Director of Instruction Add-On Certification
The online Director of Instruction (5010) Add-On Certification program is a cohort-based, two-course program completed within a single academic term. This six-credit program is designed for experienced educational leaders who seek to extend their expertise beyond principal licensure by developing advanced competencies aligned with Wisconsin Director of Instruction standards. The coursework focuses on instructional leadership, curriculum design, assessment systems, and district-level coordination of teaching and learning.
The program is open to candidates who have completed a Wisconsin Educational Leadership (5051) program or who currently hold principal licensure in Wisconsin. Upon successful completion, candidates become eligible for Wisconsin Director of Instruction licensure (5010), preparing them for leadership roles that influence instructional systems and support continuous improvement across schools and districts.
The program typically admits new cohorts annually, with Summer 2027 applications opening soon.
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.