Virtual Michigan teacher job fairs in March and May aims to connect educators with employers as Michigan continues efforts to address critical teacher shortages.
LANSING, MI — In a bid to tackle the ongoing teacher shortage in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will host virtual Education Workforce Job Fairs on March 12 and May 14, 2025. These events will provide an online platform for job seekers and employers to connect, aiming to increase the number of certified educators across the state.
State Seeks to Reverse Decade-Long Decline in Educator Numbers
Michigan has seen a dramatic improvement in teacher preparation enrollment, increasing by 71% from 2016 to 2023. This surge follows a sharp 59% decline in the preceding years, which saw enrollment plummet from over 23,000 in 2011 to fewer than 10,000 by 2016.
“While the state has made progress, significant work remains to ensure every child has access to high-quality educators,” said Dr. Michael F. Rice, Michigan’s State Superintendent. “Efforts to strengthen the teaching pipeline have benefited our students, but we continue to focus on innovative solutions.”
The virtual job fairs are a central part of Michigan’s response, aligning with Goal 7 of the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: increasing the number of certified teachers in shortage areas. This is especially critical as districts across Michigan face challenges in hiring not just teachers but paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and other essential school personnel.
Job Fairs Offer Streamlined Experience for Employers and Job Seekers
The Michigan teacher job fairs will use the Radancy (formerly Brazen) virtual platform, which features tools to enhance usability and engagement. Job seekers can create profiles, upload resumes, and engage directly with employers at virtual booths.
The fairs are open to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Public School Academies (PSAs), and staffing agencies free of charge. Job seekers can also register and participate for free, with opportunities to explore positions in teaching, administration, custodial services, and more.
Employers can utilize the platform to showcase their organization’s mission, share job opportunities, and even post promotional videos. Representatives will be available for live chats with potential candidates during the event.
Incentives and Initiatives Drive Recruitment Efforts
Michigan’s education sector has ramped up its support for prospective educators through various programs, including:
- Scholarships for aspiring teachers.
- Student teacher stipends and loan repayment assistance.
- Grow Your Own grants to help support staff transition into teaching roles.
- Programs like Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE and LAUNCH.
Additionally, the state has streamlined certification processes, offering expedited reciprocity for out-of-state teachers and counselors and launching a rural credentialing hub. These initiatives aim to address both the teacher supply and the unique challenges faced by Michigan’s rural communities.
Michigan Teacher Job Fairs Participation and Registration Details
The virtual fairs will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Job seekers and employers are encouraged to register early to secure their participation. Further details, including registration links, are available on the Education Workforce Job Fairs webpage.
For those interested in becoming certified educators in Michigan, comprehensive resources and assistance can be accessed via the Office of Educator Excellence webpage. Certification-related inquiries can also be directed to MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov.
A Broader National Teacher Shortage
Michigan’s efforts to address the teacher shortage have attracted national attention, highlighting the challenges and the solutions in play. Teachers were the scapegoats of a poorly funded education system for too long. In addition, university costs and student loan expenses have made an impact. As a result, retirements increased, and fewer students have pursued the education field. As states across the country grapple with similar issues, Michigan’s model may offer a roadmap for creating a robust and sustainable educator workforce.
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