Information for Prospective Educators

For those considering a career as a professional educator (teacher, administrator, pupil services professional) in Wisconsin, the resources below are pertinent. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) approves educator preparation programs offered in Wisconsin. Individuals apply to DPI for an educator license only after successfully completing all requirements of an approved program and receiving recommendation for licensure by the certifying officer of the program. Wisconsin's educator license stages are described in administrative rule PI 34.16 - License Stages.

Not all licensed positions in Wisconsin public schools require completion of an approved educator preparation program (e.g. Special Education Aides, Substitute Teaching Permits, Occupational or Physical Therapist or Aide, Educational Interpreter, etc.). Our Licensing Guide lists licensed positions by education requirement.

Approved Educator Preparation Programs in Wisconsin

An individual interested in pursuing a career in education may reference Wisconsin Approved Educator Preparation Programs to find an approved program in his/her area of interest. Many institutions offer post-baccalaureate educator certification programs. After completing an approved program, the applicant submits a license application (PI-1602-IS or PI-1602-AD) to the department for evaluation.

Educator Preparation Programs Outside Wisconsin

DPI may also grant licenses to individuals who complete state-approved educator preparation programs outside of Wisconsin, including on-line programs, if the program meets specific requirements. After all requirements of the educator preparation program are completed, the applicant submits a license application (PI 1602-OS) to the department for evaluation.

• Out-of-State Program Completers - Information for non-Wisconsin program completers and educators already licensed in another state.
• Educators Outside the United States - Information about the credential evaluation process for educators prepared, teaching, or licensed outside the U.S.

Information and Support

• Supply and Demand of Education Personnel for Wisconsin Public Schools - An Examination of Data Trends
• Wisconsin Educator Job Postings - on Wisconsin.gov Portal
• Loan Forgiveness or Deferal Programs - Opportunities for those interested in licensure in areas identified as teacher shortage areas and/or teaching in low-income schools.
• School Jobs - Nationwide information provided by Epicenter.
• Troops to Teachers Website - U.S. Dept. of Education and Dept. of Defense program for military personnel.

Resources for Students

• Future Educators Association - National networking organization for educator clubs that expose middle and high school students to careers in education.
• Teach Grant - a federal grant program for prospective educators completing programs in shortage subject fields who intend to teach in a high poverty school. Contact the financial aid office of the campus where you are (or will be) enrolled.
• Urban Teacher World Program - Pre-college program intended to create a comprehensive system to recruit, develop, and support a pool of diverse educators with the focus on potential educators currently attending high-needs schools.
• Wisconsin's Internship Program - Wisconsin Improvement Program (WIP) for college students enrolled in Wisconsin educator preparation programs.

Links to commercial sites do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Public Instruction.

For questions about this information, contact licensing@dpi.wi.gov (608) 266-1027

Last updated on 7/22/2008 10:09:24 AM