A Research Report From EPIC

Talent Together: Participant Characteristics and Alignment with Michigan’s Teacher Workforce Needs

October 2026

Michigan has made substantial investments in grow-your-own teacher preparation programs to address persistent teacher shortages. Talent Together, the state’s largest grow-your-own initiative, currently works with Michigan’s 56 intermediate school districts to support aspiring teachers and current educators seeking additional credentials. This report examines who participates in Talent Together, where they work, and how the teaching credentials they pursue align with Michigan’s teacher workforce needs.

Drawing on Talent Together program records and state administrative data through fall 2025, the report examines the program’s first three cohorts. Findings show that most candidates are pursuing their first teaching credential, and many were already working in Michigan schools before joining Talent Together. Talent Together candidates are also more racially diverse than the state’s existing teacher workforce, particularly in their representation of Black educators. The program has a broad geographic reach, with participants working in districts serving more than 70% of Michigan’s public school students. Many candidates are also pursuing credentials in high-need areas, especially special education.

These findings provide insight into Talent Together’s progress toward strengthening Michigan’s educator workforce and establish a foundation for examining its longer-term outcomes.