Local Heroes (ARC)
The Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) is proud to lead the Local Heroes project, a transformative initiative made possible by appropriated funds from the State of Michigan. Local Heroes aims to create accessible college pathways through dual enrollment, certification programs, associate degree completion, and seamless transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. By focusing on building prosperity for families and addressing workforce shortages in critical community services across Michigan, this initiative is fostering long-term economic and social impact.
The Alternative Route to Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) initiative offers a streamlined pathway for aspiring educators. In collaboration with Michigan community colleges and Schoolcraft College's ARC program, this initiative supports individuals who hold Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines to pursue an expedited and highly structured route to teacher certification. The initiative will emphasize program awareness through targeted outreach and the establishment of formal agreements between Schoolcraft College and community colleges statewide. These agreements will ensure a clear and accessible pathway for students transitioning into the ARC program, empowering them to become certified elementary or secondary teachers. By addressing Michigan's growing need for qualified educators, the ARC initiative strengthens the state’s educational workforce while providing new opportunities for future teachers to achieve their professional goals.
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Benefits to Project Engagement
- Developing an understanding of the teacher shortages in the state of Michigan and educational routes you can provide at your own institution.
- Learning about the ARC program, its processes, timeline, and resources.
- Participating in a transfer plan for your students to complete their teacher certification through the ARC.
- Discovering bachelor’s degree pathways for those students who do not yet have a degree.
- Learning the components of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) as well as study supports and strategies.
- Obtaining resources for communicating and recruiting students interested in a K-12 teacher pathway.
Steps to Participate
- Review the resources and links listed on this page.
- Contact Donna Petras, dpetras@mcca.org, to schedule a 1:1 session to learn more about the project, activities necessary at your institution, and resources available for your students interested in becoming a K-12 teacher.
- Share these resources with the appropriate faculty, advisors, and counselors at your institution to promote the opportunity to interested students.
Additional Resources
Schoolcraft College's Alternative Route to Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) program provides an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enter the teaching profession or expand their qualifications. The ARC program is a state-approved educator preparation pathway designed for those with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution who are seeking initial teacher certification or wish to add additional endorsements to an existing teaching certificate.
The Michigan Department of Education provides clear guidelines on teacher preparation, which is governed by state law, administrative rules, and program standards. For those looking to fast-track their certification, the alternative certification pathway allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to begin teaching under an Interim Teaching Certificate while completing an approved preparation program. The Michigan Department of Education’s Alternative Routes to Teachers Certification or Endorsement website provides added details about the eligibility, benefits, and specific restrictions of expedited certification routes.
The Local Heroes ARC project has teamed up with the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to offer students a flexible pathway to completing a bachelor’s degree online—fulfilling the Schoolcraft College ARC program’s requirement for a bachelor's degree in any field. Through this partnership, students benefit from a 25% discount on out-of-state tuition for all standard UMGC programs and can transfer up to 70 credits. To ensure a seamless transition, students are encouraged to connect with a UMGC advisor upon enrollment to review transfer credits and create a personalized degree completion plan. Additional program details and a full list of available bachelor’s degrees can be found on the UMGC Online Bachelor's Degrees website.