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Prerequisite Coursework in Wisconsin
Generally, states require that certified teachers hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Many states also have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. Wisconsin does not list specific course or credit hour requirements, although every college or university teacher preparation program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher preparation program or the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for more information.
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Wisconsin Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher education programs usually consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. Coursework often includes instruction on foundational knowledge, skills, and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching) as well as preparation in researching, designing and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. The fieldwork component often includes class observation, student teaching or internships.
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Required Tests for Wisconsin
In order to become a certified teacher in Wisconsin, you must satisfactorily demonstrate subject area competency through passage of a Praxis II or ACTFL World Language Test (unless GPA or portfolio alternatives are pursued), pass a Wisconsin Foundations of Reading test, and an edTPA test.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issues new teachers their Initial Teaching Licenses, which are valid for five years and are non-renewable, except under extenuating circumstances as a one-year extension. After at least three years of teaching, teachers may advance to their Lifetime Educator Licenses, which require a background check every 5 years. The department also offers the Master Educator License to teachers who hold a Professional Educator License and have successfully completed either their national board certification or their Wisconsin master educator assessment process.
Learn more about earning your Wisconsin teaching credential on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website. Read more about getting your teaching credential in general on the Teach and CertificationMap websites.
