Director of Instruction Add-On Certification
The Director of Instruction (5010) Add-On is a two-course, one-academic term cohort program. This program includes two new courses that address additional competencies needed to meet Director of Instruction standards, for a total of six-credits beyond those needed for licensed Principals and those eligible for the PK-12 (5051) license.
Any student graduating from one of our Educational Leadership (5051) programs, or current principals in Wisconsin, may apply to this program, making them eligible for Director of Instruction licensure (5010)
This program is offered in a cohort model of 14 or more admitted students to start. The program is offered in spring, summer and fall.
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 or are eligible to hold a WI Principal license are eligible 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:
- Meet all UWL graduate application requirements.
- Have an overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0.
- Provide the university their original transcript(s).
- Provide a copy of their WI Principal license or eligibility to hold a WI Principal license.
- 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.
- 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. Program candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).
Out-of-state applicants
This program may meet other states' licensing requirements. An applicant's state may or may not require that the applicant get a Wisconsin teaching license to be endorsed for their program of study. The Wisconsin licensing process may include taking coursework in Native American Studies (ACT 31). The applicant should check with their state licensing board prior to applying to ensure they understand the appropriate pathway to meet their state's licensing requirements.
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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 774 | Curriculum and Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 775 | Practicum for the Director of Instruction and Seminar | 3 |
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.