How To Become a Teacher in Wisconsin 2025

<p>While every state has different requirements, the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a> is generally to earn a bachelor's degree and complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP). The same is true in Wisconsin. Below, we've broken down what you need to know about the requirements to become a teacher in Wisconsin. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Before you can enroll in an educator preparation program, also called a teacher preparation program, you need to decide what grade level and subject area you want to teach. This will influence your major and what teaching license you earn. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>There are a few types of elementary school teachers, and each holds a different type of licensure. First, there are generalist elementary school teachers. These teachers have a contained classroom where they teach multiple subjects. </p> <p>Students wanting to become this type of teacher can pursue the elementary education license. However, to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> or preschool teacher, you'll need the early childhood education license. </p> <p>There are also specialist subjects, such as art, music, and physical education. In Wisconsin, there are a variety of licensure options for these subject areas, some that focus specifically on elementary education and others that allow you to teach any grade. Additionally, there are teaching credentials for special education &mdash; in Wisconsin, these tend to cover all grades. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>The middle school teacher educational requirements the completion of an EPP and earning a bachelor's degree. Those who want to teach middle school should focus on programs for middle-grade education. </p> <p>In Wisconsin, there are no generalist middle school teaching certificates. Instead, aspiring teachers pursue certification in specific subject areas, like science and social studies. Many of these licenses permit you to teach up to grade 10, but some extend to grade 12. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>In Wisconsin, high school teacher educational requirements are very similar to middle school teacher requirements. </p> <p>However, you'll need to complete a program for teaching high school or secondary education. You'll also pursue a subject area license. Many of these licenses include middle school grades as well as high school, while others are for subjects primarily taught in high school. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Once you've decided what subject area and grade level you want to teach, you can start looking at schools and majors. Different schools offer different majors within the education field, so it's important to consider what you're looking for in a program. </p> <p>Many colleges and universities in Wisconsin offer teaching and education degrees that double as educator preparation programs. You can find a full list through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>The fastest and most streamlined way to become a teacher in Wisconsin is to earn a bachelor's degree through an approved teacher preparation program. Bachelor's degrees in education usually take four to five years of full-time study to complete. </p> <p>In your bachelor's program, you'll complete coursework on topics like educational psychology and classroom management, as well as education courses that correlate with the subject matter you want to teach. You'll also complete student teaching experiences at local school districts. These provide you with the opportunity to work in a classroom setting under the guidance of an experienced, certified teacher. </p> <p>Most types of teaching licenses in Wisconsin require a bachelor's degree, though there are a few exceptions, like career and technical education teaching. </p> <p>If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you have a few options. You can complete a non-degree EPP, complete the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, or earn a master's degree through an EPP. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>A master's degree is not required to become a teacher in Wisconsin &mdash; however, it is necessary for most pupil services and administrator licenses. Prospective teachers may choose to earn an advanced degree so they can earn more or secure higher-demand positions. </p> <p>Earning a master's degree that doubles as a teacher preparation program is a great choice for those with a bachelor's in an unrelated subject who want to pursue a teaching career. However, it is not a requirement. </p> <p>Some teachers opt to earn their bachelor's and get their teaching license, then return for their master's while working as teachers. Many colleges and universities offer online master's degrees in education specifically for this reason. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassWisconsinTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Wisconsin Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>Not all prospective teachers need to take a certification exam to receive their license. This is different than many states, in which all teachers must take at least one exam to be certified. </p> <p>All applicants for early childhood, elementary education, special education, reading teacher, and reading specialist must pass the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test. Outside of that, your preparation or certification program may require testing, but the state does not require this. </p> <p>The Department of Public Instruction runs a background check on all applicants. Once your application is submitted, it takes about six to 12 weeks to process. To maintain your licensure or advance your tier level, you must renew your license and complete professional development hours periodically. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Now that you've met the state's certification requirements and have obtained your teaching license, you can start looking for teaching positions. As a new teacher, you may need to look outside your current school district, but it depends on the demand where you live. </p> <p>According to O*Net and Projections Central, teaching positions in the U.S. are expected to decrease by 1% by 2032. However, in Wisconsin, teaching positions are expected to increase by 5% over the same time frame. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>With so many excellent schools in Wisconsin offering teaching programs, it can be hard to figure out which one to choose. There are several things you'll want to consider: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> The school you choose should be regionally accredited; its educator preparation program should be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. </li><li><b>Grade and content area:</b> Look for schools offering majors for the grade level and subject matter you want to teach. </li><li><b>Format:</b> Some schools offer options with online coursework, where you only need to appear in person for student teaching. Others are completely in-person. </li><li><b>Cost:</b> Tuition costs and financial aid options vary between schools. Many Wisconsin students are eligible for free tuition through University of Wisconsin schools. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInWisconsin">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Wisconsin</h2> <p>Navigating the different licensure and tier options for teachers in Wisconsin can be a little overwhelming. We've answered some frequently asked questions below to help you out. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInWisconsin">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Wisconsin?</h3> <p>The general requirements to become a teacher in Wisconsin are that you must have a bachelor's degree and must complete an educator preparation program or an alternative route for licensure. You will also have to pass a background check and may need to pass the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInWisconsin">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Wisconsin?</h3> <p>Most prospective teachers can earn their degrees within four or five years. After that, the timeline depends on whether you pursue a master's degree right away and whether you need to take and pass the reading exam. Once you submit your application, you should hear back within six to 12 weeks. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Requirements can differ between private schools and public schools in Wisconsin. Private schools are not obligated to employ licensed or certified teachers, although many may prefer to do so. </p> <p>Additionally, teachers at schools that are part of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) or the Parental Private School Choice Program (PPSCP) must hold at least a bachelor's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesMyTeacherCertificationLastInWisconsin">How Long Does My Teacher Certification Last in Wisconsin?</h3> <p>The length of your teacher certification depends on which tier you're in: </p> <ul><li><b>Tier 1 Temporary License:</b> One year. </li><li><b>Tier 2 Provisional License:</b> Three years, after which most teachers qualify to move to tier 3 rather than renewal </li><li><b>Tier 3 Lifetime License:</b> No expiration, but teachers must submit to a background check every five years </li><li><b>Tier 4 Master Educator License:</b> No expiration, but teachers must take action every five years to maintain the status of their license </li></ul><h2 id="section---DiscoverOnlineEducationPrograms">Discover Online Education Programs</h2> <p>Start your journey toward a career in education by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and licensure options.</p>