The Bureau of Educator Talent is committed to advancing the quality, effectiveness, and diversity of Wisconsin’s educator workforce. Grounded in the belief that (1) every learner deserves excellent educators and (2) the investment in educators is an important strategy to close opportunity gaps between students based on race, disability status, and language acquisition, the Bureau leads and supports efforts that span the full continuum of an educator’s career—from recruitment and preparation to professional growth and leadership development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Professional Learning and Growth: Supporting high-quality, equity-centered professional development opportunities aligned with Wisconsin’s academic standards, educator effectiveness system, and the Wisconsin Standards for Professional Learning. The Bureau helps districts and educators access tools and frameworks that promote continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.
- Leadership Development: Partnering with institutions and organizations to support the development of culturally responsive, visionary school and district leaders across the state. This includes promoting leadership pathways and fostering mentorship and collaboration among educational leaders.
- Educator Preparation: Review and collaborate with educator preparation programs (EPPs) to ensure that future teachers and school leaders are well-prepared to meet the needs of Wisconsin students. The Bureau works alongside DPI’s Bureau of Licensing to uphold rigorous standards and streamline pathways into the profession.
- Recruitment and Retention: Addressing workforce shortages and disparities through initiatives aimed at recruiting diverse and highly qualified educators, especially in rural, high-poverty, and high-need content areas. The Bureau supports strategies to increase educator retention through improved working conditions, support systems, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
- Policy, Innovation, and Equity: Providing leadership for educator development policy and promoting innovative, inclusive and expansive practices to improve teaching and learning statewide.
Sections
- Educator Development
- Educator Preparation Program