UWSP Teacher License Application FAQ


What is a teacher license?
To be a certified teacher you must complete an approved teacher education program. To be a licensed teacher, you must apply to a state licensing agency for a teacher license.  Applications for Wisconsin educator licenses are available online at
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlsis/tel/licguide.html
A check or money order for your fee must be attached to your application.


When can I apply for a teacher license?
If you are currently student or intern teaching and would be applying for your first license, the earliest we would accept applications is January 9 for fall semester, and June 1 for spring semester. All other license applications are processed as they are received.


What is a Notary Public, and do I need to have my license application notarized?
By state law, the Wisconsin Conduct and Competency Review form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public.  Most banks have notaries and Mrs. Catherine Griesmer, Office of Field Experiences, Room 464 CPS, phone - 715 346-2449, is a notary.  You must show a Notary Public two forms of identification, one with a picture.


What are fingerprint cards and how do I get them?
By state law, some applicants for Wisconsin and other states’ teacher licenses must submit approved fingerprint cards, which can be ordered online at  http://dpi.state.wi.us/tepdl/fphelp.html
They are also available at Campus Security. For a $10.00 fee Campus Security will process your cards between 8:00 – 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday.


What is Institutional Endorsement?
Most applications for teacher licenses require the signature of an approved Certifying Officer. On Wisconsin Form DPI-1602 IS, section IV must be completed by UWSP staff.  



How long will it take to process my teacher license application?
It takes approximately three weeks for us to process an application after the grades are posted.  It takes 14 - 16 weeks for licensing agencies to return your official license.

The UWSP Records and Registration Office must post degrees or new majors/minors before we process applications. Then we request transcripts, verify that you meet requirements, and mail your original application to a licensing agency.    

Can I get a temporary license?
We recommend that you request a copy of your endorsed application for your records and for your job search. If you accept a job immediately, some school districts will accept a copy of your endorsed application.  For those districts that don’t, you can request a Verification of Program Completion form. Please include one self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for these documents.

What is a license renewal?
Teachers with licenses (e.g., elementary) to which they are not adding new endorsements (e.g., reading teacher) can obtain renewal forms from licensing agencies and send them directly back along with their grade reports, transcripts, professional development plans or other documents. The UWSP Certification Office will gladly assist any teacher with questions about licensure.

Is there a Teacher Licensure Checklist?

___ Read the UWSP Handbook for Student/Intern Teaching (p.9)
http://www.uwsp.edu/cps/field/download/

___ Obtain and complete application(s) for each state

___ Complete Conduct & Competency Form, with notarized signature*

___ Attach check or money order for fee(s)

___ Attach SASE or FAX number for copy of endorsed application

___ Attach fingerprint card(s)*

___ Submit all the above to:

Catherine Griesmer
464 CPS, UWSP
Stevens Point WI 54481

* if required

License notes.doc  05/07