Eligibility, Application Process, and Cost  

Who is eligible for the On the Rise Academy?   

On the Rise Academy offers initial certification to aspiring teachers who currently hold a bachelors degree or higher with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.95. 

Are non-DPSCD employees eligible to apply?  

 Yes! 

What is the cost to participants?  

There will be no costs to apply or enroll in the program. Tuition is $5,000 for Fellows. However, candidates teach for six years beyond the completion of the program as the teacher of record in DPSCD are eligible for tuition forgiveness, making the program entirely free! 

I am currently enrolled in another Michigan Department of Education (MDE) approved Alternative Route to Certification Program, am I able to transfer to DPSCD’s On the Rise Academy?  

Transfer candidates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be eligible for On the Rise Academy. If you are interested in being considered for transfer from another program, please email info.otr@detroitk12.org before applying.  

Selection Process  

How are participants selected into the program?  

The rigorous, multi-phase selection process includes a three-stage selection day consisting of an MTTC readiness test, panel interview, and demonstration lesson. Fellows must complete the required Admissions Coursework and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) by the indicated deadlines.   

Are DPSCD employees guaranteed admission into the program?  

Unfortunately, we cannot accept all applicants. While we are focused on selecting current employees, admission is not guaranteed.  

Training and Coaching  

How will DPSCD support candidates in passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)?  

On the Rise Academy provides Fellows multiple MTTC supports and resources. Once admitted, Fellows begin Admissions Coursework, which includes modules focused on gaining proficiency on the content Fellows are required to master to successfully pass the MTTC.  

To learn more about the MTTC, refer to the “MTTC Prep” section on this page.  

How will participants be trained, coached, and mentored?   

On the Rise Academy uses a practice-based model of teacher preparation that immerses participants in authentic-field based experiences to support rapid learning and development. Participants will receive 1:1 and small group coaching that is differentiated to meet participants’ needs. Refer to the “Individualized Coaching and Support” section on this page for a detailed overview of our training model, including required coursework and field experiences for Fellows and Continuing Teachers.  

What are the time commitments for Fellows once admitted? 

Admissions Coursework begins in January 2026 and runs through May 2026. The coursework includes asynchronous online modules and in-person professional development. Each module can take 15-20 hours to complete. The professional development sessions take place once a month. Successful completion of Admissions Coursework is required to remain in the program and attend Pre-Service Institute in summer 2026. 

What are the time commitments for Fellows during Pre-Service Institute?  

Pre-Service Institute starts in June 2026 and runs through early August 2026. Fellows should plan on attending face-to-face skill building sessions and field experiences Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00am to 4:30pm with designated time for lunch.   

Will Fellows be paid during Pre-Service Institute?  

Yes, Fellows are paid during training at a rate of $25.10/hour and are eligible for benefits during Institute. Fellows who pass the MTTC, complete all required Institute coursework, and pass the Institute performance screen are then recommended for the Interim Teaching Certificate through MDE and promoted to a contract teacher position for the 2026-2027 school year where they will earn the new starting salary for certified teachers. 

Certification  

What certificate(s) can participants earn?  

Fellows will earn the Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) after passing the Pre-Service Institute performance screen and the appropriate endorsement area Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). The Interim Teaching Certificate is a Michigan-issued teaching certificate that entitles the holder to teach full-time in a Michigan school as the teacher of record. After successful completion of endorsement-specific coursework, School Year Academy, and three years of successful teaching (as measured by Thrive for Teacher summative evaluations), Fellows are eligible for recommendation for their Standard Teaching Certificate and will have completed On the Rise Academy programming. 

What content areas can participants earn certification in?  

Fellows can earn Michigan certification in Lower Elementary (ZO), Upper Elementary (ZP), Integrated Science (DI), Mathematics 5-9 or 7-12 (EQ), with an option to add a Cognitive Impairment (SA) endorsement. We may consider adding additional certification areas in future years, dependent on our teacher pipeline needs.   

Hiring  

Will participants be eligible for hire at all DPSCD schools?  

Participants will be eligible for hire at a subset of schools to ensure we can provide intense support to participants and host schools. DPSCD employees who apply are not guaranteed placement at their current school. On the Rise Academy does not place Fellows based on preference or in Montessori schools. 

Are Fellows guaranteed a teaching job?  

All Fellows who pass Pre-Service Institute and the MTTC by the appropriate deadlines will be offered a contract teaching position for the 2026-2027 school year.   

Once hired as teachers, are participants required to remain at DPSCD for a certain number of years?  

Participants must remain at DPSCD for a minimum of three years and meet all program requirements to be recommended for the Standard Teaching Certificate. Participants must remain employed at DPSCD for at least three additional years beyond the three years required for the Standard Teaching Certificate (for a total of six years) as a contract teacher in their certification area to have all program tuition forgiven. Participants will not be required to pay any costs up front.  

For any other questions please contact our team via email at info.otr@detroitk12.org.