Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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
$59,860 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 $59,860, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Wisconsin earn 5% below the national median of $63,000. Wisconsin ranks #32 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
$59,860Hourly estimate
$28.785% below national median
Difference: -$3,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $59,860 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,350 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $76,170 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $75,520 | 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Wisconsin is $59,860. Salaries range from $46,740 (10th percentile) to $77,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Wisconsin earn 5% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $59,860.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 3,340 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.