Post-Baccalaureate Admission Application

Applying to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, post-baccalaureate Program for teacher certification 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 previous coursework and determine which courses will meet program requirements for teacher certification. The request should be submitted before or at the time of applying for admission to the program.

    Request for Transcript Evaluation

  2. Meet with your academic advisor

    Schedule a meeting with a School of Education academic advisor to discuss the post-baccalaureate 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 and Written Statement

    All applicants to the Elementary and Middle Education, K-9, post-baccalaureate program must prepare and submit a video and written statement. The program admission committee will review the statements in terms of professionalism, content, ability to construct well-written and well-spoken responses, and commitment to urban teaching.

    In responding to these prompts, draw on your lived experiences, your knowledge of education, or your previous coursework, utilizing academic language when possible.

    Video Statement

    Create a video of yourself responding to the following prompt.

    • Prompt: What are three key qualities of an effective teacher? Which one of these qualities do you look forward to developing further during your teacher preparation program and why?
    • 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.

    Written Statement

    Prepare a written statement in response to the following prompt.

    • Prompt: What will you do, as an aspiring teacher, to create a classroom learning environment in which every student is successful? What barriers might you face? How will you address the barriers? What do you still need to learn?
    • Format: You will enter your written statement into a textbox as part of your application.
    • Directions: Prepare your statement (maximum of 4000 characters) in a word processing program, save the file, and then cut and paste your statement into the online form.

  6. Complete the following application form

Name(Required)
Mailing 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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