The bill amends the Revised School Code of Michigan to enhance the regulatory framework for public school academies, urban high school academies, and schools of excellence. Key updates include the definition of "certificated teacher," which now accommodates both a teaching certificate issued by the superintendent of public instruction and a newly defined local teaching certificate under section 1531l. The bill clarifies the roles of authorizing bodies and stipulates that teacher contracts must be signed by a majority of the board or an authorized representative, detailing agreed-upon wages. It also establishes requirements for the employment of teachers and counselors, mandating valid teaching certificates or local teaching certificates, and outlines conditions for employing substitute teachers without a certificate.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the approval of professional development programs for school counselors, allowing the superintendent of public instruction to issue preliminary school counselor licenses to individuals in approved preparation programs. It modifies professional development requirements for teachers, including a mandate to complete first aid and CPR training. The bill also addresses the handling of teaching certificates for individuals convicted of certain crimes, ensuring that the superintendent takes appropriate action based on the nature of the conviction. New legal language includes the introduction of the "local teaching certificate" and the establishment of penalties for misuse of teaching certificates, emphasizing accountability and safety within the educational system.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 380.501
House Introduced Bill: 380.501
As Passed by the House: 380.501