Licensing

Licensing of PK-12 Public School Educators

Teachers, Administrators, Pupil Services, Professional Support Staff, Special Education Aides
Any person seeking to teach in a public school, including a charter school, or in a school or institution operated by a county or the state shall first procur a license or permit from the department. (Wis. Stats 118.19(1))

• Educator License Application Forms
• Questions/Concerns - Who to contact at DPI regarding school issues, concerns, requests for information and/or assistance.

Other Licensing Issues

• Public Library Certification
• Public School Facilities are inspected and regulated by the Department of Commerce's Safety and Buildings Division
• School Bus and Alternative Vehicle Drivers
  Requirements for licensure of school bus drivers may be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.
• School Business Managers
• Technical College Instructors - FAQ About Certification to Teach at Wisconsin Technical Colleges
• Charter Schools
  All charter schools are considered public schools.
• Private Schools
  A private school, by definition, provides education to more than one family unit.
  • There is no state certification process for the establishment of new private schools, however the private school administrator should notify the public school district within whose boundaries the private school is located. Subsequently, the public school district notifies the department of the existence of the private school via form PI-1201, Verification of Private Schools within Public School Districts.
  • There is no state requirement that teachers, administrators, or other staff of private schools be licensed although some private schools do require that staff be licensed. Private school educators may apply to the department for licensure.
• Choice Schools - Milwaukee Parental Choice Program Schools
• Home Based Private Educational Programs (Home-Schooling)
  Under Wisconsin Statute 118.15(4), a parent or guardian has the right to select a home based private educational program (HBPEP) for her or his child or children, in order to comply with the compulsory school attendance law. This option is commonly referred to as home schooling.
  • There are no certification or license requirements in Wisconsin law for providing a home-based private educational program, but the parent or guardian is required to complete a form PI 1206 and submit it to the department.

If you did not find the Licensing topic that you are interested in, try the Wisconsin.gov Portal's Licensing and Permitting site for a searchable index of all licenses and permits administered by the State of Wisconsin.

Direct questions about this page to Educator Licensing

Last updated on 6/24/2009 1:30:07 PM