Teaching License

Wisconsin Pathway to Teaching Options

The Wisconsin pathway options enumerated below lead to a full (Tier II) license. There are other options to licensure for out-of state candidates, out-of-country candidates, candidates adding on a teaching license via a content test or three-year license with stipulations, or candidates pursuing a Tier I teaching permit.

1. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).  EPPs include both approved programs at colleges and universities as well as nontraditional programs at approved non-profits, school districts, and for-profit entities. Those applying to nontraditional programs must already possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Candidate Profile

• I have completed high school.
• I have some college but not a bachelor's degree.
• I have a bachelor's degree but it is not in education.
• I am seeking my first license or a subsequent license.

If you fit this pathway

1. Decide what you are interested in teaching.
2. Identify the Wisconsin EPP approved to prepare teachers for the Wisconsin teaching license you are seeking on the Find a Preparation Program tool.
3. Contact the EPP directly to learn about their program and enrollment.
   Note: If you do not already have a bachelor's degree your EPP options are limited to an approved program at college or university.
4. Complete all the requirements of the approved teacher licensure program.
5. Apply for a Wisconsin Educator License using the ELO System.

2. Complete the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. This route to licensure is not an approved preparation program but is authorized as leading to licensure under Wisconsin Statutes section 118.197.

Candidate Profile

• I have a bachelor's degree in any subject
• I am seeking my first license or a subsequent license.

If you fit this pathway

1. Decide what you are interested in teaching.
   ABCTE offers programs leading to the following areas of licensure: English Language Arts (4-12), Elementary/Middle (K-9), Math (4-12), Science (4-12), Social Studies (4-12), and Cross-Categorical Special Education (K-12).
2. Complete all the requirements for completing ABCTE.
3. Apply for a Wisconsin Educator License using the ELO System.
   Educators who have completed an ABCTE licensure program and wish to apply for a Wisconsin teacher license will submit an Out-of-State [1025] application with the following documentation:
   1. Bachelor degree transcript (the Transcripts for License Application page lists transcript requirements).
   2. PI-1612 Institutional Endorsement and Assurances.
   3. ABCTE certificate of completion
   4. ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge exam and Content Knowledge exam results

Educators may use the ABCTE Application Checklist to ensure they have obtained all necessary documentation and are submitting the correct application.