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Leading Forward: Educator Preparation Programs

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High-quality preparation matters. It impacts retention and persistence in the profession and student outcomes. Effective preparation includes coursework, field experiences, and student teaching.


Educator Preparation Programs

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To receive a Tier II or Tier III educator license in Wisconsin, applicants can complete an approved program and demonstrate competency in the Wisconsin Educator Standards. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction approves educator preparation programs leading to licensure at entities including Wisconsin colleges/universities, CESAs, school districts, and private companies.

Under the program approval approach to educator licensing, Wisconsin-approved program completers are granted a license by the Department of Public Instruction based on the endorsement (i.e. recommendation) by the certification officer of the approved program.

If the approved program is offered through one of the thirty-three Wisconsin colleges and universities, the program can lead to a degree (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Education Specialist) and/or licensure only based on the licensure program requirements.

If the approved program is offered by an entity that is not a college or university, the candidate in this program must meet the minimal degree requirements prior to admission. These approved programs do not grant a degree.

To search all approved educator preparation programs, use Find a Prep Program button below to download an Excel spreadsheet.  Note: The spreadsheet is updated often. Revisit the link to access the most up-to-date list.

 

For information about each approved program, please contact the program directly using the Contact Information for Approved Educator Preparation Programs below.

Contact Information for Approved Educator Preparation Programs

The following includes contact information for the educator preparation programs approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Approved Educator Preparation Program Contact
Alverno College, Milwaukee

Kim Jacobson,  Certification Officer
(414) 382-6268

Jodi Eastberg, Dean
(414) 382-6231

Beloit College, Beloit

Jingjing Lou, DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND CERTIFYING OFFICER
(608) 363-2078

Amy Van Deuren, Director of Teacher Education
(608) 363-2322

Hannah Flores, Education & Youth Studies Program Coordinator
(608) 363-2325

 

Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee

Kate Meudt, Vice President of Academic Affairs
(414) 410-4006

Denise Barnes , Program and Certification Coordinator
(414) 410-4368

Carroll University, Waukesha

Colleen Pennell, Chair Department of Education
(262) 524-7289

Katy Kozlowski , Coordinator of Education Programs
(262) 650-4974

Carthage College, Kenosha

Nina Weisling , Education Department Chair
(262) 551-5831

CESA 1 PBL – Proficiency-Based Licensure

Dawn Rice, Assistant Director
(262) 787-9500 ext 9547

Kris Schrimpf , Coordinator
(262) 787-9523

CESA 2 -  Licensure Academy for School Staff (CLASS)

Tere Masiarchin , Senior Director
(715) 460-1086

Kaycee Rogers, CLASS Coordinator
(920) 723-3649

CESA 4 - Alternative Licensing Pathways Supports & Services (ALPSS)

Kaye Henrickson, Director
(608) 786-4800

Jen Rasmussen, Director
(608) 786-4800

CESA 6 RITE – Residency in Teacher Education

Stephanie Bernander, Director
(920) 651-3517

CESA 7 TDC – Teacher Development Center Tim Raymond , Licensing Coordinator
(920) 619-8185
CESA 9 ETP - Excellence in Teaching Program

Linda Myers, Associate Director
(715) 453-2141
 

Faye Witulski, Program Assistant
(715) 453-2141

College of Menominee Nation, Keshena

Kelli Chelberg , Assistant Professsor
(715) 799-6226

Jennifer Morris, Faculty
(715) 799-5600

Concordia University, Mequon

Adam Paape, Assitant Dean, School of Education
(262) 243-4203

Kristen Kasten, Director of Licensure and Assessment 
(262) 243-4546

Edgewood College, Madison

Julie Luecke, Associate Dean
(608) 663-2372

Julie Petersen , Certification Officer, Clinical Placement Specialist
(608) 663-4335

