Michigan Alternate Route to Certification
M-ARC includes three (3) program pathways open to candidates from across the State of Michigan:
- Additional Endorsement pathway allows teachers to add content area or grade level endorsements to their existing standard teaching certificates without leaving the classroom.
- 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.
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 AT-A-GLANCE
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 or MA degree
- Affordable monthly fee of $260
What does M-ARC offer?
Pre-service Induction Supports and Training:
M-ARC candidates are expected to fully and successfully participate in all of the following pre-certification activities in order to be recommended for Michigan interim teacher certification and begin teaching in a certified position in a Michigan school:
| Induction Phase I Coursework (16 weeks) | Induction Phase II Summer Intensive (3 weeks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Segments |
| Building Equity-Centered Classroom Climate, Culture, and Community |
| Clinical Experiences |
| Practicum in a summer school setting with a mentor teacher (includes observation, coaching, and assessment by M-ARC field instructor) |
In-service Supports and Training:
Once candidates have successfully completed the pre-service induction period (described above) and begin teaching under an interim teaching certificate, the M-ARC Initial Certification pathway provides mentoring and professional development support through 3 components:
| Program Component | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Field observations, accompanied by coaching conversations, occur at least six (6) times per year. | x | x | x |
| Content Methods Seminar: Experienced educators facilitate collaborative practice-focused learning experiences for grade level/content area cohorts. These online seminar groups meet about two evenings per month during the first two years of the program. | x | x | |
| Portfolio Assignments: Candidates compile artifacts and reflections from their teaching practice in a professional learning inventory, including a capstone comprehensive unit plan assignment, as evidence of their proficiency in program outcome areas. | x | x | x |
Want to learn more about the program or pathways?
See our upcoming information sessions
Program Overview
- PATHWAYS
Additional Endorsement
The M-ARC Additional Endorsement pathway allows teachers to add content area or grade level endorsements to their existing Michigan standard teaching certificates without leaving the classroom.
In this program, candidates teach in their new endorsement areas under interim teacher certification, while continuing to hold their standard teaching certificates. These teachers participate in practice-focused, content-specific professional development for three years, after which the new endorsements are added to their existing Michigan standard teaching certificates. Candidates are responsible for securing appropriate employment in a PK-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.
- Content Methods Seminar: Experienced educators facilitate collaborative practice-focused learning experiences for grade level/content area cohorts. These online seminar groups meet about two evenings per month during the first two years of the program. Content Methods Seminars may be waived for those seeking additional endorsements in adjacent content areas/grade levels (for example, adding Integrated Science to Biology or adding K-8 ELA to 6-12 ELA).
- Portfolio Development: 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.
Program Cost:
- Adjacent content areas/grade levels (for example, adding Integrated Science to Biology or adding K-8 ELA to 6-12 ELA): $6,000 payable in 3 annual installments of $2,000 or 30 monthly installments of $200.
- Non-adjacent content areas/grade levels: $9,000 payable in 3 annual installments of $3,000 or 30 monthly installments of $300.
Initial Certification
The M-ARC Initial Certification Pathway is an avenue into the teaching profession for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed an educator preparation program.
In this program, candidates begin with a pre-service induction period that includes self-paced online coursework and a summer practicum experience working with children in an educational setting. Once this pre-service induction is complete, candidates begin teaching under a Michigan interim teaching certificate with salary and benefits and receive ongoing, practice-focused, content-specific preparation and development for three years to earn their Michigan standard teaching certificates. Candidates are responsible for securing appropriate employment in any K-12 school in the State of Michigan.
The M-ARC Initial Certification 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 two evenings 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 cost to participate in the M-ARC Initial Certification Pathway is $9360 total for the 3-year program (payable in monthly installments).
TFA-Detroit Partnership
This pathway is a state-approved alternative route to teacher certification open only to teachers who are Teach For America (TFA)-Detroit corps members.
While in the TFA-Detroit corps, the U-M Marsal Family School of Education provides corps members with content methods seminars, field instruction, and job-embedded professional growth experiences to prepare and support their induction as teachers. During their two years in the corps, TFA corps members who are not already certified to teach must participate in M-ARC in order to hold interim teacher certification.
Corps members are encouraged to participate in M-ARC for a third year while continuing to teach in their endorsed content areas/grade levels in Michigan schools, in order to earn Michigan standard teacher certification.
The M-ARC TFA-Detroit Partnership 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 two evenings 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.
In most cases M-ARC program fees are covered in full by a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
- CERTIFICATION/ENDORSEMENT AREAS
M-ARC candidates can earn certification in the following content areas Grade Band Content Areas Lower Elementary (grades PK-3) Lower elementary teachers are qualified to teach core content areas in grades PK-3 Upper Elementary (grades 3-6) Upper elementary teachers are qualified to teach core content areas in grades 3-6 In addition, endorsements in the following content areas can be added to an elementary teaching certificate:
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
- Health/Physical Education
- Spanish
- English as a Second Language
Secondary (grades 6-12) - English
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
- Health/Physical Education
- World Languages
- French
- German
- Italian
- Latin
- Spanish
- English as a Second Language (only available if combined with another grade level/content area)
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.
- FAQ
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?Initial Certification Pathway:
Pre-teaching Coursework - In the spring prior to entering the classroom, you will participate in self-paced online pre-teaching courses (February-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:- Adjacent content areas/grade levels (for example, adding Integrated Science to Biology or adding K-8 ELA to 6-12 ELA): $6,000 payable in 3 annual installments of $2,000 or 30 monthly installments of $200.
