Michigan Requirements for Professional Development

There are two references in the Michigan School Code that specify requirements for the professional development of teachers. They are Sections 1526 and 1527:

Section 1526 states: "For the first 3 years of his or her employment in classroom teaching, a teacher shall be assigned by the school in which he or she teaches to 1 or more master teachers, or college professors or retired master teachers, who shall act as a mentor or mentors to the teacher. During the 3-year period, the teacher shall also receive intensive professional development induction into teaching, based on a professional development plan that is consistent with the requirements of Section 3a of article II of Act No. 4 of the Public Acts of the Extra Session of 1937, being Section 38.83a of the Michigan Compiled Laws, including classroom management and instructional delivery. During the 3 ­year period, the intensive professional development induction into teaching shall consist of at least 15 days of professional development, the experiencing of effective practices in university-linked professional development schools, and regional seminars conducted by master teachers and other mentors."

Section 1527 states: "The board of each school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy shall provide:

at least 1 day of teacher professional development in the 1997-98 school year,

at least 2 days of teacher professional development in the 1998-99 school year,

at least 3 days of teacher professional development in the 1999-2000 school year,

at least 4 days of teacher professional development in the 2000-2001 school year,

at least 5 days of teacher professional development in the 2001-2002 school year, and each school year after the 2001-2002 school year. Professional development days provided under this Section shall not be counted toward the professional development required under Section 1526."