WI PI 3 Licenses - General Provisions

Note: Chapter PI 3 as it existed on June 30, 2004 was repealed effective July 1, 2004. See Chapter PI 34 for replacement rules.

Subchapter I

PI 3.01 Definitions

PI 3.02 Approval of professional education programs leading to licensure

PI 3.023 Acceptance of off-campus courses for continuing professional education credit

PI 3.025 Approval of programs for equivalent clock hours

PI 3.03 Types of licenses and renewal requirements

Subchapter I - General Provisions

PI 3.01 Definitions. In this chapter:

(1) "Accredited" means that an educational institution meets required educational standards or accepted criteria of quality in its educational program as established by a recognized state, regional, or national accrediting agency.

(2) "Administrator" means a person who manages, supervises or evaluates professional staff and who has district-wide or multiple program management or supervisory responsibilities in any area affecting educational programs, curriculum, instruction, pupil services or business administration.

(3) "Advanced program" means a professional education program leading to licensure offered at the post-baccalaureate level.

(3m) "Alternative education program" means an instructional program, approved by a school board, that utilizes successful alternative or adaptive school structures and teaching techniques and that is incorporated into existing traditional classrooms or regularly scheduled curricular programs or that is offered in place of regularly scheduled curricular programs."Alternative education program" does not include a private school or a home-based private educational program.

(4) "Alternative school" has the meaning defined in s. 115.71 (1), Stats.

(5) "American Indian parent advisory committee" means the committee appointed by a school board under s. 115.735, Stats.

(6) "Approved program" means a professional education program developed and offered by a higher education institution in Wisconsin and approved by the state superintendent under s. 115.28 (7), Stats., and chs. PI 3 and 34; or in another state and approved in accordance with the statutes and administrative rules of that state.

(7) "Classroom" means an area or space designated for instructing pupils.

(8) "Concentration" means a field of study in which a student completes at least 12 semester credits as part of an approved program leading to licensure.

(9) "Consultant" means a specialist or resource person whose advice is sought in improving an educational program, facilities, or methods of cooperation, limited to a specified period of time, for a specific purpose or program.

(9m) "Contact hour" means a 50-minute class period.

(10) "Cooperating teacher" means a licensed school professional who supervises students during their clinical program in cooperation with the college or university supervising staff and who meets criteria described in s. PI 34.15 (6).

(11) "Course" means organized subject matter in which instruction is offered within a period of time, and for which credit is usually granted by an accredited college or university.

(12) "Curriculum coordinator or director of instruction" means a member of the professional staff of a school system responsible for coordination of various curricular offerings within either one or more schools in a school system.

(13) "Department" means the Wisconsin department of public instruction.

(14) "Director of instruction" means a member of the professional staff of a school system responsible for any or all of the activities of coordination, supervision and evaluation of various curricular offerings and staff members within either one or more schools in a school system.

(14m) "Director of special education and pupil services"means the person who is the administrator of the special education or pupil services program or of both programs.

(15) "Early childhood level," for purposes of licensing, means prekindergarten through grade 3.

(16) "Elementary level," for purposes of licensing, means grades 1 through 6.

(17) "Elementary/middle level," for purposes of licensing, means grades 1 through 9.

(18) "Equivalency" means the state or condition of being equal or comparable in value, meaning or effect, to given criteria established for courses, course work, programs or experience.

(18m) "Full-time teaching" means employment under contract as a classroom teacher for at least 180 days.

(19) "Initial license" means the first regular license which verifies that the holder has satisfied the minimum requirements prescribed in this chapter.

(20) "Institution" means an independent or public college or university engaged in the preparation of professional school personnel.

(21) "Institutional endorsement" means written verification from the certifying officer at an institution which prepares professional school personnel that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the approved program and is recommended for a specific license.

(22) "License" means a document issued under this chapter granting authority or permission to serve as a professional school employe in Wisconsin public schools.

(23) "Long-term substitute" means a substitute teacher employed for 21 or more consecutive days in the same teaching assignment.

(24) "Major" means a field of study in which a student completes at least 34 semester credits, unless more credits are specified, as part of an approved program leading to licensure.

(25) "Middle level," for purposes of licensing, means grades 5 through 9.

(26) "Middle/secondary level," for purposes of licensing, means grades 6 through 12.

(27) "Minor" means a field of study in which a student completes at least 22 semester credits as part of an approved program leading to licensure.

(27m) "Off-campus course" means any course offered for credit for which the regular meeting place is outside the community in which the college or university is located.

(28) "Practicum" means supervised experience in a school, clinic or other setting which provides practical application of theory for the student in an advanced program.

(28m) "Principal" means the person who serves as the administrator of a school, such as an elementary, middle, or secondary level school.

(29) "Professional education sequence" means the educational foundations, the instructional materials, the methodology course work, and the clinical program designed for students enrolled in a professional education program.

(30) "Pupil" means any child age birth through 21 enrolled in a school or a school program.

(31) "Qualified" means the holding of the appropriate license.

(32) "Regular license" means a license issued under s. PI 3.03 (2) to a person who fully meets the licensing requirements for serving in a given position in education.

(33) "Regularly employed" means employment as a professional school employe, at fixed or uniform intervals, for the equivalent of at least one hour per day for at least one semester.

(33m) "School business administrator" means the person who generally reports to the superintendent and who has primary budget and fiscal responsibility in the school district.

(34) "Secondary level," for purposes of licensing, means grades 9 through 12.

(35) "Short-term substitute" means a substitute teacher employed for no more than 20 consecutive days in the same teaching assignment.

