Teacher Education
- Faculty and Staff
- Teacher Education Program
- Special Accreditation
- Teacher Education Program Admission Requirements
- Elementary Education Programs
- Elementary Education Major with Early Childhood Minor
- Elementary Education Major with Middle School Teaching Minor
- Elementary Education Minors
- General Transfer Policies for Elementary Education Majors
- Secondary Education Programs
- General Education/University Studies Requirements for Secondary Education Certification/Licensure
- Student Teaching and Internship
- General Policies for Certified Teachers Adding Additional Certifications
- K-12 Education Programs
- Secondary Teaching Majors
- Successful Completion of the Student Teaching or Internship Experience
- Secondary Teaching Minors
Faculty and Staff 
Dr. Tanzeem Ali, Assistant Professor, Science Education
Mr. Anthony Amys, Lecturer
Mr. Michael Buncher, Associate Student Services and Data Coordinator, Certification Officer
Ms. Amy Carpenter, Senior Lecturer, Field Experience Supervisor
Dr. Mary Churchill, Associate Professor, Educator Preparation Program Coordinator, Department Co-Chair
Ms. Jennifer Ellis, Lecturer
Ms. Amy Flaig, Associate Student Services and Field Experience/edTPA Coordinator
Ms. Rebecca Gamache, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood
Mr. Peter Graves, Senior Lecturer
Mr. Jon Larson, Senior Lecturer, Field Experience Supervisor
Dr. Susan Larson-Kidd, Senior Lecturer, Special Education
Dr. Mary Lee-Nichols, Associate Professor
Dr. Bhesh Mainali, Assistant Professor, Math Education
Ms. Sally Pernu, Senior Lecturer, Special Education
Dr. Matthew Ridenour, Assistant Professor, Social Studies Education
Ms. Kristin Riesgraf, Lecturer, Math Education
Ms. Lynn Rochon, Senior Lecturer
Dr. Sonja Rogers, Senior Lecturer
Dr. Nicholle Schuelke, Assistant Professor
Ms. Taylor Walkky, Academic Advisor and TRRI Recruiter
Dr. Amanda Zbacnik, Assistant Professor, Special Education
Mr. Thomas Zbacnik, Lecturer
Ms. Amy Zimmer, Lecturer
Teacher Education Program
The Teacher Education (TED) program is designed around the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core Teaching Standards, a set of well-defined standards which, when attained by students, lead to a strong preparation for teaching at the elementary or secondary level. These competencies build upon students' General Education/University Studies -coursework. Students are involved in a wide range of learning activities combining theoretical concerns with practice accomplished through a variety of field experiences. Students are introduced to the classroom early in their professional training and continue to accept more responsibility throughout their program, culminating with the student teaching experience. The program attempts to model the kind of learning environments we expect our graduates will create in the elementary and secondary schools.
Special Accreditation
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction serves as the accrediting agency for all approved education licensure programs offered at UW-Superior. The teacher education programs at UW-Superior are reviewed annually using the Continuous Review Process adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Under PI.34.
Teacher Education Program Admission Requirements
The following are the Teacher Education Program Admission requirements:
As of September 27, 2017, the following Teacher Education Program policies have been updated to reflect changes made by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Program Admission Policy:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA based upon the most recent 40 collegiate credits including those earned during the semester of application.
- Completion of TED 200 with a grade of C or above
Program Completion Policy:
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Completion of education courses within major with grade of C or above
Content Knowledge Assessment Policy:
Option 1:
- Minimum 3.00 combined cumulative GPA on teaching major and teaching minor coursework
Option 2:
- Minimum 2.75 combined cumulative GPA on teaching major and teaching minor coursework
AND - Passing score(s) on standardized test(s) approved by the state superintendent which shall include the state's model academic standards
Catalog Requirement Term
Refer to university policy regarding catalog requirement term. No matter which catalog a student uses for graduation, he or she may be required to meet new requirements in Teacher Education, especially if new certification/licensure/program admission/student teaching policies have been put in place.
