(Bachelor of Science)

UW-Green Bay’s teacher education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The program is designed to prepare entry-level teachers with relevant content, professional knowledge and skills to effectively meet the future learning needs of a changing school population.

Students seeking an elementary to middle school license (Grades K through 9) will complete a major in Education. Graduates seeking this license will receive a bachelor's degree in Education.

Students who desire secondary-level teaching licensure (Grades 4 through 12 or All Ages) are required to complete a minor in Education to support a disciplinary major as required and approved by the Department of Public Instruction. Graduates seeking these licenses receive a bachelor’s degree in their disciplinary major(s). One exception is science, which has an emphasis within the Education major. 

The interdisciplinary, problem-focused studies offered at UW-Green Bay provide uncommonly strong preparation for teaching. Students focus on excellence in the teaching/learning process through methods and field experience courses that provide the background, knowledge and instructional tools needed to become effective teachers. These studies complement strong academic coursework in communication, the arts, humanities, social studies, science and mathematics.

UW-Green Bay offers teacher license programs at these age levels:

• Elementary and Middle School (Grades K through 9)
• Middle and High School (Grades 4 through 12) 
• Grades Kindergarten through 12 (All Grade levels)

Students may pursue a supplemental Bilingual/Bicultural Education and/or English as a Second Language license by completing a minor in Humanistic Studies with an emphasis in linguistics and any additional requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Contact the Professional Program in Education for a full list of certification requirements.

UW-Green Bay’s teacher education program provides prospective teachers with an opportunity to work in a variety of educational settings throughout their program of study. These school-based experiences will include work with various ethnic, cultural and economic groups, and children with exceptional educational needs.

Who Should Seek an Education Major or Minor?

To declare a major or minor in Education, students must first be admitted to the Professional Program in Education. The process and requirements are listed below. Students must enjoy being around children and adolescents. However, a love of children does not guarantee a love of teaching! Teaching is a demanding but extremely rewarding profession. The best teachers are those who pursue a love of learning that does not end at graduation. Teaching is a calling, a commitment to educating, and not just a job.

Students interested in pursuing an Education major or minor must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand their educational and emotional needs. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative.

Majors and Minors

Students majoring in Education are not required to complete an academic minor to be endorsed for a license to teach Grades K through 9.  Students thinking about teaching at the middle or high school level complete a minor in Education and major in the area they want to teach (with the exception of science). Students must have a passion for their major program of study and a desire to actively engage others in the learning process.

Knowledge and Skills Gained in the Major and Minor

The requirements for both the Education major and minor include courses that address today’s concerns in education: changes in the schools and schooling, changes in the nature and nurture of students, and changes in society and the workplace. Early clinical experiences allow prospective teachers to observe and participate in actual educational settings. These experiences will often include working with students from various ethnic, cultural and economic groups, adult learners, and exceptional needs children.

Students will learn and understand the central concepts, tools, and structures of their discipline. Students will also understand how children learn and develop and how children differ in their learning abilities. Teaching techniques and strategies of instruction are taught not only to educate children on subject matter, but also in an effort to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

What Can You Do with a Major or Minor in Education?

Education is a professional program, which primarily educates students to become entry-level teachers. However, there are many other career opportunities in education. The following are some but certainly not all of the career opportunities in the field of education: day care administrator, education management specialist, educational sales representative, education and training administrator, elementary school teacher, kindergarten teacher, librarian, preschool administrator, secondary school teacher, and tutor.

Program Admission Process and Requirements

Admission to the program is a two-step process. The first step is to be admitted as a candidate. Step two is final admission to the program. Complete information about admission requirements and all application materials can be obtained from the Education Program Office or on the program website.

Applications for candidacy must be completed and submitted near the beginning of each semester for admission starting the next semester. A committee of Education program faculty reviews applications and makes admission decisions based on the criteria described below. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as a program candidate.