(36) "Special education" means the education of pupils with exceptional educational needs because of emotional disturbance, hearing disability, learning disability, mental retardation or other developmental disability, physical or orthopedic disability, speech or language disability, or visual disability.

(37) "Special subjects" means agriculture, art, business education, home economics, technology education, music, or physical education.

(37m) "Specialist degree or the equivalent" means a specialist degree earned at an accredited college or university or at least 60 graduate semester credits completed as part of an approved program leading to licensure.

(38) "State superintendent" means the superintendent of public instruction for the state of Wisconsin.

(39) "Student" means a person enrolled in a professional education program leading to licensure.

(40) "Student teaching" means classroom practice through observation, participation, and actual teaching under the direction of a college or university supervisor of student teachers and a cooperating teacher as a part of the professional education program offered by an institution.

(41) "Substitute teacher" means a licensed teacher who occupies temporarily the position of an absent teacher.

(42) "Superintendent" means district administrator as defined in s. 115.001 (8), Stats., and is the person who is the administrative head of a school district.

(43) "Supervisor of student teacher" means the person employed by the teacher preparation institution who works with the cooperating teacher in the direction and supervision of student teaching and intern experiences.

(44) "Teacher" means a licensed professional school employe whose work includes the exercise of any educational function for compensation including instructing pupils or administering, directing, or supervising any educational activity.

(45) "Teacher aide" means a person who performs a variety of duties under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher, except professional teaching responsibilities such as diagnosing educational needs, prescribing teaching and learning procedures, and evaluating the effects of teaching.

(46) "Teaching experience" means experience in which the licensed teacher as a regular professional school employe is actually conducting learning experiences of pupils in a classroom setting on a continuing basis.

(46m) "Third-party vendor" means any individual, organization or agency which contracts as a proprietorship, partnership or corporation with a college or university to provide off-campus courses.

(47) "Tribal council" includes the governing body of an Indian tribe regardless of how denominated.

History: Cr. Register, April, 1988, No. 388, eff. 5-1-88; cr. (9m), (27m) and (46m), am. (15), Register, February, 1989, No. 398, eff. 9-1-89, except (15), eff. 3-1-89; r. and recr. (2), r. (42), renum. (12) and (14) to be (14) and (42) and am., cr. (14n), (18n), (28n), (33n) and (37n), Register, November, 1990, No. 419, eff. 12-1-90; cr. (3m), Register, December, 1994, No. 468, eff. 1-1-95. corrections in (6) and (10) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., stats., Register 2001 No. 550.

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PI 3.02 Approval of professional education programs leading to licensure. (1) Each professional education program offered by an institution in Wisconsin shall meet all of the requirements of chs. PI 3 and subchs. III and IV of ch. PI 34, but may exceed these minimums as determined by the institution.

(2) The state superintendent shall conduct a site review at each institution in Wisconsin at least once every 5 years for the purpose of approving programs under s. 115.28 (7), Stats., and chs. PI 3 and 4.

(3) The state superintendent does not approve programs outside the state of Wisconsin. The state superintendent shall accept the institutional endorsement from an out-of-state institution which has been approved under the statutes and administrative rules of that state. An applicant from an out-of-state institution under this subsection shall meet all of the requirements of this chapter in addition to having the institutional endorsement.

(4) An institution may accept proficiency examinations in lieu of course work. These examinations shall be administered by an institution offering an approved program and the credits earned by examinations shall be included on the official transcript issued by the examining institution.

History: Cr. Register, April, 1988, No. 388, eff. 5-1-88: corrections in (1) and (2) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register July 2003 No. 571.

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PI 3.023 Acceptance of off-campus courses for continuing professional education credit.

Credit earned in off-campus courses may be accepted toward meeting the continuing professional education requirement under s. PI 3.03 (2) (b) only if the course is offered by a Wisconsin college or university which has a program approved under subchs. III and IV of ch. PI 34 or by an accredited baccalaureate or graduate degree granting college or university, and only as follows:

(1) OFF-CAMPUS COURSES OFFERED BY WISCONSIN COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES WITH APPROVED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) Off-campus courses offered by a Wisconsin college or university with a professional education program approved under ch. PI 34 shall be accepted toward meeting the continuing professional education requirement under s. PI 3.03 (2) (b), if the off-campus course meets all of the following requirements:

1. The off-campus course shall include at least 15 contact hours of direct contact instruction per semester credit.

2. The off-campus course shall include an evaluation of each student's comprehension and mastery of the course content.

(b) If the off-campus course is directly designed and sponsored by the college or university which has the approved professional education program, the college or university is not required to submit the course under sub. (2), but the college or university shall make any information required under this subsection available to the department during program approval site reviews under s. PI 34.06, or at the request of the department. If the off-campus course is offered through a third-party vendor, the college or university shall meet all of the requirements of sub. (2).

(2) OFF-CAMPUS COURSES OFFERED BY WISCONSIN COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES WHICH DO NOT HAVE APPROVED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR BY OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES. Off-campus courses offered by a Wisconsin college or university which does not have a professional education program approved under ch. PI 34, or by any out-of-state college or university shall be accepted toward meeting the continuing professional education requirement under s. PI 3.03 (2) (b), if all of the following requirements are met:

(a) Registration. A college or university offering off-campus courses under this subsection shall register with the department each year at least 30 days before the first meeting of the first course. The college or university shall submit all of the following to the department:

1. The current catalog or bulletin from the college or university.

2. Verification of accreditation.

3. A listing of all off-campus courses previously accepted under this section which the college or university intends to offer during the year. The listing shall include each site and the dates on which the off-campus course will be offered. If dates or sites are added, the college or university shall notify the department. If a previously accepted course has been amended, the changes shall be submitted under par. (b).

