Licensing

Licensing Rules and Statutes

State of Wisconsin Administrative Rules

PI 34 - Wisconsin Administrative Code for Teacher Education Program Approval and Licensing

PI 34 governs teacher education, educator licenses, and professional development for Wisconsin educators. The system is based on Wisconsin Educator Standards with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and dispositions for teaching, pupil services, and administration. Initial licensing is based on an educator’s successful performance as measured against these standards.

PI 8 - Wisconsin Administrative Code Governing School District Standards

PI 8 expands on statutory requirements for school district standards found under Wisconsin Statutes section 121.02. PI 8 requirements relevant to licensing include:

  • PI 8.001 - Key definitions such as instructional staff and what it means to work under the direction.
  • PI 8.01(2)(a) - Licensing requirements. 
  • PI 8.01(2) - Multiple sections related to who can provide instruction.
  • PI 8.02 - Compliance audits may be conducted.
  • PI 8.03 - Noncompliance hearings and actions.

Licensing Rules Prior to PI 34

  • Wis. Admin. Code PI 3 – Administrative rule governing Licenses that was repealed effective July 1, 2004, and replaced by Wis. Admin. Code PI 34. PI 3 also hosts an appendix of licenses.
  • Wis. Admin Code PI 4 – Administrative rule governing Teacher Education Program Approval that was repealed effective July 1, 2004, and replaced by Wis. Admin. Code PI 34.

Wisconsin State Statutory Chapters with License Requirements

The following chapters with key provisions noted have statutory provisions regarding the requirement to be licensed.

  • Chapter 115 - State Superintendent; General Classifications and Definitions; Children with Disabilities
    • 115.28(7) Licensing of Teachers
    • 115.31 License or permit revocation; reports; investigation. 
    • 115.315 Memorandum of understanding; license restriction and suspension
  • Chapter 118 - General School Operations
    • 118.19 Teacher certificates and licenses; administrator and pupil services professional licenses. 
    • 118.191 Experience-based licensure for technical and vocational education subjects. 
    • 118.1915 Licensure for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructors. 
    • 118.192 Professional teaching permits. 
    • 118.193 Licenses based on reciprocity. 
    • 118.194 Initial license to teach; Montessori.
    • 118.197 Initial license to teach; alternative preparation programs. 
    • 118.21 Teacher contracts (reference to license requirements).
  • Chapter 119 - First Class City School System (Milwaukee Public Schools)
  • Chapter 121 - School Finance
    • 121.02 School District Standards references a number of licensing requirements including the requirements to hold a license.

Federal Licensing Requirements

  • 20 USC Section 6312: Elementary and Secondary Education Act Local Educational Agency Plans (Title I)
    • Section 6312 (c)(6) - Each local educational agency (LEA) plan shall provide assurances that the local educational agency will ensure that all teachers and paraprofessionals working in a program supported with funds under this part meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements, including any requirements for certification obtained through alternative routes to certification.
       

    • Section 6312 (e) - Parents right-to-know.
      LEAs shall notify parents that they may requrest information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers, including whether the student's teacher: 1) has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; 2) is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; 3) is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

      Parents may also request information as to whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

      LEAs must also provide timely notice that the student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

  • 34 CFR 300.156 (c) - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    Qualifications for special education teachers.

Contact the licensing help desk with questions or comments regarding your license, general licensing questions including information found on this page, or to contact us about someone else.