Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Growth Requirement for License Renewal

IMPORTANT - The information on this page applies only to applicants renewing a license in a license category (teaching, pupil services, or administration) for which an approved educator preparation program was completed prior to September 1, 2004 under PI 3 rules. If you completed an approved program in a specific category (teaching, pupil services, or administration) for the first-time after August 31, 2004 under PI 34 rules, see the Initial Educator page and/or the FAQs - Professional Development Plan page.

Semester Credit Option
Professional Development Plan Option

I've heard that there are new license renewal requirements. How do the new requirements work?

PI 34 changed the professional growth requirements for license renewal. The new system is based on the Wisconsin Standards with demonstrated knowledge, skills and dispositions for teaching, pupil services, and administration. Teachers, administrators, and pupil service personnel who were licensed under the "old" six semester credit renewal system can EITHER continue to renew in the same way as in past years OR can use a Professional Development Plan (PDP). Also see the FAQs - PDP page.

I am licensed as a teacher and as an administrator. Am I required to take 12 credits (six semester credits for each area) to renew both licenses?

If both your teaching and your administrator licenses were issued based on state-approved programs completed prior to September 1, 2004, and expire in the same year, you would only need six semester credits to renew both licenses. If the administrator license was issued based on completing an approved program after August 31, 2004, then a Professional Development Plan (PDP) as required by PI 34 rules would be required to renew it.

Can an educator who completed an approved program prior to September 1, 2004 choose to do either a PDP or continue to earn six semester credits for renewal?

An educator who completed an approved program in a licensure category (teaching, pupil services, or administration) prior to September 1, 2004 is considered a professional educator in that license category and can either complete a PDP or continue to earn six semester credits for renewal. If this same educator completes an approved program after 8/31/2004 in a new category (teacher, administrator, pupil services), s/he will be licensed as an initial educator in that new category and will need to complete a PDP for advancement to the professional stage and for all future renewal of that license.

Can an educator who completed an approved program prior to September 1, 2004 choose to renew with a PDP and then switch back to the six semester credit system for later renewals?

Yes, educators who completed an approved program prior to September 1, 2004 can switch back and forth between the PDP renewal option and the six semester credit renewal option for renewal of that particular license. If an educator selects the PDP renewal option it is important to remember the PDP is a five-year plan that includes annual reviews and activities completed over that five-year period.

Can an educator who completed an approved program before September 1, 2004 and who holds a Professional Educator License but is not currently working in a school setting complete a PDP to renew his/her license?

Professional educators who are not currently employed in school settings can work with a License Renewal Support Center (LRSC), the Quality Educator Interactive (QEI), or Wisconsin PDP to design and document professional growth through the PDP. However, because a PDP is a performance-based process that takes place over the five-year period of the license, s/he will need to document the effect of his/her professional growth on students and their learning. This work can take place in a number of settings such as informal education experiences through museums or parks, after school programs, summer learning experiences, or substitute teaching. More information can be found on the PDP Page

Related Resources

Professional Growth Requirement - Semester Credit Option
5-year Substitute Teaching License
Professional Development Plans (PDP)

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For questions about this information, contact licensing@dpi.wi.gov (608) 266-1027

Last updated on 7/25/2011 1:34:16 PM