(b) Course approval. 1. At least 30 days before the first meeting of the off-campus course, the college or university shall submit all of the following information to the department, for determination of whether the off-campus course will be accepted by the department under par. (c):

a. The name and course number of the off-campus course as it will appear on the students' transcripts.

b. A course syllabus with a detailed description of course content for each new off-campus course or of changes in each previously accepted off-campus course.

c. A vita for each faculty member teaching in each off-campus course.

d. A description of resources and facilities provided or available to support each off-campus course.

e. A description of the evaluation required under par. (c) 4.

f. Whether the college or university accepts the off-campus course toward a degree or program from the college or university and, if yes, the name of all degrees or programs for which the off-campus course is accepted.

g. Whether the off-campus course is offered through a third-party vendor and, if yes, the identity of the third-party vendor.

h. Each site and the dates on which the off-campus course will be offered. If dates or sites are added, the college or university shall notify the department.

2. The department shall mail notification of acceptance or denial of acceptance of the off-campus course not later than 10 days following receipt of the information required under subd. 1. If the information is not complete, the department shall request that the additional information be submitted and the notification shall be mailed not later than 10 days following receipt of the additional materials.

1. The off-campus course shall include at least 15 contact hours of direct contact instruction per semester credit.

2. The off-campus course shall include an evaluation of each student's comprehension and mastery of the course content.

3. Faculty for the off-campus course shall hold a faculty appointment at the sponsoring college or university or shall hold at least a master's degree from an accredited college or university. Faculty's educational preparation or equivalent experience shall be in the area related to the specific course assignment.

4. There shall be a systematic process of evaluation for each off-campus course offered.

(d) Course advertisements. All advertising of the off-campus course shall comply with s. 100.18 (1), Stats., which prohibits untrue, deceptive or misleading advertising. After the department has notified the college or university that the off-campus course has been accepted toward meeting the continuing professional education requirement, the following statement may be included on the advertisement for the off-campus course: "Successful completion of this off-campus course will be accepted by the Wisconsin department of public instruction for meeting the continuing professional education requirement under ch. PI 3."

(3) OFF-CAMPUS COURSES OFFERED THROUGH THIRD-PARTY VENDORS. If the college or university contracts with a third-party vendor to offer the off-campus course, the college or university shall maintain responsibility for meeting all requirements of this section and for the quality of the course.

(4) REGISTRATION OF THIRD-PARTY VENDORS. A third-party vendor which contracts with a college or university to offer off-campus courses shall register with the department each year at least 30 days before the first meeting of the first off-campus course. The third-party vendor shall provide all of the following information to the department:

(a) A statement of the business purpose or purposes of the corporation, proprietorship or partnership.

(b) Copies of all contracts signed with any colleges or universities to provide off-campus courses. If additional contracts are entered into, the third-party vendor shall send copies to the department.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1989, No. 398, eff. 9-1-89. corrections in (1) (a) (intro), (b) and (2) (intro.) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register October 2001 No. 550; correction in (intro.) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register July 2003 No. 571.

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PI 3.025 Approval of programs for equivalent clock hours. (1) To meet the continuing professional educational requirement under s. PI 3.03 (2) (b), an applicant may earn equivalent clock hours for a program or other professional experience if the agency, institution or organization which offers the program or experience submits an application for approval of the program or experience to the department at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the program or experience. An individual may not submit a program for approval under this section; however, an agency, institution or organization may submit a program on behalf of one individual. The following agencies, institutions and organizations may submit proposals to the department:

(a) Accredited colleges and universities.

(b) Cooperative educational service agencies under ch. 116, Stats.

(d) Local public and private education agencies and schools in Wisconsin.

(e) Local, state, regional and national professional education organizations; and unions.

(f) Technical college system districts established under s. 38.02, Stats.

(g) Other agencies, institutions and organizations approved by the state superintendent.

(2) To be approved by the department, a program or experience shall meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Workshops, seminars or conferences may be approved if all of the following requirements are met:

1. A workshop or seminar shall be in clock hour increments and shall include a minimum of 5 clock hours related to a specific theme. The entire approved program shall be accomplished within a 12-month period.

2. A regional, state, or national convention or conference with a broad common theme may be approved and shall be limited to a minimum of 5 clock hours and a maximum of 10 clock hours for each convention or conference.

(b) A professional field experience may be approved if all of the following requirements are met:

1. The formal job description shall include individual professional growth objectives; a plan for student documentation of the field experience; and a plan for the ongoing monitoring and supervision of the field experience.

2. A supervisor shall be designated in the agency which submits an application for the professional field experience and an onsite supervisor shall be designated in the agency in which the field experience takes place.

(c) A professional growth experience completed while serving as a mentor in a department-approved program or as a cooperating teacher in a student teaching program approved under s. PI 34.15 (5) may be approved if all of the following requirements are met:

1. The formal description shall include individual professional growth objectives; a plan for the completion of a professional development project evolving from the individual professional growth objectives; a plan for documentation of the professional development project; and a plan for the self-assessment of an individual's supervisory activities as related to his or her professional growth objectives.

2. A college or university official shall be designated to serve as coordinator of the professional growth experience and provide ongoing guidance and assistance to the mentor or cooperating teacher throughout the experience. The individual shall be enrolled in a concurrent college or university seminar of a minimum of 12 clock hours.

(d) 1. A professional growth experience completed while employed as an ad hoc faculty member in a program approved under ch. PI 34 may be approved for a person who is not regularly employed at the post-secondary level if all of the requirements under subd. 3 are met.

