TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

What is Alternative Certification?

Alternative certification is another way to become a certified teacher with the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

Currently, MPS operates several alternative certification programs which provide opportunities for people with non-education degrees to become fully certified public school teachers.

For individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree, the alternative certification programs offer the shortest route to obtaining teacher certification.

Each alternative certification program provides extensive resources and expert mentors and coaches who work directly with the students. Each alternative certification program is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of the students. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates are eligible to apply for a Wisconsin teaching license in their subject areas.

What are Alternative Certification Program Requirements?

MTEC

· Possess baccalaureate degree
· Complete successful interview process
· Work with elementary or middle school students
· Click here to visit the site

MMTEP

· Possess baccalaureate degree
· Work as a paraprofessional or general assistant in MPS
· Complete successful interview process
· Enroll in UWM program
· Work with elementary or middle school students
· Click here to visit the site

UWM Special Education Program

· Possess baccalaureate degree
· Complete successful interview process
· Enroll in UWM post-baccalaureate program
· Work with elementary, middle, or high school students
· Click here to visit the site

Troops to Teachers Program

· Service in United States Military
· Work with elementary, middle, or high school students
· Click here to visit the Wisconsin Troops to Teachers site
· Click here to visit the National Troops to Teachers site

How do Alternative Certification Programs Operate?

The MTEC, MMTEP, and UWM Special Education Programs are resident teacher programs which require all participants to possess a bachelor's degree.

Resident teachers are placed in MPS schools, where they are paid a beginning teacher's salary and are assigned to their own classrooms. MPS educators serve as coaches and mentors and work with the resident teachers during the entire school year. Resident teachers attend classes during the summer months and the school year.

After successful completion of all the program requirements, resident teachers are eligible to apply for a Wisconsin teaching license and a certified teacher position with MPS.

All the alternative certification programs are actively recruiting minorities and other individuals who want to work in an urban setting with a diverse population of students.

Alternative Certification Program Contact Information

MTEC (Milwaukee Teacher Education Center)
Contact: Tom McGinnity
Phone: (414) 227-2500

MMTEP (Metropolitan Multicultural Teacher Education Pre-Service Program)
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Contact: Linda Post
Phone: (414) 229-4179

Milwaukee Public Schools
Contact: Jodi Toman
Phone: (414) 475-8534

UWM Special Education
Milwaukee Public Schools
Contact: Carol Topinka
Phone: (414) 475-8745

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Contacts: Lisa Dieker, Middle/Secondary
Phone: (414) 229-4321
or
Contact: Judy Winn, Elementary/Middle
Phone: (414) 229-4109


Each alternative certification program has its own entrance requirements.

To learn more about the specific alternative certification program which meets your needs, please call the telephone number of the contact person listed on this brochure.

To learn more about the Alternative Certification application process or to have your general questions answered, please call:

Jodi Toman, Recruitment Specialist
Department of Human Resources
(414) 475-8534
Milwaukee Public Schools
Central Services Building

or

Cynthia Gallant, Director
Department of Educational Services
(414) 475-8143
Milwaukee Public Schools
Central Services Building