An out-of-state teaching license applicant is defined as someone who completed an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) headquartered outside Wisconsin. This includes online programs based outside the state. Even if classes were taken within Wisconsin, if the EPP was headquartered out-of-state, the classification is as an out-of-state applicant.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has described four typical types of out-of-state candidates. In the cases of Lana and Julia, the out-of-state applicant has obtained a teaching license in another state prior to applying for the Wisconsin license. In the cases of Penny and Steve, the out-of-state applicants have not applied for and/or received a license in another state.
Penny completed her EPP in Minnesota, obtained a Minnesota teaching license, and worked at a school there. Now, moving to Wisconsin, Penny will apply for a Wisconsin teaching license based on reciprocity. She will follow the standard application process and submit her Minnesota teaching license and an employment verification form.
Steve completed his EPP in Wyoming and obtained a Wyoming teaching license, but he never worked there. Now, in Wisconsin, Steve will apply as a teacher prepared outside of Wisconsin. Alongside the standard application requirements, he must submit his Wyoming teaching license, his Bachelor’s degree transcript, transcripts from any other colleges, an endorsement form from his Wyoming EPP, and any required test scores for licensure in Wyoming.
Lana completed an online EPP headquartered in Arizona but never applied for an Arizona license. However, she met all Arizona licensure requirements, including passing required tests. Like Steve, Lana will apply as a teacher prepared outside Wisconsin and must submit her Bachelor’s degree transcript, transcripts from other colleges, an endorsement form from her Arizona EPP, and any relevant test scores for her Arizona license.
Julia completed an online EPP headquartered in Utah but did not meet all the requirements for a Utah teaching license. Although she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she is not eligible for licensure in Utah. As a result, Julia is also ineligible for a Wisconsin teaching license at this time. To qualify, she must either complete the remaining requirements with her Utah EPP to be eligible for a Utah license and follow the instructions for Lana above or complete an EPP within Wisconsin, such as the post-baccalaureate program Residency in Teacher Education (RITE) at CESA 6. While completing the requirements for teacher licensure, Julia can work in a teaching position in Wisconsin under a One-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1).
Understanding the requirements for out-of-state teaching licensure in Wisconsin is crucial for applicants educated outside the state, including those who completed online programs. Wisconsin’s licensing process considers an applicant’s prior licensure status and the location of their Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Candidates who already hold a teaching license from another state, like Penny and Steve, can generally follow a more streamlined application process, with Penny qualifying for reciprocity. Applicants like Lana, who completed licensure requirements but never obtained a license, will need to submit additional documentation. Those like Julia, who have not met licensure requirements in any state, must complete additional steps—either by fulfilling the requirements of their original EPP or by completing an EPP in Wisconsin.
Each pathway has specific requirements, and understanding these distinctions will help out-of-state applicants navigate the process effectively, ensuring they can transition smoothly into teaching roles within Wisconsin’s education system. To learn more, contact us today.