(FAQ's)

1. Can I take a tour of the campus and meet with an advisor to discuss my interest becoming a teacher?Campus tours are available on a scheduled basis four days per week and on Saturdays. Group tours are also available. Space is limited and reservations are advised. Please call 414-229-2222 or e-mail your reservation request.

If you have special needs that require assistance, please notify us in writing or by telephone at least three weeks in advance of your desired tour date.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a School of Education advisor, please contact the Department of Recruitment and Outreach at 414-229-2222. We do offer Saturday advising when notified in advance.




3. When will I begin student teaching?Student teaching experiences are designed to promote your ability to integrate learning and practice and to give you opportunities to teach independently and collegially in urban school settings.

Students who attend UWM generally student teach in the Milwaukee Public School system and a portion of your student teaching must take place in MPS. If you are following the typical program sequence at UWM, you should plan to complete a full-day/full-semester student teaching experience during your final year in the teacher education program.


4. If I already have an undergraduate degree and am interested in teaching, where do I begin?Your first step is to contact an advisor in the School of Education's Post Baccalaureate Certification Program to discuss your interest in teaching. Our advisors will help you become familiar with the teacher certification options at UWM. You will also learn about how long it will take to become certified and how our program can fit into your life. Please contact the Advising Office at 414-229-4721 or e-mail adv-cert@uwm.edu to obtain more information or to schedule an advising appointment.


5. What opportunities are there for me if I'm interested in education, but I don't want to be a teacher?There are two majors within the School of Education that prepare individuals for careers as educators, but not as certified classroom teachers.

One is the Community Education major offered through the Department of Educational Policy and Community Studies. Students in this major are advised by departmental faculty. Individuals involved in community change can improve their skills as educators through this program, as well as learn to interpret and formulate educational policy.

The other non-certification major is Educational Studies. This is multi-departmental, individualized, flexible degree for self-directed individuals. Graduates are prepared for careers in youth service, day care support or adult volunteer training. The major helps direct the study of various population groups through Areas of Concentration and includes directed fieldwork. This major is available as an Undergraduate or Second degree. Programatic advising is offered through the Office of Advising and Academic Services


6. What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available?Scholarships are available at the junior level for study in teacher education, administrative leadership, community education, exceptional education, and many other areas. Through the generosity and vision of alumni, faculty and friends, the UWM Foundation provides scholarships to benefit School of Education students. Additional financial aid opportunities are also available through the UWM Financial Aid Office.


7. How do I get certified and licensed to be a teacher?To be certified and licensed, you will need to complete the professional sequence of courses in your respective certification programs, including statutory requirements, institutional requirements and full-time student teaching. Then, you may complete the license application available in the Academic Advising and Academic Services Office (Enderis Hall 209). Once you have the form notarized, you can submit the form and the $100 application fee to the Certifying Officer in Enderis 221 for institutional endorsement. Approximately 16 weeks after the application is endorsed, the Wisconsin DPI will issue your license.


8. What kind of assistance is available to help me find a job?UWM's Career Development Center has programs designed specifically for education students. They can help you identify your career path and provide information about educational opportunities, including those outside the teaching profession.

The CDC has a complete career information library, conducts career workshops and coordinates on-campus interviews. They will provide you with information about educational recruitment fairs, and guide you through interview and resume preparation. The Career Development Center is one more resource to help you both during and after your academic experience at UWM.


9. What professional organizations can I join?All education students, from freshman to seniors, are invited to join the Student Wisconsin Education Association StWEA's goal is to support public education and give education students an understanding of historical and current issues facing public education. Through workshops, leadership training, and outreach activities, you will be able to network with peers and professionals providing you with an opportunity to take an active role in your chosen profession as an educator.

Other organizations that may be of interest to you include:

Golden Key International Honour Society -- a non-profit academic honors organization that recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement among students from all academic fields.

The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education -- the nation's premier organization dedicated to enhancing the field of adult learning.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) -- the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.


10. Why should I choose UWM's School of Education?There are many reasons to attend UWM's School of Education. The UWM's School of Education graduates more teachers than any other institution in the state of Wisconsin. As a leading urban university, we embrace an urban mission preparing our graduates to meet the unique challenges facing urban schools. Our goal is to improve the levels of academic achievement and provide creative leadership throughout our urban educational institutions.

Led by a faculty who are internationally recognized for their research, scholarship and leadership in the field of education, you will experience a dynamic and challenging curriculum. From specialty certification to master's degree and doctoral programs, we offer a broad spectrum of continuing education courses that will keep you at the top of your field.