Become a teacher at one of the best schools of education in the nation. The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education educator preparation programs emphasize academic rigor, multicultural and global competence, and extensive supervised experiences in the field.
Our programs prepare you to be leaders who work in diverse schools across Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. You will become part of the Badger family of teacher education graduates who are committed to high-quality, culturally responsive instruction that serves every student.
Ask us how you can become a teacher!
Mary T. Kellner
Teacher Education Center
tec@education.wisc.edu
(608) 262-2997
Learn More
UW–Madison Teacher Certification Programs
We offer undergraduate and graduate teacher certification programs. We also have a transfer agreement with Madison college. Connect with our enrollment team to determine which program is right for you. Ask about our Teacher Pledge which can offer financial support.
Once you have selected the right program for you, you can explore the steps to become a teacher. We also offer supplemental licenses and administrator preparation programs.
The Elementary Education Program and the Secondary Education Program have English as a Second Language (ESL) option.
For a list of all Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) approved programs please see DPI Approved Educator Preparation Programs.
The School of Education Wisconsin Teacher Pledge can financially support your teacher education.
Transferring from Madison College?
Students transferring from Madison College for Elementary Education or Special Education can visit the Transfer Agreement Page to learn more about transfer requirements.
Steps to becoming a Teacher
1. Apply to and be admitted to a program
We’re so glad you are interested in attending UW–Madison. All of our educator preparation programs have program-specific requirements for admission. Please see the individual program links below for requirements, and apply.
All graduate and undergraduate students entering educator preparation programs that lead to licensure must complete a background check before they begin their program. We conduct these background checks at the state and federal level to satisfy a requirement detailed in PI 34.018: “ADMISSIONS. The entity shall establish standards for admission, including requiring a background check prior to admission to an educator preparation program.” The students are informed of this requirement as they are admitted to the program.
If a student was convicted of an offense specified in Wis. Stat. 118.19(4) within the past 6 years, DPI is not permitted to issue a license. If such conduct were revealed in the state and federal background checks at program entry, the Associate Dean for Student Services, in consultation with the program coordinator and/or Associate Dean for Teacher Education, would counsel the student to consider whether completing a program is in their interest. The need for such counseling has not arisen in the last 5 years. The background check is not used in determining program admission or school placements.
Transferring from Madison College? Visit the Transfer Agreement Page to learn more about transfer requirements.
2. Complete Coursework
As a student at UW–Madison School of Education, you’ll take courses from nationally-recognized faculty and staff with classmates who are highly capable, passionate, and committed to social justice.
You will have the opportunity to learn about pedagogy and learning, curriculum and lesson planning, and inclusive classrooms where all students can excel.
Our coursework will prepare you to be a competent, critically-reflective educator prepared to work toward equity in diverse and multicultural settings
3. Gain Field Experience
Future teachers can get hands-on experience in authentic school settings and practice applying the content learned in coursework through field experiences. All UW–Madison Teacher Preparation Programs require multiple field experience across a variety of settings to foster growth. Each program’s culminating field experience is a full-time semester (about 18 weeks) of “student teaching.”
Throughout the experience, field supervisors in your program area will provide support, feedback, and mentorship.
4. Take Assessment and Exams
In Wisconsin, all teacher candidates must complete a final performance assessment, which is typically done during the final student teaching semester.
- Elementary, special education, reading teacher, and reading specialist students are required to take the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WFORT).
- Students in special education have an additional portfolio option that can be used as a substitute for the WFORT.
- World language education students must meet an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview requirement and must take and pass the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT).
5. Apply for a Wisconsin Educator License
After completing all coursework, field experiences, and exams, you’ll be ready to apply for a Wisconsin educator license. Our staff will guide you through the application process.
Please note: Wisconsin teaching licenses require at least a bachelor’s degree, so undergraduate students cannot apply for a license until their degree is conferred.
6. Start Your Career
Our School of Education Career Center is eager to assist you in finding a teaching position that is right for you. And as a UW–Madison alum, you’ll be joining a large network of teachers making a difference in the lives of future generations. Stay connected to the School of Education through PLACE, and the Early Career Teaching Institute (ECTI.)