2. A professional growth experience completed while on a special assignment within grade levels prekindergarten to 12 in a public or private school or a public school district may be approved for a faculty member who is regularly employed at the post-secondary level, except that approval may not be granted if the assignment is part of the faculty member's regular or contracted responsibilities. The professional growth experience in this subdivision shall meet all of the requirements under subd. 3.

3. A professional growth experience completed under subds. 1. and 2. may be approved if all of the following requirements are met:

a. The formal description shall include the individual's professional growth objectives and a plan for the documentation and evaluation of the professional growth experience.

b. A staff member in the approved program or in the school or school district shall be designated to coordinate the experience.

History: Cr. Register, April, 1988, No. 388, eff. 5-1-88; am. (intro.), Register, February, 1989, No. 398, eff. 9-1-89; r. and recr. Register, November, 1990, No. 419, eff. 12-1-90; correction in (1) (f) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6., Stats., Register, March, 1996, No. 483. corrections in (2) (c) (intro) and (d) 1. made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., stats., Register October 2001 No. 550.

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PI 3.03 Types of licenses and renewal requirements.(1) LICENSE CODES AND LICENSING YEAR. (a) License codes. In this chapter, the code number following the name of each specific license designates the subject, grade level or position for which the license is issued.

(b) Licensing year. Except as provided under sub. (6), a license is effective on July 1 of the year of issuance and expires on June 30 of the year of expiration.

(2) REGULAR LICENSE. A regular license is issued or renewed for 5 years, as follows:

(a) Issuance. 1. Completion of an approved program. A regular license may be issued to an applicant who meets all of the requirements of this chapter, including an approved program, and who has received an institutional endorsement. A regular license is issued for 5 years.

2. License based on equivalency. A regular license may be issued to an applicant who has not completed an approved program, if the applicant has obtained a statement from a college or university offering an approved program that the applicant has completed the equivalent of an approved program, and if the applicant meets all of the requirements of this chapter for the license, except completion of an approved program.

3. License based on experience. A regular license may be issued to an applicant who presents evidence of having completed an approved program from another state, except student teaching, if the applicant verifies eligibility for acceptance into student teaching from the institution, meets all applicable requirements of this chapter, except student teaching, and verifies 3 or more years of successful teaching experience in the subject and grade level of preparation.

(b) Renewal. 1. Except as provided under pars. (c), (e) and (f) a regular license may be renewed if the applicant satisfactorily completes 6 semester credits or the equivalent of continuing professional education during the 5 years immediately preceding his or her application for renewal. The 6 semester credits or the equivalent shall be directly and substantively related to one or more of the licenses held by the applicant or to the applicant's professional competency.

2. Except as provided under subd. 3., the 6 semester credits or the equivalent may be earned by one or a combination of the following:

a. Semester or equivalent quarter credits earned at an institution with a program approved under ch. PI 34 or at an accredited baccalaureate or graduate degree-granting college or university.

b. Semester or equivalent quarter credits earned in an off-campus course which has been accepted under s. PI 3.023.

c. Equivalent clock hours earned in a workshop, seminar or conference approved under s. PI 3.025 (2) (a). Thirty clock hours earned at a workshop, seminar, or conference shall be equivalent to one semester credit earned at an accredited college or university.

d. Equivalent clock hours earned in a professional field experience approved under s. PI 3.025 (2) (b). Eighty clock hours earned in a professional field experience shall be equivalent to one semester credit earned at an accredited college or university.

e. Equivalent credit earned in a professional growth experience approved under s. PI 3.025 (2) (c), while employed as a mentor in a department approved program or as a cooperating teacher in a student teaching program approved under s. PI 34.15 (5).

f. Equivalent credit earned in a professional growth experience approved under s. PI 3.025 (2) (d), while employed as an ad hoc faculty member teaching in a program approved under ch. PI 34. A person who is regularly employed at the post-secondary level may not earn equivalent credit under this subparagraph.

g. For persons regularly employed as faculty at the post-secondary level, equivalent credit earned in a professional growth experience approved under s. PI 3.025 (2) (d), while on special assignment within grade levels prekindergarten to 12 in a public or private school or public school district. Equivalent credit may not be earned for an assignment which is part of the faculty member's regular or contracted responsibilities.

3. No more than one experience under subd. 2. d. to g., equivalent to no more than 3 semester credits, may be counted in meeting the professional education requirement in a 5-year period.

(c) Exemption from the continuing professional education requirement. The continuing professional education requirement under par. (b) is not required for renewal for the school occupational therapist license under s. PI 3.36, the school occupational therapy assistant license under s. PI 3.365, the school physical therapist license under s. PI 3.37, the school physical therapist assistant license under s. PI 3.375, the substitute teacher license under sub. (8), the substitute educational interpreter - hearing impaired license under sub. (9), or the special education program aide license under s. PI 3.39.

(d) Refresher work. An applicant who meets the license requirements under this chapter, but who has not been regularly employed in the teaching profession within the 5 consecutive years immediately prior to application for the license or renewal, may be issued a regular license or renewal upon completion of 6 semester credits or the equivalent of continuing professional education as described under par. (b) during these 5 years.

