WISCONSIN EDUCATOR LICENSING | Administrative Guideline Manual

3125 - WISCONSIN EDUCATOR LICENSING

The District Administrator is responsible for implementing the Board's policy of commitment to the placement of quality teachers in every classroom in a manner consistent with the Department of Public Instruction's licensing system. That system involves the designation of a multi-tiered licensing structure, which includes District commitment of resources for the development of teachers prior to the teacher attaining a Tier III, lifetime license or Tier IV, master educator license.

The Department of Public Instruction's regulations designates four (4) tiers of educator licenses for educational and administrative staff: Tier I, limited area and limited duration licensure; Tier II, provisional educator license; Tier III, lifetime educator license; and Tier IV, master educator license.

The District Administrator and each building administrator shall assure that each license is on file with the District and that the necessary District supports are available as required for each license category.

Tier I Licensure

Tier I licenses may be issued in the following categories and for the noted durations, except that no educator may be issued a Tier I license for special education for more than three (3) years:

One (1) Year Renewable License

This license is available to teach in the grade level and subject area of the license and issued to teachers that have not yet met all requirements of Tier II, but have obtained a bachelor's degree from an approved program, or have at least a bachelor's degree and the District requests the license after unsuccessful efforts to locate an acceptable and fully licensed educator. The license may be renewed provided that the educator is making progress towards meeting requirements for a Tier II license.
Three (3) Year District-Sponsored License

This license is available upon request by the District Administrator to allow a licensed educator to fill a role outside of his/her regular license area on a temporary basis and only for the sponsoring District. This license category may not be renewed.
Guest Teacher

This license is available for an educator holding a foreign bachelor's degree who has completed a foreign teacher preparation program and will receive mentoring from the District. The license is valid for three (3) years and may be renewed one time with the District Administrator's request.
Charter School

This license allows an educator to teach in a charter school for a period of five (5) years at a time.
Short- and Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Short-term licenses can be issued for renewable five (5) year periods. A long-term substitute teacher license can be issued for an initial period of two (2) years and renewed for five (5) year increments thereafter upon positive recommendation from the District Administrator.
Professional Teaching Permit

This license can be granted for two (2) years initially to teach sign language, art, computer science, foreign language, mathematics, music, science, or technology education to an educator who has a sign language certificate or a bachelor's degree in the particular discipline, professional work experience in the discipline, has completed an alternate teacher training program, and received a passing score on a standardized test administered by the Department of Public Instruction. The initial two (2) year license can be renewed for five (5) year periods provided that the teacher receives positive references from his/her supervising teacher and building administrator.
One (1) Year Administrator

Upon request of the Board, this license can be issued to allow an educator who submits a plan for obtaining regular licensure within two (2) years to serve as an administrator. The license is valid for one (1) year and with evidence of satisfactory progression, can be extended for one (1) additional year.
Special Education Program Aide

This license can be issued to a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age with a high school diploma or equivalency degree upon request from the District Administrator.
Experience-Based Technical and Vocational Education

This license is available for a period of three (3) years to teach technical and vocational education courses based on experience and educational attainment in the particular field.
Reciprocity

This license may be issued for five (5) years provided that the educator holds a license in good standing in another state, has not previously been licensed in Wisconsin, and meets the remaining requirements developed by the Department of Public Instruction.

Tier II Provisional and Military Spouse Licensure

Tier II licenses are issued to educators that have completed an appropriate preparatory program, have industry experience with related teaching experience, or other criteria established by the Department of Public Instruction, but who are not eligible for a lifetime license. Tier II licensure may be issued for three (3) years and, except for the Military Spouse License, may be renewed.

Tier III Lifetime License

A lifetime license may be issued to an educator who has held or holds a Tier II license and has at least six (6) semesters of experience providing direct services to students in the instructional area or providing administrative oversight. A lifetime license remains valid provided that the educator completes a background check at least every five (5) years. A lifetime license is invalid if the holder is not regularly employed in education for five (5) or more years.

Tier IV Master Educator

This license may be issued to an educator who has held a Tier III license and is either certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or if no such certification is available, the educator has at least five (5) years of successful teaching experience with a Tier III license and in the field of the license, holds a master's degree, has made contributions to the profession, has improved student learning and is recommended for Master Teaching Licensure by the District's assessment team.

The District has the following responsibilities under P.I. 34 relating to provisional license holders and Tier I special education educators:

Ongoing Orientation
The District shall provide ongoing orientation developed, and delivered by administrators, teachers, and other District stakeholders.
Qualified Mentor
The District shall provide a qualified mentor. A "mentor" is an educator who is trained to provide support and assistance and who will have input into the confidential formative assessment of the educator and who is not to be considered as part of the formal employment evaluation process. To be "qualified," the person must hold an appropriate license.