Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Wisconsin
For those who hear the calling to become teachers, Wisconsin offers loads of opportunity. As of May 2017, there were approximately 29,500 elementary teachers working in Wisconsin. The state annual mean wage was equal to the national average, $56,900, and nationwide growth was projected to be 7 percent, which is considered average across all occupations.
When considering pay rates, note that Wisconsin teachers are paid according to their local tax base. Thus, the higher the tax base, the higher your pay. For example, teachers in Milwaukee are better-paid than those in sparsely-populated Northwestern Wisconsin. Keep in mind that variations in pay rates are often mitigated by the relative cost of living for the geographic area.
Wisconsin Steps to Follow for Teachers
To become an Early Childhood Education teacher in Wisconsin, you must first determine that this is the profession for you. Many seasoned teachers consider their career as educators to be a calling. Given the incredible importance the job carries, it is best to know beyond any doubt that you are ready to make your work with children a lifetime commitment. Once you have made that decision, the practical steps are:
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
Your first step to full state licensure in Wisconsin is a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. More importantly, you need to make sure that you complete an educator preparation program. Without completion of said program, you won’t be able to take the tests and become a head or supplementary teacher. Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction asks that you attend a program that has been approved in order to attain a license to teach Early Childhood, which includes 4-year-old kindergarten through fifth grade. This program will include a final full semester of student teaching which will take approximately 18 weeks and an EdTPA, on which you will need a satisfactory score to obtain licensure.
If you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject but desire a career change, you can still become an Early Childhood educator. Wisconsin offers alternative routes to licensure, which may involve on-the-job training, more coursework, and testing. There are also positions available in the education sector that do not require a degree or preparation program. Namely: Educational Interpreter; School Audiologist; Special Education Program Aide; and Tribal, Community, and School Liaison.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Once you have completed your state-approved education degree or are taking an alternative route to licensure, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction asks that you take and pass the ETS Praxis II examination. This is a subject-specific test, as there are specific tests for every teaching area/specialty. For Early Childhood and Elementary Education, you'll take the PRAXIS II, ‘Elementary Education: Content Knowledge’ and the ‘Core Academic Skills for Educators’, which will test your competency in pedagogy, content, reading, writing, and mathematics. The ETS website has practice materials that will help you sharpen your knowledge.
Step 3. Standards and Qualifications
In addition to Wisconsin's educational and testing qualifications, you will need to submit to a background test. In particular, the Department is concerned about any past behavior that could put your pupils in danger. If you have a less-than-perfect track record, you must note any past convictions in the state's Conduct and Competency form. At that time, you can provide a written explanation of the matter and include any relevant police or court documents. Depending on the infraction's severity and relevance, and your account thereof, the Department will decide whether or not to grant your license.
Step 4. Get Your Teaching License
You’ll apply for your Initial License after your background check using the Wisconsin teachers licensing portal, Educator Licensing Online (ELO). Through this portal you will verify your scores on tests and all other pertinent information before receiving licensure. You will have to have completely passed your preparation program and received positive scores on your EdTPA.
You can upgrade this license to a Provisional License through the same program and renew any licensure as necessary. A Provisional license lasts for 3 years and requires 6 semesters of successful teaching experience within the last 5 years to renew. You can also obtain a Lifetime Teaching License that means you will no longer have to renew every 3 years, though this needs significantly more experience than renewing your Provisional License. Once you have obtained a Lifetime License, you will still need to go through a background check every 5 years in order to maintain it.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Wisconsin Programs
You can augment your Early Childhood Education credentials with additional certifications. With more certifications, you can always make the most of the opportunities that are available to you. If you have attained full licensure in the state, you can add new certifications, often with only a few extra courses. According to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families the following requirements need to be met in order to be able to teach early childhood education.
Be at least 18 years of age; and
Have completed high school or its equivalent as determined by DPI; and
Have at least 80 full days or 120 half days of experience as an assistance chil care teacher in a licensed child care center
Some additional education requirements you will need:
Two non-credit department approved courses in early childhood education; or
Two courses for credit in early childhood education or its equivalent from an institution of higher education; or
A bachelor degree in education from an institution of higher education or a license from WI DPI to act as a teacher; or
An associate degree in early childhood education or child care from an institution of higher education.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
Accreditation is always important when pursuing post-secondary education. You want to ensure that your courses will be recognized by other schools if you intend on pursuing higher degrees and especially if you are seeking professional credentials. To become a Wisconsin teacher, you must receive your training from a state-approved program. Without a state-approved degree you will likely have to repeat many, if not all, of your courses if you wish to become a teacher.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS
Special Education and Teaching; BS.
