Free teacher education. Real income. Real impact.
Talent Together helps Michiganders become certified teachers. Candidates receive their education for free while earning an income. Any Michigan resident with at minimum a high school diploma and a strong interest in becoming an educator is eligible to apply.
Local districts that partner with Talent Together
Aspiring teachers on track to earn their degree and certification
Of teacher candidates are People of Color, vs. 12% of MI teachers in SY 24-25
Expected increased lifetime earnings moving from para to teacher role
How It Works
From application to classroom — a clear pathway to becoming a certified teacher.
Apply
Complete an application on the Talent Together website to begin your journey.
Program Plan
With personalized support, enroll in a degree or certification program through a partnering university.
Coursework
Complete required coursework while working full-time and earning a wage in a school in your community.
Apprenticeship
Finish certification with a one-year apprenticeship alongside an experienced mentor teacher.
Who Can Apply?
Talent Together offers multiple pathways to certification for candidates at different stages of their educational journey.
No Degree? No Problem.
Opportunities for candidates without any credits toward a bachelor's degree who have a high school diploma and a strong interest in becoming an educator.
Add Certification
For those with bachelor's degrees who want to earn their initial Michigan teacher certification while working in schools and being paid.
Add Endorsements
For currently certified Michigan teachers who want to add endorsement areas to their existing certificates and expand their teaching options.
Eligible Candidates Include:
What Leaders Are Saying
“Teaching is such a rewarding career. Talent Together is a great way to support teaching candidates from all walks of life — especially our community members of color — to lead our next generation of students.”
Naomi Norman
Superintendent, Washtenaw ISD
“Talent Together was designed for aspiring teachers from all kinds of Michigan communities, including those who live in the Upper Peninsula, like me. If you live in a rural or remote area and want to become an educator, Talent Together just might be the right opportunity for you.”
Dr. Greg Nyen
Superintendent, Marquette-Alger RESA
“Talent Together brings real-world expertise and training (at no cost!) to teacher candidates, allowing so many more people to not just become a teacher, but a great one. This is a game-changer for our community, our schools, and most importantly, our students.”
Dr. Daveda Colbert
Superintendent, Wayne RESA
MARESA’s Role in Talent Together
Marquette-Alger RESA plays a pivotal role in the Talent Together initiative by serving as its fiduciary, or fiscal agent. As fiscal agent, MARESA is entrusted with human resources and business office functions for Talent Together.
This encompasses hiring, benefits administration, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and management of funds — all conducted in adherence to regulatory guidelines.
This collaboration enables Talent Together to focus on its core mission of enriching Michigan’s educational landscape by preparing and certifying new educators, knowing that the backend financial and human resources functions are managed efficiently and effectively.
Human Resources
Hiring and benefits administration
Payroll
Timely and accurate payroll processing
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Full financial transaction management
Fund Management
Compliant stewardship of program funds
Program Contact
Questions about Talent Together
Amy Peterson
Talent Together Program Contact
Current Employees
Access Talent Together resources, HR documents, and internal tools through the employee intranet.
Ready to become a Michigan educator?
Visit the official Talent Together website to learn about eligibility, the application process, and program partners across the state.