Frequently Asked Questions

Past Wisconsin Graduates - Never Licensed Initially

I graduated from UW-Whitewater 10 years ago with an Education degree (certified for grades 1-6 at that time). All requirements were fulfilled but I never applied for a license. What would it take for me to be certified now as a teacher in Wisconsin?

First you should complete the PI-1602-IS application and have UW Whitewater endorse Part IV to verify that you completed their approved teacher education program. This will allow you to receive a 5 year substitute teaching license for elementary grades. To be eligible for a regular 5 year teaching license, you must also provide evidence (original transcripts or grade reports) of completing 6 semester credits in education courses from a four year bachelor degree granting institution in the past five years.

I received my teacher training at a Wisconsin college but obtained my initial teaching license from Minnesota where I have been teaching for a number of years. How do I apply for a Wisconsin teaching license now?

Because you are a graduate of a Wisconsin approved teacher training program, apply with the PI-1602-IS application for an Initial Wisconsin license. Also complete and have a PI-1613 Employment Verification form signed by your Minnesota employer to document your teaching experience.

I graduated with a K-12 comprehensive physical education major from UW-Eau Claire in 1985 but did not apply for a teaching license at that time and have never taught. If I completed 6 semester credits now and submit an application with all fees and documentation, would I be eligible to obtain my license?

Check with UW-Eau Claire's Certifying Officer (see links below) to make sure they will endorse your PI-1602-IS application to verify that you completed their approved teacher education program in Physical Education. With that endorsement you have three options.

1. After completing 6 semester credits in education courses from a four year bachelor degree granting institution, you can apply for a regular 5 year teaching license.
2. Prior to completing the 6 credits, you are be eligible for a 5 year substitute teaching license.
3. Prior to completing the 6 credits, a school district wishing to employ you can request a 1 year emergency license on your behalf while you complete the credits needed for a regular 5 year license.

I completed certification for elementary grades 1 - 8 in 1978 at UW-Superior. I did not apply for licensure at that time but did teach in private schools in Wisconsin from 1978 to 1985. I then moved to California. What are the requirements for me to obtain an elementary education certification for Wisconsin at this time?

First you need to complete a PI-1602-IS application form and have UW-Superior's Certifying Officer complete the Institutional Endorsement (Part IV) verifying that you completed their approved education program. Then you have the following options.

1. If you have either taught one semester within the past 5 years as a licensed teacher in California or have earned six semester credits in education courses from a four year bachelor degree granting institution, you are eligible for Wisconsin's regular 5 year teaching license. A completed PI-1613 Employment Verification form or original transcripts (or grade reports) of coursework must be submitted to DPI.
2. If you do not meet the above criteria, you are still be eligible for a 5 year substitute teaching license.
3. If a Wisconsin school district wishes to employ you, they may be able to apply for a 1 year emergency license on your behalf while you complete the 6 semester credits required for the regular 5 year teaching license.

Related Resources

Certifying Officers - Public Universities
Certifying Officers - Private Colleges/Universities
Five-year Substitute Teaching License
Index of Approved Programs for Licensing of School Personnel in Wisconsin.

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Contact institutions directly for endorsement questions and course offerings. Other questions about certification and licensure may be directed to Educator Licensing

Last updated on 3/3/2008 9:31:45 AM