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
CAEP
Marian University
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Special Education and Teaching; MS.
Accreditation By:
NCATE
Higher Learning Commission
American Psychological Association – School Counseling (MA/PhD)
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (Graduate)
Cardinal Stritch University
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Reading Teacher Education; MS. & Dr.
Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Dr.
Urban Education and Leadership; MS.
Accreditation By:
NCATE
Higher Learning Commission
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Lakeland University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Accreditation By:
TEAC
Higher Learning Commission
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Specialized Additional Certifications
As your career advances, you might be inspired to specialize in particular areas that you feel deserve special attention, or to which you feel a particular affinity. While your Early Childhood Education certification qualifies you to teach the full scope of classes offered to Pre-K-5 children, you might choose to add special credentials such as:
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
Many areas these days have seen a growth in populations for whom English is not their first language. These students need special attention if they are going to thrive in school and later life. If you have an affinity for foreign languages or linguistics, ESL could be a great fit.
- Special Education (SPED)
Children with all sorts of cognitive or developmental differences fall under the rubric of Special Education. Some are exceptionally bright students who have dyslexia, others have more profound difficulties. Indeed, this is a special population. While SPED often pays more than other subject areas, it also challenges every resource you have as a teacher.
- Reading Specialist
Reading is a skill that develops with us. Some students may fall behind their expected reading level, but you can specialize in this area to help students expand their vocabulary and overall reading comprehension. The state of Wisconsin requires a Reading Specialist license if you direct a reading program, teach more than one reading-centered class per day, or take an assignment to teach in a Title I reading program.
- Gifted and Talented
As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, Wisconsin is able to allocate funds that identify and provide special resources for low-income, talented children. Thus, if you wish to help identify these students and help them develop their significant talent, you can attend one of Wisconsin's three approved programs: UW-Stevens Point, UW-Whitewater, and Concordia University. Your additional Gifted and Talented Teacher license will surely be welcomed by administrators and parents alike.
Wisconsin teacher certification is called for to be eligible to operate in the state's public K-12 organization system. The Division of Public Standard supervises the certification procedure, which is defined listed below to assist you find out exactly how to wind up being a teacher in Wisconsin. Comparable to numerous US states, those going after Wisconsin educator certification need to hold a bachelor's degree, end up a Wisconsin-approved teacher accreditation program, and likewise pass the call for subject and also product exams.
Prospects that have a bachelor's level yet did not finish a teacher preparation program might have gotten alternating teacher certification in Wisconsin. Wisconsin uses a tiered licensing framework for educators: First, Expert, and additionally Master. Teachers have to complete professional advancement to recover their licenses along with development through the licensure tiers. The demands are as comply with: Provisional Instructor Permit: Demands completion of a bachelor's level, an instructor preparation job program, and additionally passing scores on the needed teacher tests.
Applicants reviewing establishments, particularly those out-of-state or internet, must similarly verify that the institution remains in great standing with its neighborhood certification agency. Wisconsin just takes into consideration certification from one of the 6 local certification firms recognized by the Division of Education and also finding out. Graduates from colleges that lack this accreditation will absolutely not receive a training qualification.
You can have a look at even more worrying these and also various other terms with the Wisconsin Division of Public Guideline. Ultimately, people seeking certification in early youth and also primary education and learning and also understanding should complete detailed coursework in phonics. To get teacher certification in Wisconsin, candidates should take the Practice Core Academic Abilities for Educators to determine capacities in evaluation, producing, as well as also math.
Educators seeking referrals in really early childhood, primary education and learning, unique education and learning, and reading requirements to similarly take and additionally pass the Wisconsin Structures of Reviewing Test. Those that desire to advise world languages have to in addition take the ACTFL World Language Examinations. All possible educators in Wisconsin require to finish a state as well as additionally federal history check based on a fingerprinting record check.
