Teaching in Wisconsin requires completing a specific set of steps and requirements to gain certification. This licensure process is overseen by the state’s Department of Public Instruction and provides important standards and requirements to ensure that all teachers in the state are well-qualified to teach young people the skills they’ll need later in life.
Every teacher has the potential to make a life-changing difference to a child, so the career is a big responsibility. Understand what you need to do in order to become certified as a Wisconsin Teacher and the responsibilities and duties of this career path.
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Wisconsin Teacher Certification Requirements
Wisconsin Teacher Certification Types
There are three tiers, or levels, to teaching certification in Wisconsin. These are the Initial license, the Professional license, and the Master level.
Wisconsin Teacher Education
The minimum education level at the Initial License is a Bachelor’s degree as well as an educator preparation program.
Master’s Degree Program
Though not strictly required, this level of education can be key to obtaining higher levels of certification.
Wisconsin Teacher Certification Exam
Wisconsin recognizes the Praxis exams for competency. You’ll need to pass the Core Academic Skills exam, the proper Subject Assessment exam, and if seeking ECE, elementary, or special education you’ll need the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Exam. Foreign language teachers must complete the ACTFL World Language exam.
Teacher Experience
Advancing your license requires experience teaching. A Professional license requires three years teaching under an Initial license, and you will build more experience while undergoing the required NBPTS certification or WMEAP process to achieve Master level licensure.
Background Check
You will have to undergo required criminal background checks and fingerprinting to establish your ability to work with kids.
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Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Wisconsin Alternative Teacher Certification: alternative certification routes are available in areas with a shortage of teachers, for those who hold Master’s degrees, for professionals who have equivalent education and experience, or for those who wish to teach in technology or the trades.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: A single five-year renewal of the Level I certificate is allowed.
- Wisconsin Substitute Teaching: There are two certifications for substitute teachers in Wisconsin: the three-year short-term license and the five-year license. These have specific educational and application requirements, with the five-year license being similar to the Initial teacher certification.
- Reciprocity: Teachers that have at least one year of experience and are licensed out-of-state may be able to get reciprocity in Wisconsin so long as they have a standing employment offer at a Wisconsin school. Exams may be required to achieve reciprocity, depending on the state of origin’s requirement equivalencies.
What Does a Teacher Do in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin teachers prepare lesson plans, lecture on their subject of expertise, deliver hands-on learning experiences, and assign homework, papers, and tests. They must grade these assignments to assess student performance and determine which students, if any, need outside help. They must intervene when necessary to ensure students in need get the appropriate services for their needs. They must also attend meetings, take phone calls and emails, and oversee many school functions from dances to sporting events and extracurricular clubs.
Wisconsin Teacher Salary
The field of teaching is expected to remain generally stable over the next seven years or so, which presents a high degree of competition for available spots. However, the mean annual salary for teachers in Wisconsin is good at $55,360 per year.
Wisconsin Teacher Certification Links
- Wisconsin Education Association Council
- Department of Public Instruction
- Milwaukee Teacher Education Center
Teacher Certification Programs in Wisconsin
Teacher Certification Programs in Wisconsin
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!