Become a Teacher in Wisconsin

Get the information you need to make a difference in your community.

• Wisconsin Teacher Certification - Program Information
  
  
• Step-by-step instructions - Wisconsin Teacher Certification, Certification Renewal and much more

With a generous allotment of resources for the state education system, it's a great time to become a teacher in Wisconsin. Over the past year, K-12 schools in Wisconsin were awarded grants to improve mathematics and science instruction, implement a Teacher Incentive Program, create safe and supportive schools, and promote the use of educational technology. Current and prospective teachers stand poised to reap the benefits.

If you're thinking about teaching in Wisconsin, here are a few facts about the school system and what to expect from a teaching job:

• Wisconsin has over 2,300 elementary and secondary schools serving 873,750 students ⁽¹⁾
• There are 59,401 teachers in Wisconsin, and Educational Services is the largest industry in the state with 264,580 total workers. ⁽²⁾
• The average Wisconsin teacher salary in 2009-2010 was $52,644

Future Wisconsin Teachers

With elementary and middle school teachers high on the list of Wisconsin's top 30 most in-demand occupations for the 2008 to 2018 time frame, future Wisconsin teachers have reason to be optimistic. ⁽²⁾ To become a teacher in Wisconsin and take advantage of the growing education job market, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree, an approved educator preparation program, and the appropriate Praxis I and/or II tests.

Current Wisconsin Teachers and School Administrators

If you're currently teaching in Wisconsin and wish to advance from an Initial Educator license to a Professional Educator license, or if you wish to renew your Professional Educator license, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires you to complete specific professional growth requirements, either through college credits or an approved Professional Development Plan. There is also an optional Master Educator license. Or contribute to your school system as a school administrator, and effect positive change on a larger scale.

Wisconsin Teachers in Demand

In Wisconsin, there are several programs in place to encourage talented people to enter the teaching profession. At the federal level, there are grants, loan deferment and loan forgiveness programs for those teaching in low-income schools or in teacher-shortage areas like ESL or special education. Wisconsin also provides teaching internships through the Wisconsin Improvement Program to encourage the professional development of beginning teachers. (3)

Start researching bachelor's and master's degrees in education on Teacher World, and become a teacher in Wisconsin!

Sources:
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, unless otherwise indicated
(1) National Center for Education Statistics
(2) Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
(3) U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid