Alternative Education Certification (952)

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has authorized the Department of Educational Policy and Community Studies (EPCS) to offer an add-on certification in alternative education.

About the Certification

The school environment is changing. In the Milwaukee area, and around the state, the number of charter and alternative schools are increasing. This means that educators need to have the tools to change with them.

We understand the many demands students face daily. Therefore, we offer flexible course times during the evening and online to fit in your schedules. Through our courses you will gain solid skills that you can apply in an Alternative Education setting.

Features
Completion, for already certified teachers, results in a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) granted 952 add-on certification

Courses are offered fully online, face-to-face, or in blended formats and taught by faculty with experience in Alternative Schools

Online course participants have the opportunity to interact with educators from around the state

Courses can be taken concurrently and finished in as little as one semester

Practical experience in Alternative Schools incorporated

Who Should Enroll
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) licensed educators working in an alternative setting where a 952 add-on license is required

Any educator looking to gain an understanding of at-risk students and alternative education settings

Any person who would like to learn more about alternative education

Certificate Requirements

In order to receive a State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) 952 license certification for Alternative Education you must:

Have a State of Wisconsin Teaching Certificate.

Complete ED POL 534: The Student At-Risk (Causes) and ED POL 535: Educating At-Risk Students with a B- or better.

Complete a mini-portfolio, which is addressed through work completed in the required courses. The portfolio will be assessed by the instructors.

Fill out a Change of Student Plan Program Form (will be posted shortly) if you are not enrolled in a regular UWM program (ex: if you applied as a University Special Student) and return it to the Office of Academic Services in Enderis 209. *Note: At this time you will also need to submit a copy of your State of Wisconsin DPI Teaching Certificate. Once you have completed ED POL 534 and 535 you must:

Fill out the State of Wisconsin DPI license application form (will be posted shortly) which can be found on their website or by visiting the Office of Academic Services (Enderis 209) or the Certification Office (Enderis 210).

Once the form is completed, you must take it to be notarized. This can be done at your financial institution or at the Certification Office (Enderis 210).

Forward your notarized license application and $100 payment to:
UWM School of Education
Certification Office, Enderis 210
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413


If you've taken the required courses and are ready to apply for the 952 add-on license in Alternative Education, please fill out the interest form at the top right of the page and we will provide you with documents that might be of assistance such as:

Printable Alternative Education Certification Checklist
Change of Student Plan Form
Guide to Licensure
DPI Application Sample

If you have any questions about how to acquire the Alternative Education Certification 952 license please contact Linda Randolph at 414-229-4153.

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Download How To Apply (PDF)

Contact the Department

Enderis Hall Room 557
2400 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee WI 53211

Mailing Address:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Department of Educational Policy & Community Studies
School of Education
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee WI 53201

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.
Office Telephone Number: (414) 229-4323
Fax Number: (414) 229-3700
epcs@uwm.edu