TEACHER HIRING PROCESS

Application Procedures

1. The easiest and fastest way to apply to MPS is online, using the web-based application system. Your application (and resume if you desire) is automatically submitted to MPS. Additionally, you can check the status of your application online at any time. Paper application forms may be downloaded from the web.(Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2181, Milwaukee, WI 53201-2181.) 

2. Completed paper applications may be submitted in person or by mail. Be sure to sign the application. 

3. Please request the colleges or universities which you attended to send an official transcript of credits and professional references. Be sure that the transcripts show the grades received for all credits since the Milwaukee Public Schools will use the grades to determine whether you will be placed higher on the salary schedule if you have excess credits beyond those needed to graduate. Have all information sent to: 

Milwaukee Public Schools 
Department of Human Resources 
Office of Certificated Staffing - Room 124 
P.O. Box 2181 
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2181 

If graduation has not occurred at the time of application, a partial transcript will be acceptable. However, a final transcript showing evidence of graduation must be submitted as soon as possible after receipt of a contract. 

4. If applicable, submit evidence of dates of entry and honorable separation from military service for salary classification purposes. (Separation papers carry both dates.) 

Processing of Applications 

1. Those applicants, whose files are complete with application form, official transcripts, placement credentials and other references and who are prepared to teach in an area of anticipated vacancy in the Milwaukee Public Schools, may be invited to participate in a personal interview. A criminal background check is conducted on each applicant prior to the interview. Assuming the applicant is cleared for hire based on the results of the background check, he/she is contacted for an interview. Considering the number of vacancies in any given subject matter field, applications are reviewed and those considered best qualified are invited for interviews. Interviews are conducted by appointment in the Central Services Building, Room 124, and college or university placement offices. 

2. After transcripts, references, and other data have been received and the interview has been completed, the application will be reviewed by the appropriate staffing specialist. Following this review, the following action may be taken: 

A. Contract 

The applicant will receive a printed and signed contract showing the effective date of commencement of services and the salary which is based on the verified information made available by the applicant. 

The contract is a continuing contract and is issued to guarantee initial appointment. After three years of satisfactory service, the candidate earns permanent tenure. In the state of Wisconsin, the continuing contract applies to the Milwaukee Public School system only and this obviates the annual renewal of contract. 

B. Non-Contract 

If a position becomes available, qualified applicants will be considered for appointment. Applications will be retained in our files. Those individuals interested in consideration for a subsequent semester or future school year must contact this office for a "Renewal of Application" in February prior to availability. 

It is recommended that applicants keep their files up to date by adding additional information relating to professional preparation or teaching experience as it occurs. 

Administrative Requirements for New Staff Members 

The requirements listed below must be submitted by all new staff members to the Office of Certificated Staffing (Room 124) as soon as possible after acceptance of a contract. Failure to complete requirements #1-3 before the end of the first semester of teaching will result in termination of employment as an appointed teacher. Requirement #4 must be met prior to the teacher's first day of teaching. 

1. Official Transcript of College Training 

A final and official transcript must be provided bearing evidence of having been granted a bachelor's degree. Credits beyond that required to graduate can be used to advance on the salary schedule. It is your responsibility to keep track of the number of credits that are required for you to advance on the teacher salary schedule. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credits earned. Transcripts must be submitted from the school in which the course(s) was taken including the grade in the course. Salary calculations can only be made on the basis of official records submitted and not on the basis of statements made by the applicant on the application. 

2. Certificate of Health 

A certificate showing satisfactory state of health including drug testing for public school teaching services must be secured from a medical examiner of the TRIGRAM.LLP. Detailed information will be forwarded to you after you return a signed contract. Should it be impossible to comply with this requirement before reporting for duty because of the distance from the city, the examination may be taken as soon as possible after arrival to begin teaching service. The report of the result of the examination will be transmitted by the TRIGRAM.LLP to this office. (Under Board rule, no examination report may be accepted.) 

3. Birth Certificate 

A copy of your birth certificate or other legally acceptable evidence of date of birth (baptismal certificate issued at time of birth, affidavit of birth, passport, naturalization papers) must be provided. 

4. Wisconsin License to Teach 

In accordance with a mandate from the Department of Public Instruction, all teachers are to submit a copy of their license prior to their first day of teaching. Failure to have a license on file could result in your removal as an appointed teacher. 

License applications are usually obtained by the college or university for students graduating from institutions in the state of Wisconsin. The form may also be obtained from the Office of Certificated Staffing or by writing to the State Department of Public Instruction, Teacher Licensing, Drawer 794, Milwaukee, WI 53293-0794. 

5. Reading Requirement 

It is required that elementary classroom teachers have completed six (6) credits in developmental reading. If you have not completed this requirement, it will be necessary for you to do so prior to the end of the first year of employment. If you have any questions concerning this matter, it is suggested that you contact the Office of Certificated Staffing (475-8227). 

6. Residency Requirement 

All teachers employed by the Milwaukee Public Schools must maintain their residency in the city of Milwaukee. Failure to meet the residency requirement within one year of your initial day of employment will result in termination of employment as an appointed teacher. 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

1. The easiest and fastest way to apply to MPS is online, using the web-based application system. Your application (and resume if you desire) is automatically submitted to MPS. Additionally, you can check the status of your application online at any time. Paper application forms may be downloaded from the web, obtained in person, or requested by mail from the Central Services Building, Department of Human Resources, Room 124, 5225 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208. (Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2181, Milwaukee, WI 53201-2181.) 

2. Completed paper application may be submitted in person or by mail. Be sure to sign the application. 

3. Please request the college and/or universities which you attended to send an official transcript of credits and professional references to: 

Milwaukee Public Schools 
Human Resources 
Department of Staffing Services - Room 124 
P.O. Box 2181 
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2181 

If you have not graduated at the time of application, a partial transcript will be acceptable. However, a final transcript showing evidence of graduation should be submitted as soon as possible. 

4. Upon receipt of a completed application form, transcripts indicating a Bachelors' Degree and a copy of your current Wisconsin state teaching license (if applicable) or documentation that you have successfully completed a substitute teacher training course, we will contact you to schedule an interview. For information on substitute training courses, please contact CESA #I (414/546-3000 x 427) or Team Educators (262/968-4422). 

5. Upon being hired, all employees must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification form. At the time of your interview, please bring either your driver's license or state I.D. card and either your social security card or birth certificate issued by state, county, or municipal authority bearing a seal or other certification. 

EMPLOYMENT IS SUBJECT TO A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW, CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND MEDICAL EXAM/DRUG SCREENING.