EDUCATE - WI 

Erin Schiltgen, Director
(715) 246-6555

Tricia Schlicht, Program Administrator
(715) 246-6555

Lakeland College, Sheboygan

John Yang, Director (Teaching and Administrative licenses)
(920) 565-1000

Deborah Bilzing, Director (Pupil Services licenses)
(920) 565-1021

Lawrence University, Appleton

Stewart Purkey, Certification Officer
(920) 832-6714

Maranatha Baptist University, Watertown

Tad Nuce, Dean of the School of Education
(920) 206-2341 

Charity Schmitz , Administrative Assistant
(920) 206-2345

Marian University, Fond du Lac

Dr. Sandra Cronin , Interim Education Department Chair
(920) 923-7363

Marquette University, Milwaukee

Kirsten Lathrop, Director of Field Placements & Licensure
(414) 288-5890

Milwaukee Public Schools University, Milwaukee

Jonathan Tempesta, Manager
(414) 475-8841

Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee

Ruth Barratt, Certification Officer
(414) 277-2230

Dan Pavletich, Associate Director
(414) 277-2486

Michele Trawicki, Program Director - MBA in Education Leadership
(414) 277-7378

Mount Mary University, Milwaukee

Debra Dosemagen, Education Department Chair
(414) 930-3160

Urban Learning Collaborative (ULC) – Urban Learning Collaborative (ULC)

Angela McCarty , Education Services Director
(414) 375-0168

Suzana Bjelic, Admission Assistant
(414) 375-2635

Northland College, Ashland

Kevin Zak, Education Department Chair and EPP Director
(715) 682-1349

Ripon College, Ripon

Jean Rigden - Director of Teacher Education
(920) 748-8698

St. Norbert College, DePere

Michelle Falter , Director of Teacher Education / Associate Professor
(920) 403-3142

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Logan Prochaska, Driver's Education Coordinator

UW – Eau Claire

Carol Koroghlanian, Certification Officer
(715) 836-4758

UW – Green Bay

Tim Kaufam , Chairperson, Education
(920) 465-2003

UW – La Crosse

Marcie Wycoff Horn, Dean
(608) 785-8134

Jennifer Pinnow, Certification Officer & Academic Services Director

UW – Madison

Kelly Hayek, Assistant Director
(608) 262-4602

UW – Milwaukee

Kristin D. Gaura, CPE Chair
(414) 251-8510

Andrew Davis, Associate Dean/Head of School 
(414) 251-7085

Christie Peters, Director, Office of Clinical Experience
(414) 229-4352 

UW – Oshkosh

Renae Swanson, Interim Dean
(920) 424-3322

 

 

UW – Parkside (Kenosha)

Maria Franshaw, Chair, Department of Teacher Education
262-595-2108

UW – Platteville

Elizabeth Runde, Program Assistant
(608) 342-1130

Tim Buttles , School of Education Director
(608) 342-1485

UW – River Falls

Tyler Koepke, Certification Officer
(715)425-3708

UW – Stevens Point

Maggie Beeber, Certification Officer
(715) 346-2040

Lynda Fernholz, Associate Dean & Head of the School of Education
(715)-346-3223

UW – Stout (Menomonie)

Deanna Schultz, Associate Dean/School of Education Director
(715) 232-5449

Heather Klanderman, Certification Officer
(715) 232-4088

UW – Superior

Michael Buncher, Certification Officer
(715) 394-8145

Wendy Kropid, Assistant Dean of Education
(715) 394-8071

UW – Whitewater

Lana Collet-Klingenberg, Interim Dean
(262) 472-5380

Gretchen Kinney, Licensing Officer
(262) 472-1059 

Viterbo University, LaCrosse

Daisy Figueroa , Assistant Dean, School of Education 
(608) 796-3385

Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee

Alan Bitter, Certification Officer
(414) 443-8565

Note for educator preparation programs:

Please use the PI-1604 EPP Contact Form for changes in information.

Resources for Educator Preparation Programs

Program Approval

The program approval process is a review of an entity’s educator preparation program. The review process ensures that Wisconsin’s educator preparation programs meet the performance-based standards and statutory and rule requirements specified in Wis. Stat. 118.19 and Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34. In addition, the process requires that entities develop collaborative relationships with the PK-12 education community to promote continuous improvement throughout an educator’s professional career.

