Become a Preschool or Kindergarten Teacher in Wisconsin

<h2 id="section---WisconsinPreschoolAndKindergartenTeacherCertificationInformation">Wisconsin Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher Certification Information</h2> <p>Preschool teachers in Wisconsin hold the early childhood education license, while kindergarten teachers possess the elementary education license. Continue reading below to find out more about what is needed to receive one of these licenses, such as specific program and exam requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree and approved teacher preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td>PRAXIS Core; PRAXIS Elementary Education content test; edTPA; Foundations of Reading (kindergarten)</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Period </td><td> Three years</td></tr> <tr><td> CPE Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> None; six semesters of work experience to move to professional license</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018, Wisconsin) </td><td> $26,550 (preschool); $57,340 (kindergarten)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 7% (preschool); 3% (kindergarten)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteEducationRequirements">Complete Education Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective preschool and kindergarten teachers must receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students will typically major in early childhood education, elementary education, or a related field. The major generally includes coursework such as educational psychology, early childhood development, literature for children, and introduction to elementary education. </p> <h3 id="section---FulfillProgramRequirements">Fulfill Program Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective teachers must complete a teacher preparation program that has been approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and is typically completed as part of the bachelor's degree program. The program may include additional coursework such as curriculum development and teaching methods. As part of the program, students will generally be placed in a local public school to complete student teaching fieldwork. This fieldwork allows students to gain experience in a real-world setting. </p> <h3 id="section---PassRequiredExams">Pass Required Exams</h3> <p>Whether applying for the early childhood or elementary education license, all candidates must take and pass three required exams: the PRAXIS Core exam, PRAXIS Elementary Education content exam, and the appropriate edTPA exam. In addition, prospective kindergarten teachers must take and pass the Foundations of Reading Content exam. The PRAXIS Core exam contains three subtests (reading, writing, and mathematics); a passing score is required on each to pass the exam. The PRAXIS Elementary Education content exam includes questions covering reading, mathematics, science, and social studies at the elementary level. Candidates must receive a score of at least 157 to pass the exam. Prospective teachers should consult with their teacher preparation program to determine the most suitable edTPA exam to take. </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteApplication">Complete Application</h3> <p>Once all requirements have been met, prospective teachers may apply for the early childhood education or elementary education provisional license. Applicants can submit a completed application, fees, and supporting documents through the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system. As part of the application process, all prospective teachers must complete a background check. </p> <h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>The provisional teacher license is valid for three years. After three years, teachers who can demonstrate they have completed at least six semesters of experience providing direct services to students may advance to the lifetime professional license. Those who do not have the required experience may reapply for the provisional license. There are no limits to the number of times the provisional license may be renewed and there are no required continuing education credits for renewal.</p>