Teacher Certification & Licensing
The Office of Teacher Certification & Licensing is the central office for PK-12 teacher certification, pupil services and administrator licensing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and coordinates licensure for the School of Education, Peck School of the Arts, College of Health Sciences, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, and School of Information Studies.
How To Apply For Your License
When can I apply for my license?
Undergraduates, submit your application for licensure after your degree has been posted and displaying on your transcript.
Masters, & Ph.D.s, Your coursework, practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, and your degree conferred and displaying on your transcript.
Post Baccalaureates, Your coursework, student teaching/practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, with the grade(s) displaying on your transcript.
Non-degree graduates, Your coursework, student teaching/practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, with the grade(s) displaying on your transcript.
General Instructions to Licensure
1. Go online to PAWS. Confirm the accuracy of your name, address, phone number, etc. Make changes and corrections as necessary.
2. Confirm your major/minor/concentration. If there is a discrepancy, see your advisor.
3. All PK-12 Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, School Guidance Counselors, School Social Workers, and School Psychologists: Download and complete the Initial In-State Teaching or Pupil Services-PI-1602-IS application packet from http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-is.pdf
4. Reading Specialists, Principals, Directors of Instruction, Directors of Special Education, Library Media Supervisors, Business Adminstrators/Managers, and Superintendents: Download and complete the Administration & Reading application from http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-ad.pdf
5. Have the Conduct & Competency Review page notarized by a notary public. You can find notary publics throughout UWM and at your bank or credit union.
a. Enderis Hall, 210: Linda Randolph
b. Chapman Hall 180, Laura Bandemer-Purifoy
c. Your Bank or Credit Union
6. Fingerprint cards.
Only if you have lived outside of the state of Wisconsin after age 17.
a. Pick up fingerprint cards from Enderis 209. Both cards must be filled out.
b. Take them to Campus Police in Sandburg W140, N. Maryland Avenue, to be processed for free. Off-campus police stations might charge a fee.
Make check or money order payable to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and
Submit the entire application packet, fingerprint cards, and $100 check or money order to:
Kathy L. Berry
Teacher Certification & Licensing
UWM School of Education
P.O. Box 413, Enderis 209
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413
Your application needs the endorsement and signature of the UWM Certification Officer. Do not sent it directly to WI Department of Public Instruction.
How long does it take to get my license?
It can take 12-16 weeks for DPI to process a license application. In the meantime, you will receive a DPI Verification of Program Completion certificate from the Office of Professional Education Programs. This certificate will serve as a temporary license to be given to your principal and the school district's office of certified staffing.
Will DPI send my license to my home address?
The Department of Public Instruction will mail your license to the address you provide on your application. DPI does not send licenses to school districts. Report address and name changes to DPI at 1-800-441-4563.
What is a verification letter and how do I get one?
Verification letters are given to students who are still student teaching who are also interviewing, and whose grades and degrees are not yet posted on the transcript. A verification letter indicates to potential employers that you are about to graduate and complete your certification program. To get a verification letter, contact your advisor.
Applications
Initial Educators and Pupil Services
Seeking licenses in PK-12 grades/subjects, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood thru Early Adolescence, Early Adolescence thru Adolescence, Special Education, Cross Categorical, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Alternative Education, Speech Language Pathology, Library Media Specialist (initial and professional), School Counselor, School Social Worker, and School Psychologist, complete this application: http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-is.pdf
Administrators
Seeking licenses for Principal, Assistant Principal, Superintendant, Assistant Superintendant, Business Administrator, Director of Instruction, Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, Reading Specialist, and Library Media Supervisor, complete this application: http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-ad.pdf
Emergency Renewal
Seeking to renew a one year emergency license in PK-12 grades/subjects, complete this application: http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-el.pdf
Stipulations
Download Courses That Satisfy DPI Stipulations PDF
Contact Us
Contact us if you:
• Have completed your certification program
• Need to submit a license application
• Need to review an emergency license
• Are accepting a PK-12 job in another state
• Need to fulfil DPI stiplations
• Need an institutional verification
Kathy L. Berry
Certification Officer
Teacher Certification & Licensing
Enderis 209
Phone: 414-229-4721
Email: cert-licensing@uwm.edu
Linda Randolph
University Services Associate
Teacher Certification & Licensing
Room 210
Phone: 414-229-4153
E-Mail: lindaran@uwm.edu