Entities have flexibility under Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34 to develop distinct preparation programs that reflect their unique missions, goals, and structures. Entities are responsible for providing evidence that their programs prepare educators who can meet the standards established by the State of Wisconsin in Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34 Subch. III and IV. The evidence is reviewed during the program approval process to ensure that entities have met all program approval requirements of Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34.

Program Approval Resources

Licensing Resources

Other Resources

  • Title II Higher Education Act – U.S. Department of Education website for Title II Higher Education Act.
  • FCCLA  (Wisconsin Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)– Intracurricular organization exposing students to work-based learning, business and industry networks, and industry-recognized certifications.  FCCLA has four career pathways with one specifically focused on developing future educators. 
Educator Preparation and Workforce Analysis Annual Reports

In 2011, The Wisconsin State Legislature passed Act 166, which requires the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to produce an annual report of the state’s educator preparation programs (EPP). The report must include information on program completers and first-time passage rates on state-required performance assessments.

Report Contains Data About

2022 State Report

Covers data from the 2020-22 school years including data on enrollment and completion of educator preparation programs, passage rates on licensure exams, educator recruitment, shortage areas, demographics, salary and fringe, retention, and retirement.

2021 State Report
 

Covers data from the 2019-21 school years including data on enrollment and completion of educator preparation programs, passage rates on licensure exams, shortage areas, demographics, salary and fringe, retention, and retirement.

2020 State Report

  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2018 and 8/31/2019

  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2018 and 8/31/2019

  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2019-2020 school year

  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2018 and 8/31/2019

2019 State Report

  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2018

  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2018

  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2018-2019 school year

  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2018

2018 State Report

  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2016 and 8/31/2017

  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2016 and 8/31/2017

  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2017-2018 school year

  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2016 and 8/31/2017

2017 State Report

  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2015 and 8/31/2016

  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2015 and 8/31/2016

  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2016-2017 school year

  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2015 and 8/31/2016

2016 State Report
  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2014 and 8/31/2015
  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2014 and 8/31/2015
  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2015-2016 school year
  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2014 and 8/31/2015
2015 State Report
  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2013 and 8/31/2014
  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2013 and 8/31/2014
  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2014-2015 school year
  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2013 and 8/31/2014
2014 State Report
  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2012 and 8/31/2013
  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 9/1/2012 and 8/31/2013
  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2013-2014 school year
  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2012 and 8/31/2013
2013 State Report
  • candidates who completed their program between 9/1/2011 and 8/31/2012
  • candidates who applied for a Wisconsin license 12/1/2011 and 8/31/2012
  • candidates who were employed in WI public school during the 2012-2013 school year
  • statewide test results for all test takers between 9/1/2011 and 8/31/2012

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Licensure Program Content Guidelines

WI educator preparation programs must demonstrate alignment with national standards or licensure content guidelines as indicated below for program approval. The department uses the standards embedded in Subchapter II of PI 34 and national standards for license subject area content guidelines. Wisconsin content guidelines are utilized when there are no national standards available specific to the license. Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.

Standards and guidelines are grouped below by program type:

 

Administration content guidelines

National standards should be adopted for the following licenses unless otherwise indicated. The license-specific standards are available using these links. 
Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.

Licenses Content Guidelines
District Administrator (5003) National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards
Director of Instruction (5010)

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards
 

Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (5080)

Council for Exceptional Children: Administrator of Special Education Professional Leadership Standards

or

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards
 

Principal (5051) National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
Building Level Standards
 
Program Coordinator -
Athletics and Co-curricular Director (5027)

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards

Program Coordinator - Career and Technical Education (5093)

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards

or

WI Content Guidelines for Career & Technical Education Coordinator

Program Coordinator -
Gifted and Talented (5013)

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards

Reading Specialist (5017)

International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Preparation of Literacy Professionals: Literacy Coordinator/Supervisor Set

or

National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards

School Business Administrator (5008) National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
District Level Standards
 

Pupil Services content guidelines

National standards should be adopted for the following areas. The license-specific national standards are available using these links.
Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.

