Project Teaching
We accept applications year-round for semesters beginning in May, September and January.
Program Description
A teacher certification program in the fields of agriculture, art, business education, computer science, family & consumer education, foreign languages, mathematics, music, sciences, and technology approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for persons with bachelor's degrees in school subject areas.
Current Wisconsin DPI Approval Letter
The instructional program features:
- Five weekend class meetings over two four month semesters - Friday evening & all day Saturday.
- Web-based assignments - Visit educational web sites, write reflective papers.
- Practical teaching experience as a substitute teacher in a school near you.
- Required student teaching or teaching with a two-year permit.
View Project Teaching Class Schedule
As a result of your work in these two semesters you will develop a professional portfolio to show your knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach. Two types of required teaching are possible:
- Student Teaching
- Candidates who do not have degrees in areas required for the two-year permit program or who do not meet the five year professional work requirement are placed in the “Certification by Equivalency” program. The major differences are that these candidates must have the equivalent of a major in a teaching field and must also student teach for one semester. Please contact us for details. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are fully licensed as Initial Educators. This is the same license issued to all other new teachers and qualifies holders to teach in any public school in Wisconsin.
- Two-year Teaching Permit
- Candidates who hold degrees in Visual Arts, Computer Science, Engineering, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Music, or Science and who have five years of professional work experience are eligible to obtain a permit to teach after completing a 100-hour program. Teaching fields related to these degrees are considered shortage areas. Upon successful completion of first portfolio you are eligible for a teaching permit that allows you to teach for two years under supervision. After successful completion of the two-year permit, candidates are fully licensed as Initial Educators. This is the same license issued to all other new teachers and qualifies holders to teach in any public school in Wisconsin.
After required teaching for a semester (or two years under the permit) you develop a second portfolio to show how you have affected your students' learning and how your knowledge, skills, and teaching dispositions have grown. Successful completion of this portfolio in either program option leads to your initial educator's license.
Program Options:
| Requirements | Two-Year Permit Option | Certification with Student Teaching Option |
|---|---|---|
Degree Required |
Bachelor's degree in art, computer science, engineering, foreign language, mathematics, music, or science -- GPA of at least 2.75 |
Bachelor's degree with the equivalent of a major in a K-12 teaching field -- GPA of at least 2.75 |
Work Experience |
5 year minimum |
2 year minimum |
Tests Required |
||
License/Permit Required |
Substitute Teacher or Emergency Permit ($100 fee to Wisconsin DPI) |
|
Program of Study |
Monthly classes, papers based on web-based study, 20 hours of substitute teaching |
|
Portfolio |
|
|
Required Teaching |
Two years of supervised teaching |
One full semester of student teaching |
Portfolio |
|
|
Waiver of Admission Requirements
All participants will be required to meet the following admission requirements:
- Degree Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college with GPA of 2.75 and the equivalent of a major in a teaching area.
- Two-year permit participants must have a degree in art, computer science, engineering, foreign language, mathematics, music or science.
- Prior Experience:
- Two years of experience after award of bachelor’s degree.
- Two-year permit participants must have five years of professional employment in the field of their degree.
- Emergency or substitute teaching permit for 20 hours of teaching.
- Passing scores on the Praxis I and II as required for teacher licensure in Wisconsin
Only the following waivers of these requirements will be considered in response to your written request for a waiver.
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 may be appealed if you have a GPA of 2.75 or greater in your major, graduate work showing a higher GPA or other more recent evidence of likely success in the program.
- Two year experience requirement may be appealed if your degree was awarded after you spent at least two years on-the-job in your field of study.
- The emergency or substitute permit requirement may be appealed if you have worked or are working as an aide and hold the appropriate DPI license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fees (Subject to Change without Notice)
- Deposit = $500
- Semester 1 = $1,800
- Semester 2 = $1,800
- Required Teaching Semester = $1,800
- Total program cost = $5,900
Payments by check or Discover, Visa or MasterCard are accepted. A $50 discount for each semester is applied if you pay the entire semester fee by check before attending the first class of the semester.
Payment plan: $500 deposit (refundable if you do not attend any class sessions) and twelve monthly payments of $450.
Graduate credit is available for an additional $360 for six credits in our program (see financial aid information below).
Financial Aid
You must enroll for at least four credits per semester (one additional one-credit course each semester) with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Education program to be eligible for federal financial aid. Those applying for the SMU Masters in Education and FAFSA loans are encouraged to start the application process immediately by applying directly to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota even before enrolling in Project Teaching, since loan processing takes several months. Please keep us apprised of the progress of your application to Saint Mary’s and your loan processing. Additional documentation, such as two more letters of reference and a separate copy of transcripts, will be required by SMU beyond application materials you submit for admission. For more information on FAFSA when applying as a SMU Masters student, see Financial Aid FAQ.
Other Financial Assistance
- Many programs that offer educational loans for certification programs including Wells Fargo Bank..
- Teachers who work in low income schools may be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
- As a displaced worker you may be eligible for financial assistance from a program in your area.
- Drilling members and retirees from active duty, National Guard, or Reserves may be eligible for financial support through Troops to Teachers. Contact: Steve Campbell, Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 800-947-8387, steve.campbell@dva.state.wi.us
To apply:
Send the following items to: Project Teaching, P.O. Box 129, Ladysmith WI 54848
- Cover letter identifying desired subject area,
- Resume detailing work experience,
- Transcripts (official transcripts required if you are admitted).
Please send Praxis I & II scores and a copy of substitute or emergency permit if available (these are required if you are admitted).