The process and requirements for admission as a candidate in the Professional Program in Education are as follows:

1. Apply and be accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
2. Complete a minimum of twenty-eight (28) university credits with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75.
3. Demonstrate communication competencies in Reading, Writing and Math through a variety of testing options and/or coursework.  A complete list of accepted options can be found on the Application Process and Requirements section of the website.
4. Complete EDUC 208 , FNS 211 or DJS 200 with a grade of "C" or better.  The completion of EDUC 206 with a grade of "C" or better is strongly recommended at the time of application.
5. Complete and submit an Application for Candidacy with supporting documentation to the UW-Green Bay Professional Program in Education.

Only students who are candidates will receive final admission to the program. A committee of Education program faculty members reviews candidates and makes decisions on final admission based on the criteria described below. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee final admission to the program.

The process and requirements for full admission to the program are as follows:

1. Be admitted as a teacher education program candidate.
2. Successfully complete all required courses in candidacy block including EDUC 290 and EDUC 291 with a grade of B or better.
3. Submit the K-12 Teacher Recommendation Form to the Education Program Office.
4. Submit the UW-Green Bay Instructor Recommendation Form to the Education Office.

Undergraduate - Graduate Accelerated Program Track

Following full admission to the education program, undergraduate students may apply to participate in an Undergraduate-Graduate Accelerated track. Students meeting the requirements may request to enroll in coursework at the graduate level that will directly apply to their undergraduate degree and teaching license. Following graduation, students can request admission to the Master of Applied Leadership in Teaching and Learning graduate program and apply up to 9 previously earned graduate credits to this program of study. Once accepted to the graduate program, students adhere to all graduate student expectations and pay full graduate tuition rates.

Requirements for participation include:

• Full admission to the Professional Program in Education
• Junior standing at the completion of semester 1 in the Professional Program in Education
• Cumulative GPA of 3.25
• Education Faculty recommendation

A committee consisting of graduate faculty will review student applications for acceptance before enrollment at the graduate level may occur.

Applications must be submitted by October 1 or March 1 for participation in the following semester.

Teacher Licensing Requirements and Preparation

Students planning to pursue a teaching license should contact the Education Program Office, (920) 465-2137. Teacher licensing requirements are very specific and require ample credit hours. Also, Department of Public Instruction requirements change from time-to-time, making program requirements subject to change. Students must meet any new requirements before a license will be awarded. Students are responsible for being aware of current licensure requirements.

In addition to the requirements listed here, there are regulations about time limits, grade point averages, test scores and other program completion requirements. Credit hours necessary to fulfill the requirements for specific licenses vary, depending upon the major and/or minor selected, age level licensure sought, and other factors. The Education Office can provide specific requirements.

Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a teaching license should contact the Education Office regarding special requirements that apply to them.

Following are summaries of academic program components required for each of the three teaching licenses offered at UW-Green Bay. A detailed listing of specific licensure requirements can be obtained from the Education Program Office.

Elementary and Middle School (Grades K through 9)

• UW-Green Bay general education requirements
• Interdisciplinary major in Education
• Professional education course sequence
• Student teaching
   

Middle and High School (Grades 4 through 12)

• UW-Green Bay general education requirements
• Content area major (except for science)
• Interdisciplinary minor in Education (except for science)
• Professional education course sequence
• Student teaching
   

Kindergarten through Grades 12 (All Grade Levels)

• For licenses in art, music, foreign languages, theatre only
• UW-Green Bay general education requirements
• Selected content area major
• Interdisciplinary minor in Education
• Professional education course sequence
• Student teaching

Students may study abroad or at other campuses in the United States through UW-Green Bay’s participation in international exchange programs and National Student Exchange. Travel courses are another option for obtaining academic credits and completing requirements. For more information, contact the Office of International Education at (920) 465-2190 or see http://www.uwgb.edu/international/.

Programmatic Outcomes

Standard 1: Pupil Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard 2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses his or her understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard 3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Standard 4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Standard 5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard 6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Standard 7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard 8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues and other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.