Add-On License Admission Application

Your add-on license admission application will be reviewed to determine a personal program of studies that you will need to meet in order to be endorsed by UWM for the Elementary and Middle School, K-9, license. This may include additional coursework, workshops, or teaching experiences. The specific program requirements depend on course and clinical work completed for initial licensure, subsequent coursework and professional learning, and teaching experiences.

You must meet Wisconsin statutory and proficiency requirements, including the Content Knowledge Requirement, and if required, a passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (FORT). The FORT is not required for those who hold a Wisconsin lifetime teaching license. If state licensure requirements change while you are in the program, you must meet the requirements in effect when you apply for the license.

Applying to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, Add-On License program requires several forms and some advance planning on your part. Following these steps will help to ensure a smooth application process.

  1. Submit a request for transcript evaluation

    The program director will review your coursework, professional learning, and teaching experiences to determine which meet program requirements for adding on the Elementary and Middle School, K-9, license.

    Submitted a request for a transcript evaluation before or at the time of applying for admission to the program. As part of the request, provide the following:

    • Transcripts: Upload copies of your post-secondary transcripts.
    • Teaching License: Upload a copy of your current Wisconsin teaching license.
    • Locate your license on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website and save it as a PDF file: Wisconsin License Lookup.
    • Teaching Experiences: Provide a list of teaching experiences (field, student teaching, professional), include (1) district/system, (2) school, (3) position, (4) dates, and (5) state whether the position was full-time or part-time.
    • Other Professional Learning: Provide a list of any other relevant professional learning experiences for the program to consider in developing your personal plan of studies.
    Request a Transcript Evaluation

  2. Meet with an academic advisor (highly recommended)

    Schedule a meeting with a School of Education academic advisor to discuss the add-on license program requirements and your eligibility for admission to the program.

    (Last names A – L) – Kristin Roosevelt, kroosev@uwm.edu
    (Last names M – Z) – Tamara Wallhausser, tlbadura@uwm.edu

  3. Submit the UW System application for admission to UWM

    The UW System application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.

    UW System Application

    In completing the UW System application, attend to the following:

    1. 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.”
    2. Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
    3. When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page. Select “Education & Training” and then select “Elementary & Middle Ed, K-9”
    4. Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
    5. Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, type the following: “I am applying to pursue a post-baccalaureate teaching certification.”
    6. 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.

  4. Submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC)

    The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that all applicants to an educator preparation program pass a Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to admission. CBCs previously completed for employment or other purposes cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. You cannot be admitted or enroll in professional education courses until your CBC has cleared. 

    UWM uses CastleBranch to process our admission CBCs. The fee for this CBC is $40 however, through June 1, 2024, we are offsetting this cost for students by $27. Once you are admitted, $27 will be credited to your UWM student account. To proceed with the CastleBranch CBC, please follow the link to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – School of Education portal: https://portal.castlebranch.com/IQ15

    • Choose the option for General Admissions
    • Be sure that you also complete the Background Information Disclosure (BID) form
    • If you have questions about this process, contact the CastleBranch Service Desk at (888) 914-7279 or email servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com

    Criminal Background Check Requirements

  5. Prepare a video statement

    All applicants to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, Add-On License program must prepare and submit a video statement.

    The program admission committee will review the statements in terms of professionalism, content, ability to construct a well-spoken response, and commitment to urban teaching.

    In responding to this prompt, draw on your teaching background, lived experiences, and your knowledge of the field of education.

    Create a video of yourself responding to the following prompt.

    • Prompt: What are three key qualities of an effective teacher? Why are you seeking to extend your license?
    • Format: The video should be 2-3 minutes in length. The video may be created with your phone or other recording device.
    • Directions: Upload your video to a sharing platform (e.g., YouTube, OneDrive) and submit a viewable link.

  6. Complete the following application form

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
(Please ensure your video is viewable by anyone with the link)
Bachelor’s Degree Information
Acknowledgement: By submitting this form, I am applying for admission to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, professional program for Spring 2024. I acknowledge that I have completed the following:
  • Met with an academic advisor.
  • Submitted a request for a transcript evaluation.
  • Submitted a Criminal Background Check.
  • Submitted the Online UW-System application for admission to UWM.
  • Requested official transcripts be sent to UWM as part of my UW-System application.
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