(e) Educational interpreter - deaf or hard of hearing license renewal. An educational interpreter - deaf or hard of hearing license may be renewed if the applicant satisfactorily completes 6 semester credits or the equivalent of continuing professional education during the 5 years immediately preceding his or her application for renewal. The 6 semester credits or the equivalent shall be directly and substantively related to one or more of the licenses held by the applicant or to the applicant's professional competency. The applicant requesting a renewal under this paragraph shall complete the requirement under subd. 5. and may earn the remaining 6 semester credits or the equivalent by completing one or a combination of the following items listed in subd. 1. to 4.:

1. Semester or equivalent quarter credits earned at an accredited baccalaureate degree-granting college or university.

2. Semester or the equivalent quarter credits earned in an off-campus course which has been accepted under s. PI 3.023.

3. a. Equivalent clock hours earned in a workshop, seminar or conference approved under s. PI 3.025 (1) and (2). Thirty clock hours earned at a workshop, seminar, or conference shall be equivalent to one semester credit earned at an accredited college or university.

b. Two credits or the equivalent clock hous may be earned in a professional growth experience that meets the requirements under s. PI 3.025 (2) (c) 1. and 2., while serving as a mentor in an interpreter training program. No more than 2 semester credits or the equivalent may be counted in meeting the professional education requirement under this paragraph in a 5-year period.

4. Semester credits earned in the technical college system.

5. a. Except as specified under subd. 5. b., successful completion of the educational interpreter performance assessment with a score of 3 or better. Thirty equivalency clock hours shall be granted for each assessment under this subdivision with no more than 60 equivalency clock hours, counted for each 5-year renewal period. The 60 equivalency clock hours may be awarded by completing 2 educational interpreter performance assessments under this subdivision, or one educational interpreter performance assessment under this subdivision and one Wisconsin interpreting and transliterating assessment at a level 4 for both interpretation and transliteration, or one educational interpreter performance assessment under this subdivision and proof of maintaining certification or taking an interpretation or transliteration performance test, regardless of the score, through the registry of interpreters for the deaf.
b. Educational interpreters who work as oral interpreters are exempt from meeting the requirement under subd. 5. a. if a letter of verification is submitted to the department from the employing school district stating that the interpreter works as an oral interpreter only.
Note: The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment is available through the Department of Public Instruction, Division of Equity and Advocacy, 125 So. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7842. The Wisconsin Interpreting and Transliterating Assessment is available through the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Department of Health and Family Services, 2917 International Lane, Madison, WI 53707-7842. The National Certification for Interpretation, Transliteration, and Oral Assessments are available through the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Inc. 8630 Fenton St., Suite 324, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

(f) Visually impaired license renewal. Effective July 1, 1995, a license to teach the visually impaired may be renewed only if the applicant satisfactorily includes or supplements the requirements under par. (b) with at least one activity in each of the following requirements within the 5 years preceding his or her application:

1. Successful completion of either the national literary braille competency test, or 2 semester credits in reading and writing of braille, or 30 department approved clock hours in reading and writing braille. To meet the requirements under this subdivision, the credits or approved clock hours shall contain a student evaluation component.

2. Experience in teaching braille to school-age children, or one semester credit in methods of teaching braille, or 15 department approved clock hours in methods of teaching braille. To be accepted under this subdivision, teaching experience shall be based on documentary evidence to be approved by the department and may include a practicum or student teaching.

3. Successful completion of the national literary braille competency test under subd. 1. and successful completion of one of the activities under subd. 2. may be accepted as the equivalent of the requirements under par. (b) one time only.

Note: Any applicant who applies for or renews a license to teach visually impaired pupils with an effective date on or after July 1, 1995, shall meet the requirements under s. PI 3.03 (2) (f) or 3.31 (3) one time only.

Note: The National Literary Braille Competency Test is available from The Library of Congress, NLS/BPH, 1291 Taylor Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20542.

(3) LIFE LICENSE. (a) Issuance. Effective July 1, 1983, life licenses are no longer issued.

(b) Validity. 1. A life license issued prior to July 1, 1962, is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless revoked by the state superintendent.

2. A life license issued on or after July 1, 1962, is valid as long as the holder is active in the teaching profession, unless revoked by the state superintendent. Employment in the teaching profession for at least 90 days in a given school year shall be sufficient to maintain the validity of this license. This license shall become invalid if, for 5 or more consecutive years, the holder is not actively employed in the teaching profession. The invalidated license may be revalidated if the applicant satisfactorily completes 6 semester credits or the equivalent as described in sub. (2) (b) during the 5-years immediately preceding his or her application for revalidation.

(4) MINOR DEFICIENCIES LICENSE. An initial two-year license may be issued to an applicant who has completed an approved program in another state but who has minor course work deficiencies under this chapter. This license may be renewed until the deficiencies have been removed provided the person is making significant progress toward completing the requirements.

(5) ONE-YEAR LICENSE. A one year license may be issued as follows:

(a) To an applicant who has not met the continuing education requirement for renewal of a regular license under sub. (2) (b). This one-year license may not be renewed. For renewal of the regular license, the applicant shall meet the requirements under sub. (2) (b).

(b) To an applicant who meets the license requirements under this chapter, but who has not been regularly employed in the teaching profession within the 5 consecutive years immediately preceding application for the license or renewal, upon the written request of an employing school district administrator. For issuance or renewal of the regular license, the applicant shall meet the refresher work requirement under sub. (2) (d).

(c) To an applicant who has not met the regular license requirements under subch. XII, but who meets the requirements for an administrator's license as specified under s. PI 3.55 (2).

(6) SPECIAL LICENSES AND PERMITS. (a) Special license. 1. A special license which authorizes a licensed teacher to teach in an assignment other than that for which he or she holds a license may be issued for one specific assignment. A special license issued under this section is valid for a period not to exceed one year and expires on June 30, unless an earlier expiration date is specified in the special license.

2. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district shall request a special license in writing with full explanation and justification of the need. The request shall state that a search was conducted for a fully-licensed teacher and an explanation of why any fully-licensed candidates were not acceptable for employment.

3. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district may request that a special license be renewed. The special license may be renewed if, between the date of issuance and the proposed renewal date, the applicant satisfactorily completes at least 6 semester credits toward completion of an approved program. The request for renewal shall be in writing and shall include a full explanation of the need for renewal.

4. The state superintendent may issue or deny a special license. The state superintendent shall deny a special license to an applicant who has not met the requirements in s. PI 3.05 (7), if the applicant completed the initial professional education program on or after August 31, 1992.

5. A special administrator license may only be issued as specified in s. PI 3.55 (2).

(b) Permit. A permit which authorizes the holder to be employed for one specific assignment may be issued as follows:

1. Teacher permit. a. A one-year teacher permit which authorizes the holder to be employed as a teacher may be issued to a person who has a bachelor's degree but does not meet the license requirements under this chapter. A permit issued under this subdivision is valid for a period not to exceed one year and expires on June 30, unless an earlier expiration is stated in the permit.

b. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district shall request a permit in writing with full explanation and justification of the need. The request shall state that a search was conducted for a fully-licensed teacher and that a fully-licensed teacher is not available.

c. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district may request that a permit be renewed. The permit may be renewed if, between the date of issuance and the proposed renewal date, the applicant satisfactorily completes at least 6 semester credits toward completion of an approved program. The request for renewal shall be in writing, shall include a full explanation of the need for renewal and shall state that a search was conducted for a fully-licensed teacher and that a fully-licensed teacher is not available.

d. The state superintendent may issue or deny a permit under this subdivision.

2. Educational interpreter - deaf or hard of hearing permit. a. A one-year educational interpreter - deaf or hard of hearing permit which authorizes the holder to be employed as an educational interpreter may be issued to a person who seeks a license as an educational interpreter for pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing but does not meet the license requirements under s. PI 3.305. A permit issued under this subparagraph is valid for a period not to exceed one year and expires on June 30, unless an earlier expiration is stated on the permit.

b. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district shall request a permit in writing with full explanation and justification of the need. The request shall state that a search was conducted for a fully-licensed educational interpreter for pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing and that a fully-licensed educational interpreter is not available.

d. The state superintendent may issue or deny a permit under this subdivision.

3. Alternative teacher permits. a. A permit, which authorizes the holder to teach mathematics, science, music, art, foreign language or computer science may be issued to a person who meets all of the qualifications under this subdivision. The initial permit shall be issued for a 2-year period and may be renewed for a 5-year period as specified under subd. 3.f. and g.

b. An applicant who holds a bachelor's degree in engineering, music, art, foreign language, computer science, mathematics or science and meets the requirements under s. 118.192 (2), Stats., may be issued a permit to teach in the subject area corresponding to the applicant's degree. Under this subdivision, a certificate issued by the American sign language teachers association, which verifies teacher competency in instructing American sign language, shall be considered the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. A person holding a certificate issued by the American sign language teachers association may be issued a permit to teach the content in s. 118.017 (2), Stats. A person holding a bachelor's degree in engineering may be issued a permit to teach the subject areas of mathematics, science, or technology education. An applicant for a permit under this subdivision is subject to a background investigation required under s. 118.19 (10), Stats. To receive a permit under this subdivision, an applicant shall satisfactorily complete an alternative teacher training program consisting of approximately 100 hours of formal instruction in the application of modern curricula in the subject area in which he or she holds a degree. An applicant may be charged a fee sufficient to cover the costs of the program.

c. Successful completion of the 100-hour alternative teacher training program under subd. 3. b. shall be measured by receiving a passing score on a standardized examination as determined by the state superintendent in the major that certifies the applicant's competence to teach in the subject area in which he or she will receive a permit.

d. Upon satisfactory completion of the alternative teacher training program under subd. 3. c., an initial 2-year permit shall be issued which authorizes the holder to teach the subject area in which he or she holds a permit. The initial 2-year permit holder shall be supervised by a teacher who holds a regular Wisconsin license. In this subparagraph, "supervised" means the licensed teacher is available to coordinate, direct, and inspect the practice of the person holding the initial permit. An initial permit holder may not be hired to remove a regularly licensed teacher from his or her position.

e. The state superintendent may contract with qualified providers for the 100-hour alternative teacher training program under subd. 3. b.

f. An initial permit issued under this subdivision may be renewed for 5 year periods upon successful completion of the 2-year permit period. Successful completion of the 2-year initial permit period under this subparagraph shall be measured by positive testimony from the supervising teacher and building administrator that the initial permit holder has achieved basic competence in the commonly accepted standards of teaching under s. PI 34.02. Successful completion of the initial 2-year permit period may be interpreted as equivalent to the requirements under s. 118.19 (3) (a), Stats.

g. The requirements in s. PI 3.03 (1) (b) apply to subsequent renewals of the permit.

4. School audiologist permit. a. A one-year school audiologist permit which authorizes the holder to be employed as a school audiologist may be issued to a person who meets the requirements under s. PI 3.355 (1) (b) and who seeks a license as a school audiologist but does not meet the license requirements under s. PI 3.355. A permit issued under this subparagraph is valid for a period not to exceed one year and expires on June 30, unless an earlier expiration is stated in the permit.

b. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district shall request a permit in writing with full explanation and justification of the need. The request shall state that a search was conducted for a fully-licensed school audiologist and that a fully-licensed audiologist is not available.

c. The district administrator or designated official of the employing school district may request that a permit be renewed. This permit may be renewed if, between the date of issuance and the proposed renewal date, the applicant satisfactorily completes at least 6 semester credits towards completion of the requirements under s. PI 3.355 (1) (a).

d. The state superintendent may issue or deny a permit under this subdivision.