- Non-adjacent content areas/grade levels: $9,000 payable in 3 annual installments of $3,000 or 30 monthly installments of $300.
Initial Certification Pathway:
The cost to participate in the M-ARC Initial Certification Pathway is $9,720 total for the 3-year program (payable in monthly installments).
TFA-Detroit Partnership Pathway:
TFA-Detroit corps members are not currently responsible for paying M-ARC program fees.
4. Is financial aid available?YES! M-ARC is pleased to be a participating institution in the following Future Proud Michigan Educator funding programs (Initial Certification Pathway only):
- 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.
No university-based financial aid is available.
Need more information?
Upcoming Information Sessions
There are no information sessions currently scheduled; please contact us at [email protected] to speak with a recruiter.
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
[email protected]
(734) 647-0219
Application Steps
Complete these steps to be considered for acceptance into M-ARC.
- Additional Endorsement Pathway
Program Start: The next cohort will begin in September 2025.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025.
There is no application fee. A completed application includes the following:- Application Form
- Official Transcript for bachelor's (or higher) degree:
- Minimum GPA: 2.95. Please contact [email protected] if your GPA is below this threshold.
- The official transcript must be sent directly from the granting institution and must include the date on which your degree was awarded.
- If you have more than one degree, you may choose which one you would like sent to us. Only one transcript is required.
- University of Michigan Degrees: Please notify [email protected] and we will retrieve the transcript from your student record.
- Non-University of Michigan Degrees: If your degree is not from the University of Michigan, please request that transcripts be emailed to [email protected] (preferred) or mailed to: M-ARC Program, 610 E. University Suite 3300, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
- Non-US Degrees: Submit a course-by-course credit evaluation of your transcript which will provide us with a U.S. equivalency of the degree, credits, and GPA. Contact [email protected] to request instructions for the credit evaluation process.
- Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC): Pass the MTTC(s) for the certification/endorsement area(s) you wish to add to your standard teaching certificate.
- How will the University of Michigan receive my scores? M-ARC can only accept test results sent to us directly from the testing center.
- Option 1 (preferred): When you take your test(s), indicate that you want test results sent to the University of Michigan-M-ARC (Institution Code: 55). This will ensure that your official test results appear on a monthly report the testing agency sends to M-ARC.
- Option 2: Follow these instructions to grant access to Anita Lautenbach ([email protected]) to view your individual score reports: Request a Copy of Your Score Report
- How will the University of Michigan receive my scores? M-ARC can only accept test results sent to us directly from the testing center.
- Initial Certification Pathway
The next M-ARC cohort will begin in February 2026. Application materials for the 2026 cohort will be posted in September 2025.
Priority Application Deadline: November 15, 2025 (admission decision provided by December 1)
Final Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
There is no application fee. A completed application includes the following:- 2026 Cohort Application - As part of the application you will be asked to respond to 2 prompts.
- Official Transcript for bachelor's (or higher) degree: 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 [email protected] (preferred) or mailed to: M-ARC Program, 610 E. University Suite 3300, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Non-US Transcript: If you completed your degree outside of the U.S., you will need to submit a course-by-course credit evaluation of your transcript which will provide us with a U.S. equivalency of the degree, credits, and GPA. If this is your situation, please email [email protected] to request instructions for the credit evaluation process.
- Recommendation Form - 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 be prompted to complete a number of enrollment steps, including passing the MTTC in the content area(s) you wish to teach.
- TFA-Detroit Partnership Pathway
- 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.
Funding Opportunities
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.
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
[email protected]
(734) 647-0219
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
[email protected]
(734) 647-0219
Endorsement Areas
under construction
Endorsement Areas
Lower Elementary (PK–3)
Endorsement Code: ZO
The Lower Elementary endorsement will allow you to teach math, science, social studies, and/or language arts in grades PK–3 in a self-contained classroom or as a standalone content area.
MTTCs to take (pass by July 1)
- 117–120 Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education
Foundational Phase 1 (17 Weeks; Feb–June)
Coursework
- Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education
- About Teachers and Learners
- Elementary Literacy Essentials
- Core Teaching Practices & Lesson Planning
Practical Experience
- Leading small group instruction (10+ hours)
- Demo lesson & performance assessment (conducted via TeachLive simulation)
Foundational Phase 2 (3 Weeks; July)
Coursework
- Building Equity–Centered Classroom Climate, Culture, & Community
- Professional Reflective Seminar
Practical Experience
- Summer Intensive internship (45–50 hours in Lower Elementary classroom with mentor teacher)
Teaching Year 1
Coursework
- Lower Elementary Methods Seminar
- Variety of practice-based assignments
Practical Experience
- Working as certified teacher in Lower Elementary classroom
- Lower Elementary field instruction
Teaching Year 2
Coursework
- Lower Elementary Methods Seminar
- Year-long practice-based assignment: Focused Professional Learning
- Poster presentation at Teaching & Learning Exhibition
Practical Experience
- Working as certified teacher in Lower Elementary classroom
- Lower Elementary field instruction
Teaching Year 3
Coursework
- Year-long practice-based assignment: Lower Elementary Unit Plan
- Roundtable presentation at Teaching & Learning Exhibition
Practical Experience
- Working as certified teacher in Lower Elementary classroom
- Lower Elementary field instruction