Elementary Education Degrees in Wisconsin
Education is one of the quickest ways to improve society and strengthen a community. If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher, this may be the ideal time to explore your educational options and find out how you can make a difference in Wisconsin. From the large cities of Milwaukee and Madison to the rural communities that make up most of Wisconsin, all parts of this state need highly qualified teachers to teach children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Wisconsin
Do you have what it takes to become a teacher in Wisconsin? If so, don’t wait any longer to start working toward a teaching degree. Use our list of elementary education programs in Wisconsin to request information from the schools that meet your needs.
There are lots of reasons that you may choose to start your education career in Wisconsin. To start, Wisconsin has extremely high standards for its teachers. This may be beneficial if you hope to move to a different state at some point, since your license may transfer easily to states with more relaxed requirements. Second, Wisconsin is well-known for its high-quality education. In fact, a recent report listed Wisconsin among the top 10 states for education (CBS Local, 2017).
You could take the first step toward a teaching license today. Just compare Wisconsin education programs and get in touch with the colleges and universities in your area.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Wisconsin
There are several paths you may follow to a teaching license in Wisconsin. Learning about the less common options first allows you to see if you can save time in your education. If you want to earn a Master’s in elementary education, you must first have a Bachelor’s degree in education and a current teaching license. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field, you may still be able to get licensed via an alternative certification program. Alternative certification programs often last less than one year.
If neither of these are options for you, then a Bachelor in elementary education is what you need. As a new student, you may focus on general education courses in physical sciences, English, and mathematics. Once you’ve earned enough credits, you can apply to the institution’s teaching program. This involves writing an essay, getting references from past teachers, and taking the Praxis I exam.
Upon getting accepted to the teaching program, you start taking courses in educational theory and teaching techniques. Most Wisconsin programs now require you to complete a classroom experience course in your first semester. This shows you what it’s like to work as an elementary school teacher and what you may expect from your career. This knowledge may make it easier to go forward with more demanding teaching courses.
Elementary Education Course Options in Wisconsin
- Mathematics for Teaching
- Child and Adolescent Development
- School and Society
- Introduction to Education
- Teaching of Reading
- Teaching of Language Arts
- Management of Students with Learning and Behavioral Disabilities
- Strategies for Inclusive Schooling
- Diagnosis, Assessment, and Instructional Planning
- Teaching Social Studies
- Teaching Mathematics
- Elementary Student Teaching Seminar
You may find that the most important part of your training is student teaching. This semester really pulls together everything you’ve learned as a teaching student. You have to come up with innovative solutions to problems, handle problem students, and utilize your classroom time efficiently. If you earn an elementary education online degree, you still have to go through a full semester of student teaching to qualify for a teaching license.
With your degree in hand, its time to apply for a license through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This requires you to pass the elementary education Praxis II exam. You then earn your Initial Educator License, which allows you to work independently in Wisconsin classrooms.
The field of education needs skilled, passionate teachers to revitalize school for students. Start exploring your options in this industry today by reaching out to Wisconsin teacher training programs.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Wisconsin
Once you start looking for jobs, you should have a solid understanding of the local job market and salary range in Wisconsin. O*Net anticipates a 1% increase in job openings through the year 2024 (2017). Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers claim an average salary of $55,120 per year (2017).
No matter how much experience you have in this field, there’s always more you can learn. That’s where professional organizations come into play. They host continuing education programs that may help you keep your skills fresh and keep your license valid. They also run networking events that let you touch base with local teachers and school administrators. As you get active in your local teaching community, look into joining groups like the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
There’s no time like right now to start preparing for the future. Discover which teaching program suits you by contacting Wisconsin schools today.
