Wisconsin offers multiple pathways to meet the requirements to become a Wisconsin Technology Education (220) licensed teacher. Whether you are a recent high school graduate with hopes of becoming a teacher; a working adult seeking a career change; a returning adult college student; an out-of-state applicant relocating to Wisconsin; or a Wisconsin educator seeking additional licensure, Wisconsin has a pathway waiting for you. Use the information on this page to locate a pathway that will serve your needs.
Minimum degree requirements for Wisconsin Licensure:
- A bachelor's degree is required for all Wisconsin teaching licenses.
Below are the main pathways to technology education licensure:
- You are seeking an Initial Teaching License
- Seeking an Additional Teaching License; or
- Are an Out-of-State Applicant
Please visit the DPI Pathways to Licensure page at https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/pathways for more information.
Initial Technology Education Teaching License Pathway
Within the Initial Teaching License Pathway you have different options depending on your current level of education
A. No bachelor's degree
1. Complete a Bachelor's Degree
People who fit this pathway profile are high school graduates or returning adult students who wish to pursue a career in teaching. This pathway requires the candidate to complete a bachelor's degree and an approved teacher preparation program at a Wisconsin college/university. Upon completion, the Wisconsin college/university will endorse you for a Wisconsin license. If you are seeking a Bachelor's Degree to become a Technology Education Teacher there are currently three schools with Technology Education Programs that can lead to a teaching license. Visit the websites for UW-Stout, UW-Platteville, and Viterbo University and explore their different programs to find the one that meets your needs:
- UW- Stout Technology Education Program
- UW- Platteville Technology Education Program
- Viterbo University Technology Education Program
- UW- Parkside Technology Education Program
2. Trade Specialist Permit Pathway
The trade specialist permit pathway is for individuals who have occupational experience in a particular trade area. These individuals must have completed a Wisconsin recognized apprenticeship program and have three years of paid work experience beyond the apprenticeship. This pathway is referred to as the Trade Specialist Permit pathway because it is limited to an applicant who has significant industry experience in a specific trade. There are limitations in the type of courses that a trade specialist permit holder can teach. Courses are limited to upper level junior or senior year courses in the related trade area. Introductory technology education courses and courses outside of the applicant’s trade area, cannot be taught by someone holding this permit.
B. Already have a bachelor's degree
You have 4 options:
1. Post-baccalaureate
UW- Parkside has an approved post-baccalaureate program for those seeking a Technology Education teachers license. Please check their website for more information UW- Parkside Technology Education Program.
2. Alternative Route Program
For those with bachelor's degrees there are Alternative Route Programs for getting your Technology Education teaching license. People who fit this pathway profile are career changers, college graduates seeking to become teachers after securing employment in shortage area in a Wisconsin school district, or Wisconsin educators wishing to obtain additional licensure in a Wisconsin shortage area. Technology Education is currently designated as a shortage subject area for Wisconsin teachers. Check the Index of Technology Education Approved Alternative Route Programs and find a program that meets your needs.
3. License Based on Equivalency
If you have qualifying teaching experience you can seek a License Based on Equivalency. People who fit this pathway profile have three years of teaching experience and are unlicensed private school teachers, postsecondary teachers, or candidates who have completed an alternative route preparation program outside Wisconsin. This pathway profile may also include candidates with 3 years of industry teaching experience. Candidates in this pathway have not completed a Wisconsin recognized and approved educator preparation program. Three years of teaching experience and a performance-based assessment process will be used to determine competency in the Wisconsin educator standards. These programs are for licensure only and do not lead to a degree. Visit the Department of Public Instruction's page on License Based on Equivalency web page for more information.
4. Professional Teaching Permit for Engineers
The Pathway teaching permit for engineers allows professionals who hold a bachelor's degree in engineering to receive a Professional Teaching Permit in the subject area of the bachelor's degree.