LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A new report released by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)  ranks Michigan among one of the best responders to the rising teacher shortage. 

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The report, “Raise the Bar: Lead The World,” highlights several areas of improvement including: enrollment growth in educator preparation programs; job recovery in education; and enhancing teacher recruitment and retention efforts according to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). 

“This report proves that Michigan is leading the nation as one of the best states to be a teacher,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “To improve student outcomes, we must support the education professionals who help our kids thrive. Together, we have made record, bipartisan investments in our educators, from student loan repayment, retention and recruitment efforts, and stipends for student teachers. Let’s keep working together to grow the teaching profession and ensure every classroom in every school has a qualified, skilled professional at the front.”  

Data from the USDE report shows that Michigan has surpassed the national growth trend for enrollment in educator preparation programs (EPP).  

“Michigan’s total enrollment in EPPs rose 30% compared to 7% nationally, and enrollment in alternative EPPs rose 279% in Michigan compared to 20% nationally,” according to the MDE. 

The latest and largest state budget which was passed recently, has granted approximately $24 billion towards improving many facets of education in the state. 

One of the largest investments went towards supporting current teachers, but also furthering and establishing more fellowship programs to retain and develop existing teachers to the tune of more than $350 million. 

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Other investments have gone towards increasing funding to pupils, and significant investments towards fulfilling the Governor’s promise of providing free Pre-K for all of Michigan’s children under five years of age. 

While significant investments have been made to promote K-12 teacher investments, some hope that future investments would go towards improving funding for training and salaries of child care professionals. 

“One area of disappointment that was not included in the Governor’s budget, was the inclusion of the tax credits for early childhood educators,”  Kirsten Charnesky, Chair of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children Advocacy (AEYC) Committee said during an interview with Michigan News Source. “That was something that would have been a step towards pay equity for early childhood professionals, and it was originally included in the Governor’s proposed budget.” 

The full report can be found here.