How to Become a Teacher in Wisconsin

Wisconsin provides a balanced mix of urban and rural life. It also features several first-class schools where aspiring teachers can go to earn their teaching credentials. Those wondering "how do I become a teacher in Wisconsin?" will be pleased to learn that teachers' salaries increase in Wisconsin at a rate slightly higher than that of inflation.

How to become a teacher in Wisconsin - traditional route for residents

Wisconsin requires teachers on the traditional path to teaching in Wisconsin to obtain a bachelor's degree. It doesn't have to be in education, but the bachelor's degree does have to include a certain number of education-related courses. Wisconsin teachers also must demonstrate competence in their subject area, which usually comes from majoring in that subject, along with education.

How to become a teacher in WI - alternative route for residents

Wisconsin provides several alternative routes to teaching in Wisconsin, especially for those who are willing to teach in areas of critical shortages. The Department of Public Instruction lists 12 separate certification programs for those who wish to teach but got their bachelors' degrees in something else. Some of these specify that the candidate be bilingual or bicultural, be committed to teaching among Wisconsin's Native American tribes, or be willing to teach English as a second language.

How to become a teacher in WI - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Wisconsin grants teaching licenses to out of state applicants who have completed certification programs, and who have met the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Teaching license must be in an area that Wisconsin also has a procedure for
• Teaching courses and requirements must be comparable to Wisconsin's
• Have been approved for a teaching license in the state where they received their education
• Have completed the Praxis test or other nationally accepted competency test

How do I become a teacher in Wisconsin - necessary exams for residents

In Wisconsin, as in half the states in the country, those wondering how to become a teacher in Wisconsin must pass the Praxis I and II in order to get certified to teach. Praxis I examines the student on areas of general knowledge in reading, writing and math, and Praxis II tests them on knowledge in their area of concentration.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Wisconsin?

For those wondering how to become a teacher in WI, any bachelor's degree will suffice, but an individual cannot be certified for teaching without a certain number of education-related credits. Most students often choose to major in education and/or their subject of concentration.

What is a teacher preparation program in Wisconsin?

A teacher preparation is a collaborative academic course developed between an institute of higher learning and the Wisconsin State Board of Education. It usually takes the form of a bachelor's degree, but sometimes can also be a master's program of an approved alternative route to teaching.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Wisconsin?

Teacher certification in Wisconsin has to be renewed every 5 years. Renewal requires professional development hours, a professional development plan, at least 3 yearly evaluations within the 5-year period, and the submission of a $100 fee.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in WI?

• Wisconsin Education Associate Council

  This site is affiliated with the Wisconsin chapter of the National Education Association, and gives teachers all the information they need in order to become teachers or remain successful in their teaching career.

• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

  This page lists links to the documents detailing any requirement a teacher or aspiring teacher would need to know.

• The Professional Development Plan

  This plan is required for any teacher working toward renewal of their teacher certificate in Wisconsin. The specific requirements and expectations are laid out.