Education: Elementary and Middle Education, K-9

Inspire Young Minds: Become a grade K-9 educator through UW-Milwaukee’s Elementary and Middle Education Program! Our program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain your K-9 teaching license, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in elementary and middle school classrooms.

Whether you’re a traditional undergraduate pursuing your first degree, a post-baccalaureate student transitioning into a teaching career, or a professional seeking to combine teacher certification with a master’s degree, this program offers the flexibility and support to guide you on your journey to becoming a licensed teacher.

Jump to Program Details

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus, Online

Why Choose UWM’s Elementary & Middle Education Program?

Hands-On Learning: Real-world, classroom-based field experiences in a variety of grades with students from diverse backgrounds.
Expert Faculty: Learn from highly qualified educators delivering cutting-edge curriculum designed to prepare you for today’s educational challenges.
Flexibility: Benefit from options that include evening courses, full and part-time scheduling, and online coursework for post-baccalaureate students.
Support: Cohort model ensures support throughout your educational journey.

A young child (black male) working on a project at his desk in his classroom

As an elementary and middle education student at UW-Milwaukee, you will gain real-world experiences in schools that are guided by dedicated mentor teachers and university supervisors. From the beginning of your program, you’ll work with children in classrooms, gaining valuable real-world experience that continues throughout your coursework.

Who Should Consider The Elementary and Middle Education Program?

Traditional undergraduate students or transfer students.
Career changers who have already completed a bachelor’s degree.
Students interested in earning a master’s degree and teacher certification.

New Cohort Featuring Online Coursework – Starting Fall 2025

UW-Milwaukee’s Teacher Certification Pathways in Elementary and Middle Education will prepare you to earn your K-9 teaching license.

Who Should Apply?
This pathway, which features online coursework and hands-on teaching opportunities, is available to individuals or paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree, as well as educators who hold an emergency license or a license with stipulations.

Download Program Brochure (pdf)

Undergraduate Program

Are you interested in becoming a teacher?

Consider the UWM teacher education program to teach grades K-9.

View Requirements

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Have you considered returning to school to become a teacher for grades K-9?

Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program for the elementary and middle school, K-9, teaching license (2088).

To explore this option, please complete a Request for Transcript Evaluation. Completing the Transcript Evaluation Form is the first step toward earning your post-baccalaureate teaching certification and will help determine courses needed to obtain a post-baccalaureate teaching certification.

Note: Coursework for the post-baccalaureate EME program can be completed either on campus or online.
View the Fall 2025 Online Post-Baccalaureate Cohort Course Schedule (docx)

Graduate Program

Would you like to earn your master’s degree along with your teaching license for grades K-9?

Individuals can pursue a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction while completing the post-baccalaureate teaching certification program for the elementary and middle school, K-9, teaching license (2088). Several of the program courses can be applied toward the graduate degree. Work with your academic and faculty advisors to coordinate your coursework.

View Requirements

Add-On License Program

Are you interested in extending your current teaching license to grades K-9?

The add-on license is most appropriate for individuals that currently hold a regular education license to teach grades 1-8, 1-6, K-6, or K-8 or similar developmental levels.

Career Planning and Resource Center

The Center for Student Experience and Talent is available to UWM students and alumni, offering assistance with job exploration, preparation and managing the complex process of applying for jobs.

UWM Admission

Undergraduate Admission	To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application.
Post-Baccalaureate Certification	The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher.
Graduate Admission	To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest.

Universities of Wisconsin Application (Undergrad | Post-Bacc | 2nd Degree)

The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.

In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:

It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
1. When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
2. When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.

School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)

All applicants to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, program must meet the following requirements to advance to the professional program sequence.

Meet with your academic advisor – review your academic plan with your advisor and discuss your eligibility to advance to the professional program sequence.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate courses
Pass a Criminal Background Check as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for all applicants to a teacher education program
Successful application
Advisor approval to proceed into the professional education semesters

Grade of B or better in Currins 300
Grade of C or better in Math 175
Satisfied Oral and Written Communication (OWC) Part A requirement

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
Transcript Evaluation

For programs regulated by the Department of Public Instruction, a baccalaureate degree, from an accredited college or university is required.

[ Program Admission Process (pptx) ]

Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form

Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form

Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.

Application Deadlines

Due Oct. 1 for Spring Admission
Due March 15 for Fall Admission

Late applications may be considered, subject to space availability and committee review.

If you have not yet completed all requirements but will do so before the admission semester begins, you are encouraged to complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form. Please meet with an academic advisor to determine the best time to apply.