Director of Instruction Add-On Certification

The Wisconsin Director of Instruction add-on certification is intended to help prepare candidates for school administration on a district level in Wisconsin.

Admission

Administrators who have earned an administrative license (i.e. Principal 5051, Reading Specialist 5017, etc.) are eligible to apply to UWL to take the required courses that lead to the Director of Instruction license in Wisconsin.

In addition to completing the online application to UWL, applicants must:

  1. Have an overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0
  2. Provide the university their original transcript(s)
  3. Provide a copy of their administrator license (i.e. Principal 5051, Reading Specialist 5017, etc.)1
  4. Provide verification that any degrees completed outside of WI meet state teaching standards1
  5. Provide a resume that documents at least one year of full-time experience in a K-12 setting and current position in a K-12 setting
  6. Complete a successful criminal background check (initiated by UWL)

Criminal background check

The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that candidates for admission to a teacher education, administration, or pupil services program successfully pass a criminal background check (CBC) as one criterion for admission. By applying for admission to one of these programs, candidates agree to provide the necessary personal information to UWL in order to initiate their CBC and to complete their portion of the process prior to the deadline specified in their admission letter. Teacher candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).

Curriculum

Candidates in the program must complete the following courses at UWL to receive a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Director of Instruction (5010) license:

EDU 774Curriculum and Leadership3
EDU 775Practicum for the Director of Instruction and Seminar3

Program completion

Eligibility for the Director of Instruction (5010) certification is contingent upon:

  • Cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0
  • Satisfactory completion of Director of Instruction Program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts

The Minnesota Board of School Administrators requires 30 credits beyond the master's degree for Principal licensure; therefore, those seeking Minnesota licensure must take a minimum of two additional elective credits. Learners should work with their advisor to identify eligible electives.

1

Out of state license holders may contact the School of Education Certification Officer for assistance with applying for an equivalent WI teaching license. Candidates must hold an administrative WI license prior to endorsement for the 5010 license.