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Verified by MI Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Michigan

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Michigan, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Michigan

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    School Teachers must be graduates of approved education programs, complete reading courses, first aid training, and pass the basic skills examination and the certification examination.

  6. 6

    The fee for this license is $160.00.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the basic skills examination and the certification examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification examination
Fee TypeAmount
The fee for this license$160.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $75,520 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required pass the basic skills examination and the certification examination.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (The fee for this license: $160.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Education and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Michigan

With a median salary of $75,520, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Michigan earn 20% above the national median of $63,000. Michigan ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$75,520

Hourly estimate

$36.31
20% above national median

Difference: +$12,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,890
  • P2525th percentile$58,700
  • P50Median$75,520
  • P7575th percentile$81,970
  • P9090th percentile$113,700

State vs National Median

State: $75,520
National: $63,000

Total employment: 3,600 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#12 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Michigan$75,520Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$64,060Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Indiana$57,910Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$59,860Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio68MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Michigan Department of Education

P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5172415000

Related Careers in Michigan

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76,760Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$100,110Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$100,730Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,340Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Michigan?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Michigan?

Michigan lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Michigan?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Michigan.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Michigan?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Michigan is $75,520. Salaries range from $46,890 (10th percentile) to $113,700 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Michigan compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Michigan earn 20% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $75,520.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Michigan?

Michigan employs approximately 3,600 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Michigan from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Education. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-5683_14795---,00.html.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Michigan?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.