(c) Special three-year license. 1. Effective July 1, 1993, a special three-year, non-renewable license which authorizes a licensed teacher to teach in the areas of emotional disturbance or learning disabilities may be issued if all of the following conditions are met:

a. A request for a license is made as specified under par. (a) 2.

b. The applicant is enrolled in an approved program leading to a regular license under s. PI 3.28 or 3.29 and the enrolling institution certifies that the program can be completed within the three-year time period of the special license.

2. The applicant under subd. 1. b. may submit a portfolio for review by an institution to determine if any of the requirements under s. PI 3.28 or 3.29 may be waived by the institution.

3. The applicant under subd. 1. b. shall student teach on the job for a maximum of 2 semester credits. The requirement under this subdivision may be waived by the institution based on the portfolio review under subd. 2.

4. The applicant under subd. 1. b. shall complete 1/3 of the regular license requirements under s. PI 3.28 or 3.29 each year and shall submit evidence of successful teaching experiences by the employing school district to the state superintendent. If the applicant does not meet the requirements under this subdivision, the special license may be rescinded by the state superintendent.

5. A special license issued under this paragraph will remain in effect no later than June 30, 1998.

6. A special license under this paragraph will not be issued after June 30, 1995.

(7) INTERN LICENSE. An intern license may be issued to a person assigned to a school system through an internship program approved by the state superintendent. An intern shall hold an intern license to receive a stipend from a board of education. The license may be issued only to a student recommended by the proper preparation institution authorities and who holds senior or graduate rank. A request signed by the district administrator of the participating school district shall be filed as a condition for the issuance of an intern license. An intern is assigned to limited administrative, pupil service or instructional duties under the direction of a fully licensed practitioner in the specific field of internship.

(8) SUBSTITUTE TEACHER LICENSE AND PERMIT. (a) Substitute teacher license. 1. A substitute teacher license may be issued for a period of 5 years to an applicant who has held or is eligible to hold a regular Wisconsin license or the equivalent license in another state. Any teacher who holds a regular license may substitute teach as specified in subd. 2.

2. A short-term substitute shall be a licensed teacher or a licensed substitute teacher; however, a short-term substitute may be employed to teach any subject at any grade level. A long-term substitute shall be a licensed teacher or a licensed substitute teacher; however, a long-term substitute may be employed only in the subject and grade level in which the teacher is licensed. An emergency license may be granted to a long-term substitute under sub. (6).

(b) Substitute teacher permit. 1. A substitute teacher permit may be issued to a person who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited college but does not meet the substitute teacher license requirements under par. (a) 1. A permit issued under this paragraph is valid for a period of 3 years and may be renewed for additional 3 year periods if the requirements under this paragraph are met. A permit issued under this paragraph is valid only in districts with a declared emergency as required under subd. 2. a.

2. A permit under this paragraph may be issued if all of the following conditions are met:

a. The district administrator or designated official of an employing school district declares that an emergency exists in the district due to the lack of qualified substitute teachers and requests that a permit be issued by the department.

b. The district designs selection criteria and training for potential substitute teachers and the potential substitute teachers complete the training.

(9) SUBSTITUTE EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER - DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING LICENSE. A substitute educational interpreter - deaf or hard of hearing license may be issued for a period of 5 years to an applicant who meets one of the following:

(a) Holds or is eligible to hold an educational interpreter license under s. PI 3.305.

(b) Holds the equivalent license in another state.

(c) Is at least 18 years of age, holds a valid certificate from the national registry of interpreters for the deaf or department of health and family services quality assurance verification under ch. HFS 77 or the equivalent.

(d) Proof of completion of an interpreter training program.

(10) CHARTER SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF LICENSE AND PERMIT. (a) Charter school instructional staff license. 1. A charter school instructional staff license may be issued to an individual who holds a valid license issued by the department and shall have the same renewal interval as the existing license. A license issued under this paragraph authorizes the holder to perform any instructional duty in a charter school established under s. 118.40, Stats.

2. The district administrator or a designated official of the employing school district may request that a license be issued under this paragraph on behalf of the individual receiving the license.

(b) Charter school instructional staff permit. 1. An individual who does not hold a current license or permit issued by the department to teach in a specific subject area or grade level or does not hold a charter school instructional staff license under par. (a) may be employed as a member of the instructional staff in a charter school if he or she obtains a charter school instructional staff permit from the department. A 1-year permit under this paragraph may be issued if all of the following apply:

a. A district administrator or designated official of the employing school district requests the permit following a search for a qualified, licensed individual.

b. The individual receiving the permit has a bachelor's degree in the subject that he or she is assigned to teach or in a related field, or has formal proof of mastery in a trade that he or she is assigned to teach.

c. Except as specified under subd. 1. d., the individual receiving the permit receives 6 credits of training or the equivalent each school year that he or she is employed in a charter school. These credits shall be part of an approved license program in the assigned teaching area.

d. An individual who holds a terminal degree in his or her field and who is a full-time employe of an approved teacher preparation institution in Wisconsin or an individual who has formal proof of mastery in a trade and who is a full-time employe of a Wisconsin technical college district board is exempt from the requirement under subd. 1. c.

e. A permit holder's practice shall be coordinated, directed, and inspected by a person who is licensed by the department to teach the subject or trade that the permit holder is teaching.

