Alternative Certification Pathways

Do you dream of teaching? Learn how to transform a bachelor’s degree into a rewarding teaching career!

Milwaukee Public Schools has options for professionals who want to earn a teaching license. Begin teaching while you earn your credentials and start your journey to a career in education!

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Pass a background check and physical exam
• Get accepted into an approved program at a college/university
• Apply for appropriate license through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

Certification Pathway: Degree in Content Area

Individuals with a degree in high-need content areas (math, science, business, world languages, and more) can receive credit for content area coursework. Ask for details—areas of need in specific geographic areas of the state are updated regularly.

• Undergo a transcript evaluation to calculate applicable credits
• Enroll in an approved Educator Preparation Program
• Complete coursework required for educators (credit requirements vary by institution)
• Pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge Exam
• Complete all requirements in three years
• Typical commitment is 18 to 36 months

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pathways to Licensure page for more information. Click on Initial Teacher Pathways and review option #3 for the Alternative Route Program.

Certification Pathway: Degrees Other than Content Areas

With a bachelor’s degree, earn education and content area credits needed for teacher certification.

• Undergo a transcript evaluation to calculate applicable credits
• Enroll in an approved Educator Preparation Program
• Complete coursework required for educators (credit requirements vary by institution)
• Pass the Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) or an approved FORT alternative
• Complete all requirements in three years
• Typical commitment is 18 to 36 months
• Ask about Praxis tests—a qualifying score may substitute for coursework

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pathways to Licensure page for more information. Click on Initial Teacher Pathways and review option #2 for the Post Baccalaureate Pathway.

Out-of-State Teachers

Do you have a teaching license from another state or from outside the United States and seek certification in Wisconsin? Visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pathways to Licensure page for more information. Under Pathways to Licensure, click on Out-of-State Pathways.

Montessori Pathway

With a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council of Teacher Education (MACTE) or Association Montessori International (AMI). Submit required documents and test scores, then apply for a license.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pathways to Licensure page for more information. Under Pathways to Licensure, click on Montessori Pathway.