Project Teaching Program
General Education Teacher Certification
The Project Teaching Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide both initial and additional Wisconsin teaching licenses in 18 general education subject areas! The Project Teaching Program offers two different pathways to obtain your Wisconsin teaching certification in general education depending on your current teaching license status.
Apply to the Project Teaching Program!
The Project Teaching Program
Who is eligible for the Project Teaching Program?
The Project Teaching Program is for anyone who already has a bachelor's degree and wants to get an initial Wisconsin teaching license or for those who already have a teaching license and want to add a general education teaching license. Your transcripts will be reviewed to determine if you have met the course and credit requirements for a major equivalency in the subject area you are seeking licensure for.
Paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who have a bachelor's degree and those on a Wisconsin emergency teaching license or Tier 1 license with stipulations are strongly encouraged to apply!
What license will I have upon completing the program?
Project Teaching Program completers are eligible for one of the following Wisconsin DPI teacher certifications.:
| DPI License # | Subject Area (Click each to View Major Equivalency Document) |
Grade Levels |
| 1200 | Agriculture Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1210 | Family and Consumer Education Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1220 | Tech Education Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1250 | Business Education Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1285 | Marketing Education Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1348 | American Sign Language Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1355 | French Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1365 | Spanish Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1395 | English as a Second Language Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1400 | Mathematics Teacher Certification | 4-12 |
| 1405 | Computer Science Teacher Certification | 4-12 |
| 2500 | Music Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1530 | Physical Education Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1550 | ArtTeacher Certification | K-12 |
| 1910 | Health Teacher Certification | K-12 |
| 2300 | English Language Arts Teacher Certification | 4-12 |
| 2600 | Science Teacher Certification | 4-12 |
| 2700 | Social Studies Teacher Certification | 4-12 |
How long does it take to go through the program?
The Project Teaching Program is comprised of three semesters and takes approximately 12 months to complete. Each of the first two semesters of coursework is four months long. Students attend eight weekend Zoom sessions over eight months. During the last semester of the program, students are required to student teach and follow the school district calendar during that semester (Fall or Spring). There are no class meetings during the student teaching semester.
Where are classes offered?
Our programs are designed for full-time professionals who have a demanding schedule and family commitments. The Project Teaching Program is taught online via Zoom, so students can learn from the convenience of their home while still interfacing with the instructor and cohort classmates on a regular schedule. Our online program allows students to learn flexibly and collaboratively without the cost and time needed for travel!
Why is a cohort model important?
The Project Teaching Program is a cohort model, which means students stay with the same instructor and the same classmates throughout their program experience. This allows our Project Teaching students to join a network of colleagues that they can stay in touch with long after their program is completed. Students apply the topics learned throughout the program and enjoy learning from others' perspectives - much like a department team!
Who teaches the Project Teaching Program cohorts?
All of our Project Teaching Program instructors are experienced and currently practicing administrators in Wisconsin school districts. Students learn from leaders who are actively involved in teaching and learning in our schools which keeps the Project Teaching curriculum current, relevant, and practical. Our instructors offer an online environment that is supportive and caring to all students' learning needs. Academic advisement is personalized to help students make the most of their Project Teaching Program experience.
How is the program structured?
The Online Project Teaching Program courses are taken in sequential order. Students must demonstrate proficiency during each semester to progress to the next semester.
Semester I
EDWN 600: Individual Development and Effective Practice is a three credit blended course that meets face to face during Sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Fridays 6:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturdays 8:00 am - 11:30 am. Class meets asynchronously for weekly online discussions during the remaining twelve weeks of the semester.
Semester II
EDWN 603: Teaching and Learning Practices a three credit blended course that meets face to face during Sessions 5, 6, 7, and 8 are on Fridays 6:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturdays 8:00 am - 11:30 am. Class meets asynchronously for weekly online discussions during the remaining twelve weeks of the semester.
*Students are required to complete pre-student teaching requirements during Semester I or II before being eligible to student teach during semester III.
Semester III
EDWN 612: Student Teaching is a three credit practicum experience. Students choose up to 3 school districts where the student teaching will take place and our placement coordinator works with the districts in student's priority order to set up the placement. Student teaching occurs during the school year only (Fall or Spring) and follows the school district calendar. Students who are working under a Tier 1 license with stipulations or Wisconsin emergency teaching license, may student teach on the job!
Which tests are required?
Content Knowledge - Students must demonstrate proficiency in content knowledge related to their certification area(s). Proficiency can be demonstrated by either:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher in the certification subject/major area (or related) as demonstrated on official transcripts (courses not related to these subject areas will not be considered); or
- Praxis II - Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent on content knowledge exams for the specific subject certification area. (Refer to Major Equivalency worksheet for specific test requirement).
When can I start?
Online cohorts begin every January, May, and September! Application deadlines for each semester are December 1, April 1, and August 1 (respectively). All application information must be completed and the enrollment fee paid by the application deadline date. See Cohort Schedule for detail on specific dates.
Is financial aid available?