2. An individual may renew a permit under this paragraph if he or she meets the requirements under subd. 1.

(11) ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM LICENSE. (a) Effective July 1, 1996, any person employed in an alternative education program shall hold an appropriate license issued by the department or an alternative education program license.

(b) An appropriate license held by a person employed in an alternative education program shall be in the grade level or subject which he or she is teaching except as follows:

1. A person holding a regular elementary education license may teach the basic skills of reading, language arts, and mathematics to secondary students for high school credit if the grade level of the curriculum taught does not exceed the grade level of the teacher's license.

2. A person holding a regular license to teach may teach outside his or her area of licensing if the instruction is in collaboration with a properly licensed teacher. Under this paragraph, a properly licensed teacher shall be licensed at the grade level and in the subject area being taught and shall diagnose the pupils' educational needs, prescribe teaching and learning procedures, and evaluate the effects of the instruction.

(c) 1. Except as specified in subd. 2., an applicant for an alternative education program license shall possess a regular license to teach and shall receive an endorsement from a Wisconsin approved program verifying the applicant has met the competencies specified in s. PI 34.02. An alternative education program license may be issued for a period of 5 years and allows the holder to teach any subject specified under ss. PI 8.01 (2) (L) 3. and 18.03 in grades 6-12 if the holder volunteers for that assignment.

2. A licensed teacher who has been successfully employed in an alternative education program for at least 50% time for 2 semesters or the equivalent prior to July 1, 1996, may be issued an alternative education program license.

(12) URBAN EDUCATION LICENSE. (a) Effective July 1, 1998, any person employed in a school district organized under ch. 119, Stats., who holds a regular license to teach may apply for an urban education license. In order to qualify for the urban education license, a teacher shall provide evidence to the department of meeting the following competencies:
1. The ability to promote and ensure academic success for all pupils.
2. The ability to create and teach a rigorous academic, integrated, and multicultural curriculum including thematic units to meet the needs of diverse learners.
3. The ability to function as an effective teacher in an urban school.
4. The ability to organize and manage a positive learning environment.
5. The ability to work as an effective member of a teaching team utilizing community-based learning and hands-on projects.
6. The ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with all interested persons, including parents, guardians and caregivers as equal partners in the learning enterprise.
7. The ability to use modern technologies and information systems effectively to enhance learning by pupils.
8. The ability to adhere to a professional code of conduct as an urban teacher.
9. The ability to engage in a system of inquiry that leads to professional growth based on a continual evaluation of pupils' progress.
(b) The urban education license authorizes the holder to practice the competencies under par. (a) as a teacher in his or her licensed field in a school district organized under ch. 119, Stats.
(c) Evidence of successfully meeting the competencies in par. (a) shall be verified by one of the following:
1. A Wisconsin approved program.
2. A school district organized under ch. 119, Stats.
3. An independent agency recognized by the state superintendent.
(d) Successful completion of the requirements for the urban teacher license shall meet the license renewal requirements under sub. (2) (b).
(e) This license is not required to teach in public elementary or secondary school.

History: Cr. Register, April, 1988, No. 388, eff. 5-1-88; am. (2) (b) 2. a., renum. (2) (b) 2. b. and c. to be 2. c. and d., cr. (2) (b) 2. b., Register, February, 1989, No. 398, eff. 9-1-89; am. (2) (b) 2. intro. and d., cr. (2) (b) 2. e. to g. and 3., (5) (a) 5., Register, November, 1990, No. 419, eff. 12-1-90; am. (2) (b) 1. and (c), r. (4) (b) 1., renum. (4) to (7) to be (5) to (8) and am. (6) (b), cr. (2) (e), (4), (6) (b) 2. and (9), Register, August, 1991, No. 428, eff. 9-1-91, except (2) (b) 1., (c) and (e), (6) (b) and (9), eff. 7-1-92; am. (2) (c), cr. (5) (c), Register, March, 1992, No. 435, eff. 4-1-92; except (2) (c), eff. 7-1-92; am. (2) (c) and (e) 3., cr. (6) (b) 3., Register, November, 1992, No. 443, eff. 12-1-92; cr. (6) (b) 4. and (c), Register, July, 1993, No. 451, eff. 8-1-93; emerg. am. (4), eff. 7-1-94; am. (2) (b) 1., cr. (2) (f), Register, August, 1994, No. 464, eff. 9-1-94; cr. (10), Register, October, 1994, No. 466, eff. 11-1-94; emerg. am. (4), eff. 7-1-94; r. and recr. (2) (e), (6) (b) 2. and (9), am. (4), cr. (11), Register, December, 1994, No. 468, eff. 1-1-95; emer. am. (8), eff. 8-21-95; am. (8), Register, May, 1996, No. 485, eff. 6-1-96; corrections in (2) (b) 2. made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, December, 1996, No. 492; emerg. am. (2) (e) (intro.), r. and recr. (2) (e) 3. b., cr. (2) (e) 5., eff. 7-1-97; am. (2) (e) (intro.), r. and recr. (2) (e) 3. b., cr. (2) (e) 5. a. and b., Register, November, 1997, No. 503, eff. 12-1-97; cr. (12), Register, October, 1998, No. 514, eff. 11-1-98; emerg. r. and recr. (6) (b) 3., eff. 11-1-98; r. and recr. (6) (b) 3., Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; corrections in (2) (b) 2., (6) (b) 3. f., (9) (c) and (11) (c) 1. made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6. and 7., Stats., Register October 2001 No. 550. correction in (6) (c) 2. made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register July 2003 No. 571.

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Last updated on 3/3/2008 9:33:10 AM

PI 3, WISCONSIN LICENSES - General Provisions