Licenses Content Guidelines
School Counselor (7054)

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs

or

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards for School Counseling

School Psychologist (7062) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Professional Standards
School Social Worker (7050) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Standards for School Social Work Services
 

Teaching content guidelines

National standards should be adopted for the following areas unless otherwise indicated. The license-specific standards are available using these links.
Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.

Looking for content guidelines for supplemental licenses? Jump to that section.

Licenses Content Guidelines
Agriculture Education (1200) American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) Standards for School-Based Agricultural Education
Alternative Education (1952) WI Content Guidelines for Alternative Education
Art (1550)

Contact your DPI liaison for guidance in adoption:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Handbook

Blind and Visual Impairments (1825) Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Specialty Set: Blind & Visual Impairments
Business Education (1250) National Business Education Association (NBEA): Business Teacher Education Curriculum Guide and Program Standards (REQUIRES PURCHASE)
Computer Science (1405) Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Standards for Computer Science Teachers
Dance (1536) National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) Professional Teaching Standards for Dance Arts
Deaf or Hard of Hearing (1805) Council for Exceptional Children: Initial Specialty Set for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Early Childhood (1777) National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood - Special Education (1809) Council of Exceptional Children (CEC): Early Interventionist/Early Childhood Special Educator (EI/ECSE) Standards
Elementary and Middle School (2088)

Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) Middle Level Teacher Preparation Standards

and

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) K-6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards

English as a Second Language (1395) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): Standards for Initial TESOL Pre-K–12 Teacher Preparation Programs
English Language Arts (1300) National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): Standards for the Initial Preparation of Teachers of English Language Arts 7–12
Family and Consumer Education (1210) National Association of Teacher Educators for Families and Consumer Sciences (NATEFACS): National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Health (1910) Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America: National Standards for Initial Health Education Teacher Education
Instructional Library Media Specialist (1902)

American Library Association / American Association of School Librarians (ALA/AASL): School Librarian Standards

or

WI Content Guidelines for Library Media Specialist

Latin (1350)

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers

or

Society for Classical Studies Standards

Marketing Education (1285) WI Content Guidelines for Marketing Education
Mathematics (1400)

Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE): Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics

or

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): Standards for Mathematics Teacher Preparation

Music (2500)

Contact your DPI liaison for guidance in adoption:
National Association of Schools of Music Standards

Physical Education (1530) Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America: National Standards for Initial Health Education Teacher Education
Science (2600) National Science Teaching Association (NSTC) Standards for Teacher Preparation
Social Studies (2700) National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) Standards for the Preparation of Social Studies Teachers
Special Education K-12 (2801) Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators (Initial K-12 Standards)
Speech-Language Pathology (1820)

American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Standards

and

WI Content Guidelines for Speech-Language Pathology

Technology Education (1220) WI Content Guidelines for Technology Education
Theater (1325) Contact your DPI liaison for guidance in adoption:
National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) Standards for Theater Education
World Languages American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers

 

Supplemental license content standards
 

Licenses Content Guidelines
Adaptive Education (1859) WI Content Guidelines for Adaptive Education
Adapted Physical Education (1860) Adapted Physical Education National Standards
Alternative Education (1952) WI Content Guidelines for Alternative Education
Assistive Technology (1858) Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Advanced Specialty Set: Special Education Technology Specialist
Bilingual-Bicultural (1023)

National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards (NDLETPS)

Coaching Athletics (1540) Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Standards for Sport Coaches
Driver Education (1450, 1455)

Contact your DPI liaison for guidance:
PI 34.080 requirements

Gifted and Talented (1014)

National Association for Gifted Children/Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education Standards

Reading Teacher (1316) International Literacy Association Standards: Reading Literacy Specialist Set