Financial Aid is available through our partnership with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN). As part of the Project Teaching online application process, students must complete an application to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. On that application, students will select that they choose to enroll in Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Education with a Custom Specialization Program if they wish to apply for financial aid. A student may opt to complete the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master's program at a later date. Students must complete an online FAFSA form and include the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Code 002380.
When the financial aid is awarded from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, the student receives the award directly from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and must, in turn, pay Educate-WI for tuition in order to remain in good standing in the program. Tuition is due on time to Educate-WI regardless of financial aid status.
What is the cost?
Enrollment $ 500 Non-refundable
Semester I $ 3,400 Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester I
Semester II $ 3,400 Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester II
Semester III $ 3,400 Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of Semester III
*Subject to change without notice.
Will I earn graduate credits?
Educate-WI students earn nine graduate credits throughout the Project Teaching Program and can request an official transcript from SMUMN. The credits earned through Educate-WI courses can be transferred to the 30-credit SMUMN M.A. with Custom Specialization Degree.
Graduate credits are recognized by some districts for salary advancement!
What are the admissions requirements?
The Project Teaching Program admissions requirements are:
-
A cover letter that describes your interest in the program and becoming a teacher.
-
An official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S. The student must request that an official transcript, that includes the degree conferred date be sent by the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate-WI to be admitted to the program.
-
A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
-
Two letters of recommendation from employers/supervisors who can provide evidence to support your qualifications as a graduate student are required.
-
Acceptance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota to be admitted to the Project Teaching Program.
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Criminal Background Checks with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes that may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The first criminal background check will be conducted upon completion of the application process and prior to the first class meeting. The second criminal background check is conducted prior to student teaching. The criminal background check is part of the online application process.
How do I Apply?
Create an Educate-WI account and complete the online application for the Project Teaching Program by clicking the orange link below.
When your application has been accepted by Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN), you will receive an email from SMUMN that will include your SMUMN ID number. The SMUMN Student ID number verifies you have been accepted at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. You will NOT need to register for courses through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - you will be automatically registered upon successful submission of your Project Teaching application.
The Project Teaching Add-On Program
The Project Teaching Add-On Program is for those who already hold a Wisconsin teaching license and want to add any of our 18 subject areas!
How long does the program take?
The program can easily be completed in less than a semester. Refer to the timeline table below.
Where are classes offered?
The self-paced Project Teaching Program Add-On course is online. Students must conduct independent research to complete the assignments within the timeframe described below. The student teaching experience can take place in the district the student chooses.
How is the program structured?
The Project Teaching Add-On Program consists of one online course and a student teaching experience. Students must demonstrate proficiency during student teaching in the certification area they are seeking as observed by their cooperating teacher and Educate-WI supervisor. Both evaluations can be conducted during the same lesson. The lesson must be taught within the timeframe described below.
Which tests are required?
Content Knowledge Students must demonstrate proficiency in content knowledge related to their certification area(s). Proficiency can be demonstrated by either:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher in the certification subject/major area (or related) as demonstrated on official transcripts (courses not related to these subject areas will not be considered); or
- Praxis II - Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent on content knowledge exams for the specific subject certification area. (Refer to Major Equivalency worksheet for specific test requirement).
When can I start?
Students can begin the Project Teaching Add-On Program on six different dates throughout the year. Please refer to the table below to see the coursework and student teaching timelines for each start date.
|
Start
Date
|
Coursework
Deadline
|
Student
Teaching
Start
|
Student
Teaching
Deadline
|
| Jan 5 | Feb 10 | Mar 5 | Jun 5 |
| Mar 5 | Apr 10 | May 5 | Jun 5 |
| May 5 | Jun 10 | Sept 5 | Nov 5 |
| Jul 5 | Aug 10 | Sept 5 | Nov 5 |
| Sept 5 | Oct 10 | Nov 5 | Jan 5 |
| Nov 5 | Dec 10 | Jan 5 | Mar 5 |
Is Financial Aid Available?
The Project Teaching Add-On Program is offered for no graduate credit, therefore, students in this program are not eligible for financial aid.
What is the cost?
Enrollment $ 250.00 *Non-refundable
Add-On Course $1,000.00 Assignments must be completed per coursework deadline
Student Teaching $3,400.00 Evaluations must be completed per student teaching deadline
Is the program offered for graduate credit?
The Project Teaching Add-On Program is not offered for graduate credit.
What are the admissions requirements?
The Project Teaching Add- On Program admissions requirements are:
-
Already have a teaching license.
-
A cover letter that describes your interest in the program and becoming a teacher.
-
An official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S. The student must request that an official transcript, which includes the degree conferred date be sent by the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate-WI to be admitted to the program.
-
A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
-
Two letters of recommendation from employers/supervisors who can provide evidence to support your qualifications as a graduate student are required.
-
Criminal background checks with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes which may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The first criminal background checks will be conducted upon completion of the application process and prior to the start of the coursework. A second background check will be required if student teaching is not completed within one year of the first background check.
Apply to the Project Teaching Program!
100%
Placement rate
18
DPI Approved Subject Areas
12
Months to Complete
3
Start Dates Throughout the Year