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Verified by WI Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, secondary school in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 19, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    The Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing (TEPDL) team web pages provide information about approved programs, licensing requirements and application/renewal procedures.

  6. 6

    Also provided are resources related to the implementation of PI 34 administrative rules which govern teacher education, program approval, and licensing in Wisconsin.

  7. 7

    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.

  8. 8

    Most educator licenses require significant education preparation - at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year degree-granting institution of higher education.

  9. 9

    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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,500 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 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. 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 $61,500, Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Wisconsin earn 12% below the national median of $69,590. Wisconsin ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$61,500

Hourly estimate

$29.57
12% below national median

Difference: -$8,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,210
  • P2525th percentile$53,080
  • P50Median$61,500
  • P7575th percentile$74,870
  • P9090th percentile$82,960

State vs National Median

State: $61,500
National: $69,590

Total employment: 2,850 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Secondary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,250
#2Washington$97,820
#3New York$91,830
#4Rhode Island$89,460
#5Massachusetts$82,580

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Wisconsin$61,500Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Minnesota$71,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$58,780Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$76,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$71,260Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan54LowState-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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,650Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$98,680Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$64,150Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary School in Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Wisconsin is $61,500. Salaries range from $48,210 (10th percentile) to $82,960 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Wisconsin earn 12% below the national median of $69,590, with a state median of $61,500.

How many Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 2,850 Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary 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, Secondary School license in Wisconsin?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.