The application needs to include the following: Official documents revealing proof of bachelor's degree and coursework appropriate to endorsement sought. Proof of completion of an educator prep work program. Settlement of non-refundable qualification handling charge. Proof of passing scores on the required exams. Completed application for mentor certification in Wisconsin. Applications require to be submitted via the on-line Teacher Licensing Online (ELO) system.8.
If you want to learn how to become an early childhood teacher in Wisconsin, you may be wondering what it takes to be successful. This article will provide some basic information about the training and education required to become a certified early childhood teacher.
The primary focus of teaching is on child development and learning. During a training program, teachers will learn how to identify and treat problems in children, and how to build the skills necessary for a successful educational system. Teachers will also learn how to teach reading, science, math, and other subjects that are essential in the development of children.
During training, teachers will be exposed to both actual classroom experiences and classroom simulations to better understand how to interact with children and their parents in a positive and effective way. During this time, the students will learn how to make decisions, recognize right from wrong, and solve problems.
Teaching early childhood is a fundamental part of child development. As an early childhood teacher, you will work closely with children to help them develop in many ways.
Some of the things that you will learn about during the training for a teacher include: how to work with students who vary in age and ability; how to work with parents in creating and maintaining a healthy family life; and how to teach children basic math skills. During this training, you will also learn about how to be sensitive to the needs of your students, and the importance of communication with parents and other children in the class.
There is plenty of job satisfaction in this field of teaching. You can work in the public school system as a teacher or you can start your own private preschool or daycare. These are great places to work at because they provide you with a great deal of flexibility. You can move anywhere in the world as long as you find a job that fits your lifestyle.
Teaching is one of the best opportunities that you can ever have as an early childhood teacher. However, you must be prepared for the challenges that may arise from this profession. You must be motivated and able to work well with children and their parents so that they can reach their full potential.
If you are interested in this new career in teaching, it is important to do research on this topic. It is important that you learn how to become a successful teacher before you enter into this exciting and rewarding field.
The educational background that you have should be very strong. You should have taken many classes in kindergarten, first grade, and your subjects should be taught very well. If possible, you should also take a teacher's certification test to prove your knowledge and experience in kindergarten and first grade.
If you do not have a great educational background, however, you will still have to prove that you have the ability to handle difficult situations with children and your students. In addition, you must be ready to provide high quality interaction and support to help your students learn and grow. at the same time.
The first thing that you will need to do when learning how to become a good teacher is to attend a course designed for teachers. This course will help you prepare you for what you will face as a teacher. be doing as a teacher.
As a teacher, you will learn specific skills that you will be using to work in the classroom. This will help you know how to interact with students, create a classroom environment, and build a relationship with other children.
Once you are done with the course, you can start looking for jobs in the field. There are many different schools that need people to teach. You should try to get involved in the school district and the school itself. When you work in the school system, you will start to gain more knowledge about the curriculum, teaching methods, and the best way to deal with children in order to become a good teacher.
Wisconsin Preschool Teacher Careers Options
Public schools –
The state of Wisconsin requires full or partial licensure to teach Early Childhood Education in its public-school systems.
Private childcare –
Special certificates or licenses aren't required by law, but if you have academic credentials you will find that you are more in demand to teach in a private setting. If you wish to market yourself to parents who need private, instructional childcare, a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education will certainly stand out.
Private schools –
Certain private schools, such as Montessori, have special certifications they require of their teachers. However, if you have a bachelor's degree and experience with children you may be able to land a position with an independent private preschool or elementary.
Head Start programs –
This revolutionary, ground-breaking program has positively impacted the lives of millions of children who would have otherwise been left behind. To work as a lead teacher for Head Start you will likely need a full teaching credential from Wisconsin, though that is not always the case. The program does emphasize a degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, Psychology, or some related field. You can also enter the program via an alternative teacher prep program such as Teach for America.
Community-based programs –
These educational programs help non-traditional learners gain access to opportunities for learning and achievement. This career path can include a supplemental license in alternative education, work with child and family services, and community leadership.
Faith-based programs –
This part of the educational world will welcome you without formal teaching credentials, but if you have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, you will bolster your program's status and secure yourself as a highly-qualified faculty member.
Military programs –
The military employs many teaching professionals to work with young children who live on the base. This can be a very exciting position that has the potential to take you around the world to teach military children. To land one of these positions, you should have a current Wisconsin teaching license.