EPCS - Educational Portfolios & Career Services

University Certification
When you have completed the UW-Madison teacher certification program, you are eligible to apply for a license to teach in the public schools. Because the School of Education must verify that you are qualified for the license, academic records must be checked for completion of requirements (appropriate courses, grades, human relations, departmental recommendation, e-portfolio completion, etc.).

It is highly advisable for students to make an appointment with the Office of Education Academic Services (EAS), B117 Education Building, to check their records during the semester in which they are completing certification requirements. EAS can be contacted at (608) 262-1651 or email general information requests to: easinfo@education.wisc.edu

Teaching License
A teaching license is a document, valid for a specific length of time and issued by each state for use within that state. The license (in some instances called certificates, permits, credentials) indicates that the holder is qualified to teach the subjects and/or grade levels endorsed on the license. Licenses are required in all states and United States territories to teach in public schools. They are not valid outside the state in which they are issued.

License for Wisconsin
License application forms are available to download from the Wisconsin DPI web site at: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlsis/tel/applications.html Detailed information regarding licensing and certification can be found at the Education Academic Services (EAS) website.

The license application form should be completed and returned to Education Academic Services, B117 Education Building, along with the state required fee prior to graduation. When grades are complete and Education Academic Services verifies eligibility, all applications are sent to the Wisconsin State Department of Public Instruction for processing.

Teaching License for Other States
It is important to investigate licensing requirements in states other than Wisconsin where you may be teaching. Procedures vary and you will need to contact each state's Department of Education. (The EPCS web site contains valuable links for out-of-state licensing information). Some states require applicants to take exams as part of the process of becoming licensed in their state.

License applications are available from the state's Department of Education or may be available through the hiring school district.
If an application asks for verification of degree and/or a transcript, send the form to the UW-Madison Registrar, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 21 North Park Street Suite 7223, Madison, Wisconsin 53715.
If an application requires the signature of the certifying officer, send the form to Education Academic Services, B117 Education Building, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.

EPCS website contains information on a few specific state licensing procedures because of frequent requests:

Illinois

District Requests for License Verification
School districts generally understand how the license application process works. They realize that you are applying for positions, but do not necessarily have a license in hand. Students who are interviewing for positions during the semester they are completing their requirements may on request obtain a "pre-approval" letter from EAS that tentatively verifies program completion as of the end of the semester or student teaching experience. When you receive your license, you may choose to add it to your credential materials. Districts may occasionally request a copy of your license application.

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