Bay City Education Association

Beginning on February 8, 2011, the Michigan Department of Education will launch a new database system called the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). In preparation for this roll out, the MDE did not process certification renewals from January 1, 2011 through February 7, 2011. If you made application during this timeframe, it may be necessary for you to re-apply using the new system.

MOECS will allow you to apply online for certificates and renewals, duplicate certificates, and pay certification fees using a credit card, etc. Before you can log on to MOECS to renew your certificate, you will need to create a MEIS account and self-register on February 8, 2011 or later. You can then renew your certificate by logging into MOECS. (See directions below)

Step 1: Create a Michigan Education Information System (MEIS) Account
Visit https://cepi.state.mi.us/MEISPublic/ and follow the links on the screen to create a Michigan Education Information System (MEIS) account. MEIS will email you a user ID and password along with the MEIS account number to the email address provided by you during MEIS registration.

Step 2: Register with MOECS
Once you have established a MEIS ID, please visit http://www.michigan.gov/moecs and on the login screen, sign in with your MEIS user ID and password and follow the steps to self register with MOECS. On the registration page, you will be asked to provide your MEIS account number, which is included in the email that you received from MEIS.

Step 3: Apply for Certificate in MOECS
Once you have signed in with MOECS successfully, you will be asked to complete the demographic information. Once it is saved, you will see the links on the left navigation panel. Choose the link that is appropriate for you and follow the steps to apply for your certificate.

Step 4: University/College Review/Approval (If required)
After you have applied for the certificate, your application will be submitted to the institution that you identified in the application process via MOECS for review and approval.

Step 5: Online Fee Payment
Once your application is approved by the institution in MOECS, you will receive an email with a link for you to pay the fee online using credit/debit card or you can do so by logging into MOECS using your user ID and password.

Step 6: Issuance of Certificate
Once the fee is paid, your application will be approved by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Professional Preparation Services (OPPS). The certificate will then be printed and mailed to your address, as noted in your demographic page, within 7-14 business days.

Step 7: Deliver Certificate to the ECSD Personnel Office
When you receive your updated certificate, please bring the “employer” copy to our office in person, as this document must be notarized. It will then be placed in your personnel file.

Step 8: Questions/Problems
If you are having any difficulties with the registration process, please contact the Office of Professional Preparation Services at 517-373-3310.

Please note that in Michigan, all professional education certificates issued within a calendar year expire five (5) years from June 30 of that year. The required credits and/or SB-CEU’s required for certificate renewal must be completed (with verification) prior to application.

Pursuant to the Michigan Tenure Law, all teaching staff are required to have a valid teaching certificate in order to continue employment. The Tenure Law also provides, in part, “The responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of certification rests with the individual teacher.” Neither the Michigan Tenure Law Act, state statutes, nor the rules of the State Board of Education obligate a local school board to notify a teacher that his/her personal certificate has expired. You are required to submit proper documentation of your certificate renewal to the Personnel Office prior to June 30 of the year in which your certificate expires.

In previous years, the Personnel Department has chosen to remind teachers to comply with the steps of certification (pursuant to the Tenure Law) and, in some cases, teachers have gotten into difficulty because they have not completed steps ahead of time. Please be advised as of this date, if a staff member does not have valid certification on July 1st of a given year, employment with the school district will cease. While the Personnel Department as a courtesy has contacted staff in the past, it is the teacher’s responsibility and no further reminders will be made by the District.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding renewing your certificate, please contact the Certification office at 671-8105 for assistance.