Grow Your Roots with MiCAREER (Grand Rapids)

Michigan State University College of Education (and our Office of K-12 Outreach) are partnering with other higher education institutions and external organizations for MiCAREER: Rural Education, the Michigan Consortium for Addressing Rural Education Expansion and Retention.

Join us for a free, in-person event designed to support educators rooted in rural communities on their path to certification and career growth.

Event Dates & Locations
June 19 – St. Ignace
June 24 – Midland
June 25 – Jackson
June 26 – Grand Rapids

Are you living or working in a rural community and want to earn or advance your teaching credentials?

MiCAREER: The Rural Credentialing Hub is here to help you take the next step in your professional journey.

Let your career grow where your roots already are. Connect with university-based educator preparation programs and education partners who are ready to support your journey in the teaching profession.

Thanks to the groundbreaking Michigan Legislative Act 388.1671i and funding from the Michigan Department of Education, MiCAREER connects educator preparation institutions (EPIs) with rural school districts to create meaningful, accessible pathways for aspiring and current educators.

Join us for an inspiring Grow Your Roots recruitment event—a day dedicated to exploring no-cost certification and career advancement opportunities explicitly tailored for rural educators.

Learn about the MiCAREER: The Rural Credentialing Hub

✔ Who’s eligible
✔ What it covers
✔ The certification programs available

In addition to discovering these exciting opportunities, participants will engage in powerful professional learning sessions that focus on the unique strengths and challenges of rural education. Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of building relational trust as the foundation for effective teaching and learning in rural communities.

With MiCAREER, you can expect:

✔ Personalized support
✔ Credit for your prior experience
✔ One-on-one mentoring from experienced educators
✔ Flexible, university-based programs that fit your schedule
✔ Rolling admissions to help you get started when you're ready

Attend any of our upcoming regional events—free of charge—at a location near you (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM):

📍 June 19, 2025 – Kewadin Casino | St. Ignace, MI
📍 June 24, 2025 – Holiday Inn Midland | Midland, MI
📍 June 25, 2025 – Holiday Inn & Suites Jackson | Jackson, MI
📍 June 26, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel | Grand Rapids, MI

SCECHs (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) will be available for eligible participants, pending approval from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

Who Should Attend?

✔ Rural educators working under temporary credentials
✔ Individuals nearing completion of a teacher prep program
✔ Experienced rural teachers seeking to add certifications or grow professionally

Not sure if your district qualifies as rural?
We use the definition of "rural" from the Educational Opportunities and Community Development in Rural Michigan report, which includes both rural and town designations as defined by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

👉 Use this interactive map to check your district's designation.
Tip: For easier searching, select “Public Schools” from the dropdown menu in the tool's search bar.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with supportive programs that recognize your potential and are invested in your success.

In partnership with Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University.

Brought to you by the MiCAREER: The Rural Credentialing Hub
Supporting educators. Strengthening rural communities.

For program questions, contact Dr. Kathryn Dirkin at dirki1kh@cmich.edu

For event and registration questions, contact Megan Papoi, mpapoi@msu.edu