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Religious Education and Theology

The School Courses for the Exchange of Data (SCED) Classification System is an essential component of determining appropriate placement. Since the certification and endorsement of a teacher must match the course content being taught, districts must first determine the content of the course. To determine the course content, the district should first identify the SCED Course Title and Description that most closely match the course, and then find the course in this menu of webpages for matching endorsement areas.

SCED Finder

The matching endorsement areas listed are minimum state requirements. Districts should always consider the professional learning and experiences of an individual in addition to the minimum requirements before placing a teacher in an assignment. When an appropriately certified teacher is not available for the assignment, there are flexibilities available for placement. These are described at the end of this webpage.

SCED Course Titles

  • Religious Foundations
  • Comparative Religion
  • Eastern Religions
  • Western Religions
  • Scriptures
  • Old Testament
  • New Testament
  • Bible History
  • Christology
  • Religious Figures
  • Liturgy and Prayer
  • Prayer and Spirituality
  • Religious Ethics and Morality
  • Justice, Peace, and Faith
  • Faith and Lifestyle
  • Ministry
  • IB World Religions
  • Particular Topics in Religion
  • Religious Education and Theology—Aide, Independent Study, Workplace Experience, and Other

Appropriate Endorsements

Individuals who hold a Michigan teaching certificate with any endorsement at the grade level the course is offered may be assigned to teach the courses listed above. Individuals who hold the Academic Study of Religions (PR) endorsement (which is no longer offered) are well-prepared to teach religious education and theology courses.

Alternative Staffing Options

Option 1: Also Allowable

Individuals may also be placed outside of the grade level listed on their certificate in certain scenarios as described in the guidance linked below.

Revised Grade Bands

Core Content Area Grade Level Staffing Flexibilities

Elementary (ZG) and World Language (FA-FS) Staffing Flexibilities

Option 2: "All Subjects" Endorsed Teacher

Individuals who hold an all-subjects endorsement at the grade level are also authorized to teach these departmentalized courses without a permit. Districts are encouraged to ensure the individual has appropriate knowledge and skills for the assignment.

Self-Contained Definition

Option 3: Other Out-of-Field Certified Teacher

Per Michigan Administrative Rule, Individuals who hold a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate may be assigned outside of the subject and grade level endorsements listed on their certificate for up to 90 consecutive calendar days or on an intermittent basis without the need for a permit.

Option 4: Permitted Teacher

If an individual with the appropriate endorsement is not available, the district may choose to obtain a permit for the assignment. Permits should not be considered permanent solutions for staffing, and districts are strongly encouraged to support personnel in pursuing the appropriate endorsement on a Michigan teaching certificate. 

Teacher Permits