Teaching Licensure

License Requirements

Wisconsin Teaching Certification rules, referred to as PI 34, and other state-adopted mandates, require all students to meet these requirements to be approved for a teaching license. Additional requirements are met through coursework.

• Cumulative GPA Requirement: maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Additional GPA Requirements: maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all teaching majors, minors and required teacher certification coursework.
• Content Knowledge Assessment: demonstrate content knowledge by receiving passing scores on a state-approved standardized test. Wisconsin uses the Praxis II as the approved test, except for Foreign Language majors and minors. Wisconsin requires both the Oral Proficiency interview (OPI- OPIc) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) for these majors and minors.
• Minimum Grade Requirement: receive a grade of "C" or better in all relevant coursework. PI34 Statutory Requirements: Act 31 refers to the requirement that all Wisconsin public school districts provide instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally - recognized American Indian Tribes and bands in the state. This requirement can be met through UW-Green Bay coursework or through UW-Extension.
• Student Teaching Experience: complete this 18-week assignment at full-time status, in a classroom that directly corresponds with the licensure level. You work under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and are evaluated by the cooperating teaching and a university supervisor.
• Foundations of Reading Assessment: demonstrate knowledge of reading methodology be receiving passing scores on the Foundations of Reading Test for Wisconsin (effective January 31, 2014).
• Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA): demonstrate you have the knowledge, skills and dispositions for teaching and substantiates proficiency in the Wisconsin educator standards through performance-based measures (effective Fall 2016).

Coursework

Teacher licensure in Wisconsin is divided by age group levels. When you have been admitted to the program as a candidate, you will begin to take education courses that will prepare you for one of the licensure levels listed. Click on the links below to see the advising sheets we use for coursework requirements.

• Elementary-Middle (Kindergarten-9) (Education Major)
• Grades 4-12
  • Science emphasis (Education major)
  • English, Math, Broadfield Social Studies (Education minor)
• PK-Grade 12 (All Ages, Education minor)
  • Theatre, Music, Art, World Language
• ESL/ELL Supplemental License

For Licensed Wisconsin Teachers

Teachers Seeking a New Licensure Area

As of June 17, 2017, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has adopted emergency rule (EmR) 1711 to address teacher shortages and school staffing issues. This ruling provides licensed teachers options when seeking to renew a license or to add a related content area to a valid license. See the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website on License Based on a Content Test Pathway for more information.

If this does not apply to you or if you have additional questions, please contact Amy Bartelme.

For Professionals with a Bachelor's Degree

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a teaching license, contact the Education Office regarding special requirements that apply to you.