Education: Elementary and Middle Education, K-9

The elementary and middle education degree program prepares individuals to teach elementary and middle school students in grades K-9. You’ll get real-world experiences in schools that are guided by dedicated mentor teachers and university supervisors.

Students in the program have their choice of a content concentration: English, mathematics, science and social studies.

Jump to Program Details

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

What Sets Our Elementary and Middle Education Program Apart?

Hands-On Learning: Real-world, classroom-based field experiences in a variety of grades with students from diverse backgrounds.
Expert Faculty: Cutting-edge teacher preparation curriculum taught by highly qualified faculty.
Flexibility: Options include evening courses, and full and part-time scheduling.
Support: Cohort model ensures support throughout the program.

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

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.

Career Planning and Resource Center

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

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).

Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous coursework can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate program students)

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.

Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous course work can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for add-on license program students)

Admission Process

Program Admission Process (PDF)

Program Admission Process (Video)

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Students

Mandatory meeting with your advisor before applying for admission to the elementary education degree professional program sequence.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all UWM and transfer courses.
Grade of B or better in CURRINS 300.
Grade of C or better in MATH 175.
Satisfied Oral and Written Communication Part A requirement.
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.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Mandatory meeting with an advisor before applying to the program.
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit.
Pass a criminal background check as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for all applicants to a teacher education program.
Successful application.

Add-On License Students

Mandatory meeting with an advisor before applying to the program.
Completion of a Wisconsin state-approved educator preparation program.
Currently licensed to teach in Wisconsin.
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit.
Pass a criminal background check as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for all applicants to a teacher education program.
Successful application.

Application Process

Application to the elementary and middle education degree professional program sequence does not guarantee admission. Final candidate selection is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon available space in the program.

If you have not officially completed all requirements to apply at the time of application but will do so before the beginning of the admission semester, we encourage you to submit a program application. Meet with a School of Education academic advisor to determine the best time to apply.

Late applications will be considered but are contingent upon available space in the program and review of application materials by the program admission committee. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your options.

All applicants to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, program must submit an application.