Become a Teacher
in Wisconsin
Certification Roadmap
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Wisconsin Prerequisite Coursework
Wisconsin Teacher Preparation
Wisconsin Certification Reciprocity
Wisconsin Teacher Salary
Wisconsin Required Tests
Teacher Certification Information & Links
Wisconsin Highlights
$52110
Avg. Elementary Teacher Salary
$51040
Avg. Secondary Teacher Salary
134%
Teacher Salary vs. State Average
15
Vacation Weeks Per Year:
To become a certified teacher in Wisconsin, you will need to fulfill all prerequisite coursework, teacher preparation, and testing requirements.
Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating the site with new information on a regular basis. To stay up-to-date with the latest in teacher certification, please complete the form in the right sidebar.
Wisconsin Prerequisite Coursework
All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. Wisconsin, however, does not have any undergraduate credit hour requirements.
Certification Map has partnered with Rossier Online, an innovative master level teaching degree program delivered online at the USC Rossier School of Education. Learn more about how the program’s unique blend of online learning and field-based teaching will prepare you for a career working in Wisconsin classrooms.
Wisconsin Teacher Preparation
Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program.
Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.
While the involvement in an education program may seem financially daunting, a number of financial resources specifically for teachers exist around the country. For more information on this, visit our page on scholarships for teachers. For more scholarships for teachers exclusive to the State of Wisconsin, visit our Wisconsin Teacher Scholarships page.
Alternative Certification
Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Information about alternative certification in Wisconsin is coming soon!
Wisconsin Certification Reciprocity
Wisconsin will accept some teaching credentials from the following states. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas |
| Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Michigan |
| Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | West Virginia | Wyoming |
Wisconsin Teacher Salary
- Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Wisconsin provides differential pay support for teachers teaching in high needs schools
- Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Wisconsin has limited to weak induction policies in place
- Average Elementary Teacher Salary: The average elementary school teacher in Wisconsin makes $52,110
- Average Secondary Teacher Salary: The average secondary teacher in Wisconsin makes $51,040
- Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in Wisconsin makes 134% of the salary of the average worker in Wisconsin
- Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: The average teacher in Wisconsin receives 15 weeks of vacation per year
Wisconsin Required Tests
In order to become a certified teacher, you must satisfactorily complete the Basic Skill Test requirement and any Subject Area Competence assessments needed for your desired area of instruction.
Basic Skills Test
Subject Area Competence
Praxis II: Subject Tests in your specialty area
Wisconsin Teacher Certification Information & Links
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Wisconsin Teacher Tenure
- Troops to Teachers Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, Troops to Teachers is managed by the Lewis and Clark Region Office
Contact Information:
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Educator Licensing
Drawer 794
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53293
For further information, contact:
licensing@dpi.wi.gov
1-800-441-4563
