative practice-focused learning experiences for grade level/content area cohorts. These online seminar groups meet about one evening per month during the first two years of the program.
- Portfolio Assignments: M-ARC advisers guide candidates in the compilation of artifacts and reflections from their teaching practice in a professional learning inventory as evidence of their proficiency in program outcome areas.
The total cost to participate in the M-ARC Additional Endorsement pathway is $9,000 ($250/month for duration of 3-year program; additional $250 administrative fee due each September).
Connect with M-ARC
Location
University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education
610 East University Avenue, Suite 1225
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1259
Contact
m-arcprogram@umich.edu
(734) 647-0219