MI SB0491

Allows school districts and intermediate school districts to hire noncertified teachers without bachelor's degrees to teach computer science, foreign languages, mathematics, science, engineering, robotics, writing, journalism, health sciences, or critical shortage disciplines in grades 9-12, provided they meet minimum qualifications including a bachelor's degree and relevant experience or credentials.

Requires noncertified teachers hired to teach for more than one year to pass professional readiness and subject area examinations; those teaching for only one year must pass the professional readiness examination.

Establishes an interim teaching certificate process allowing individuals with bachelor's degrees to earn certification through approved alternative teaching programs, provided they pass required exams and complete at least 12 college credit hours of intensive teacher training covering child development, diverse learners, and classroom management.

Permits interim certificate holders to teach while enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs; after 2 years of successful classroom teaching, their teaching experience may waive student teaching requirements for full certification.

An interim teaching certificate is valid for 7 years; individuals with multiple master's or bachelor's degrees with multiple majors may earn endorsements in each subject area where they hold credentials.