Pathways to Licensure 

Bachelor's Degree Pathway

This pathway is for someone who has a HS diploma or associates degree. You would need to take this pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program. 

Post Baccalaureate Pathway

This pathway is for someone who has a bachelor’s degree and is looking to enter the teaching profession. In this pathway you would return to a College/University and take a teacher licensure program. 

• This link provides you all of the approved educator preparation programs in the state and that Universities contact information. 

• UW Madison- Teacher Pledge Program- The Teacher Pledge program offers financial support to future Wisconsin teachers. The School of Education pledges to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs for all our teacher education students. In return, you pledge to work at a Wisconsin PK-12 school for three to four years after graduation. We want to empower you to make a difference.

Alternative Route Program Pathway

This pathway is for someone who has a Bachelor’s degree with a major in the license area they wish to pursue. This pathway is also for educators who are looking at getting a licensure in a shortage area like math, science, CTE, Business Ed, World Languages, Special Ed, ELL. 

• RITE PROGRAM offered through CESA 6

License Based on Equivalency Pathway

This pathway is for educators who have a Bachelor’s degree, 3 years of teaching experience but have not completed an approved educator preparation program. This pathway is for someone who taught in a private or charter school, college or university, or workplace. 

American Board Pathway

This pathway is for educators who hold a bachelor’s degree. This pathway is the least expensive to educators. The program is intended to be completed in one year of starting it. The program is self-paced. For educators who are working on a 1 year license with stipulations this pathway is not one that you can renew your 1 year license with stipulations if you don’t complete it in the timeframe. 

• American Boards Website 

ED-ucate

The Project Teaching Program is a Wisconsin DPI-approved teacher certification program for persons with Bachelor's degrees who are seeking their initial teaching license.   

• https://www.educate-wi.com/content/programs/project-teaching

  • This is all license areas 

• https://www.educate-wi.com/content/programs/10sped

  • This one is for Special Ed Only. 

Cesa 7- Teacher Development Center

The CESA 7 TDC Alternative Licensure Program is a one-to-three year accelerated, performance-based, intensive Alternative Licensure teacher preparation program for emergency licensed teachers and those wanting to add a license. The program is primarily designed for teachers hired in shortage areas. Teachers working in private programs can also apply. It is also a program for certified teachers who want to add English Language Learner (ESL), Bilingual or Special Education certification to their existing license.

• https://www.cesa7.org/page/tdc-alternative-licensure

CESA 9- Excellence in Teaching Program

If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following areas: Art, Business, Computer Science, English, Health, Math, Music, Science, Social Studies, Theatre/Drama, or World Languages, our DPI-approved, 11-month program consisting of rigorous and relevant courses, on-the-job learning, and support from our staff will prepare you to become a licensed teacher.

• https://www.cesa9.org/programs/administrative/ETP.cfm 

Carroll University- Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Carroll University is excited to announce the launch of our hyflex Master of Arts in Teaching program in January of 2024. This program takes our highly successful in-person model and adds the flexibility of an online live option to join the once per month courses. 

• Earn dual licenses in 17 months with either the Elementary and Special Education concentration or the Secondary and English as a Second Language concentration.

• Check out this document for more information. 

Concordia University- Masters and Licensure Programs 

Concordia University is excited to launch their Masters and Licensure Programs for Wisconsin Teachers in May of 2025. This program is 100% online at your own pace. Click here for more information.