Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
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Education: Degree required.
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Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
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License Type: Stand-alone license.
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Any person seeking to teach in a public school, including a charter school, or in a school or institution operated by a county or the state shall first procure a license or permit from the department.
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The Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing (TEPDL) team web pages provide information about approved programs, licensing requirements and application/renewal procedures.
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Also provided are resources related to the implementation of PI 34 administrative rules which govern teacher education, program approval, and licensing in Wisconsin.
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The mission of the TEPDL Team is to support and serve the Wisconsin education community by ensuring quality educators and strong leadership in every school.
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Most educator licenses require significant education preparation - at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year degree-granting institution of higher education.
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Contact the department for information on specifics including fees, allowable teaching assignments, testing requirements, requirements for renewal, etc.
Continuing education and program notes
- CESAs) may have further requirements for initial or continued employment beyond those needed for licensure
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,130 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; The Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing (TEPDL) team web pages provide information about approved programs, licens...).
- 5. Submit the application to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)~Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $59,130, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $61,430. Wisconsin ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$59,130Hourly estimate
$28.434% below national median
Difference: -$2,300
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationKindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking
#31 of 50 statesfor Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rhode Island | $86,390 |
| #2 | California | $84,550 |
| #3 | Washington | $84,500 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $83,920 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $82,440 |
Nearby States Comparison
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $59,130 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $65,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,420 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $62,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $61,740 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
125 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53703-7841
Phone: 6082661027
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Wisconsin is $59,130. Salaries range from $42,020 (10th percentile) to $78,740 (90th percentile).
How does the Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $61,430, with a state median of $59,130.
How many Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 2,030 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) / Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing. Review agency details at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-counseling/licensing/process.
How often do you renew a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.