Michigan Teacher License Renewal & Salary Advancement
Earn accredited graduate-level credits online to satisfy MDE requirements and boost your base pay. 100% asynchronous courses designed for your schedule and budget.
No Hidden Fees
$240 per 3-credit course. Period.
100% Asynchronous
Courses designed for the busy teacher. No portfolios - just practical implementation.
Accredited
Graduate-level credits provided through UMass Global.
MDE Aligned
Specifically curated to meet Michigan license requirements.
Get Started
Course Selection & Approval
Confirm requirements and approval with your district administrator and select your courses.
Checkout & Earn Rewards
Complete the checkout process on this website and you will immediately be enrolled in our loyalty program. Refer friends and take multiple courses to earn Upward Rewards!
Complete Coursework
We'll email you your welcome packet, and you're all set! Complete coursework between one and six months (not earlier or later) from the date of your registration.
Graduate Level Courses
Simplified Michigan Educator Certificate Renewal
To renew your five-year Standard or Professional Teaching Certificate, you must complete 150 hours of Education-Related Professional Learning (ERPL).
The Upward Advantage: Satisfy the entire 150-hour requirement with just two of our 3-credit courses!
- State Requirement: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requires a minimum of six (6) semester credit hours (6 SH) for renewal.
- Documentation: Your official university transcript from UMass Global provides the required proof of completion.
Michigan Educator Salary Advancement
Many Michigan school districts offer permanent salary increases for educators who earn additional graduate-level credits. By stacking our accredited courses, you can move across salary lanes (e.g., BA+15, MA+30) and significantly increase your lifetime earnings.
- District Flexible: Our credits are regionally accredited, making them widely accepted by districts across Michigan for lane advancement.
- High-Value Credits: Designed for busy educators, our courses are the most efficient way to meet your district’s professional development and salary requirements.
- Pro-Tip: Check your district’s collective bargaining agreement or speak with your HR department to confirm your specific salary lane requirements, then select the courses that fit your goals!
Earning Credit
- Email your completed coursework to support@upwardteachers.com
- Upward evaluates your coursework within one week of your submission, and submits your grade to UMass Global (our accredited university partner)
- UMass Global posts your grade within five business days of receiving Upward's assessment
- You login to your UMass Global account to order your transcripts. Note that the university is an entirely separate organization from Upward, and any questions on your transcript or university account can be emailed to exed@umassglobal.edu
- Celebrate your achievement, and sign up for more Upward Rewards!
Michigan Teacher Renewal and Salary Advancement FAQs
Do these credits satisfy Michigan Department of Education (MDE) renewal requirements?
Yes. Michigan requires 150 hours of Education-Related Professional Learning (ERPL) for certificate renewal.
Completing six (6) graduate-level semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution (like UMass Global) satisfies this requirement in full.
Are these credits accepted by all Michigan school districts for salary advancement?
Because our credits are issued by a regionally accredited university (UMass Global), they are widely accepted by school districts across Michigan for both certification renewal and salary lane advancement.
We always recommend checking your specific district’s collective bargaining agreement or consulting with your HR department regarding their internal pre-approval process for salary lane movement.
Are the courses truly asynchronous?
Yes. All Upward courses are 100% asynchronous and self-paced.
They are designed specifically for the busy Michigan educator, allowing you to complete your work on a schedule that fits your classroom and personal life.
How do I receive my official credit?
After you submit your coursework to Upward, our team reviews it and submits your grade to UMass Global.
Once the university processes the grade, you can order your official transcripts directly to submit to your district or the MDE (detailed instructions above in our Earning Credit section).
Do I need to earn SCECHs to renew my certificate?
Nope! While Michigan teachers can use State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) for renewal, graduate-level credits are a superior, alternative path.
By completing our graduate-level courses, you earn an official university transcript that acts as direct proof for the MDE. This saves you from the administrative headache of tracking SCECH sponsors or managing state-portal uploads.