Students must always meet current Department of Public Instruction (DPI) certification/licensure requirements in the state of Wisconsin. DPI certification standards represent minimal requirements. Teacher Education programs have the right to exceed minimal requirements. Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Teacher Education programs within five years of the date of admission to the university must meet the requirements of the catalog current at the time of application to the programs. Admission to the programs remains valid for seven years. Students who fail to register for any classes for two consecutive semesters must reactivate their program status through the Educational Leadership Department.
High Impact Practices
All education majors must complete one Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) project and the designated Senior Year Experience (SYE). These High-Impact Practices are included in required courses taken by all education majors. AS-L is embedded in TED 270, and the SYE is completed during student teaching.
Elementary Education Programs
Two options are available for students seeking licensure in elementary education in Wisconsin. The Elementary Education Major with an Early Childhood Minor leads to an Early Childhood-Middle Childhood (EC-MC) license (Ages Birth-11; grades PK-6). The Elementary Education Major with Middle School Teaching Minor leads to a Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence (MC-EA) license (Ages 6-12/13; grades 1-8).
Elementary Education Major with Early Childhood Minor
General Education/University Studies Requirements:
Students must complete the university's general education/University Studies requirements or the fulfillment of an AA, AS, BA, or BS degree from another institution.
The following Department of Public Instruction licensure requirements must be incorporated into the general education/University Studies coursework:
- Writing Requirement (WRIT 102)
- Communications Requirement (COMM 110)
- Math Requirement (general education/University Studies math course)
- American Government/Social Studies Requirement (POLS 230 OR POLS 150 + POLS 330)
- History Requirement
- Humanities Requirement that includes a Literature Component
- Non-Western/Global Studies Requirement
- Biological and Physical Sciences (must include an Environmental Science)
- Science requirements will be met through:
- AND Physical Science -- 4.00 credits
- AND Earth Science for Teachers -- 2.00 credits
- Environmental Science -- 2.00 credits
OR - Biological Inquiry for Teachers -- 2.00 credits
- AND
- Science requirements will be met through:
Elementary Education Major:
Early Childhood Minor:
Elementary Education Major with Middle School Teaching Minor
General Education/University Studies Requirements:
Students must complete the university's general education/University Studies requirements or the fulfillment of an AA, AS, BA, or BS degree from another institution.
The following Department of Public Instruction licensure requirements must be incorporated into the general education/University Studies coursework:
- Writing Requirement (Writ 102)
- Communications Requirement (Comm 110)
- Math Requirement (general education/University Studies math course)
- American Government/Social Studies Requirement (POLS 230 OR POLS 150 + POLS 330)
- History Requirement
- Humanities Requirement that includes a Literature Component
- Non-Western/Global Studies Requirement
- Biological and Physical Sciences (must include an Environmental Science)
- Science requirements will be met through:
- AND Physical Science -- 4.00 credits
- AND Earth Science for Teachers -- 2.00 credits
- Environmental Science -- 2.00 credits
OR - Biological Inquiry for Teachers -- 2.00 credits
- AND
- Science requirements will be met through:
Elementary Education Major:
Elementary Education Minors
English Ed (MC-EA): This minor is for those with a previous English degree who are now Elementary Education majors.
Category 1: Teaching Methods Required Course (3 credits required)
Category 2: British Literature Survey Required Course (3 credits required)
Category 3: American Literature Survey Required Course (3 credits required)
Category 4: Language Required Course (3 credits required)
Category 5: Writing & Literacy (3 credits required)
Category 6: English Elective Courses
(6 credits in ENGL courses at the 300-level or above)
Geography Ed (MC-EA)
or
or
or
Health Ed (MC-EA) Requires additional Praxis Exam
Language Arts (Broad Field) (MC-EA)
Required Courses (12 credits)
Oral Language, Writing and Literature Elective Courses. (9 credits-Maximum 3 credits per prefix)
Math (MC-EA)
Science Ed for Elementary Majors (MC-EA) (Broad Field)
OR
Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics courses. (8-9 credits above 300 level required)
Social Studies Ed (MC-EA)
Required Courses (15 credits)
OR
OR
Choose Three Credits from:
Choose Three Credits from:
One additional 3 credit course is required from any of the above 300+ courses
Spanish Ed (MC-EA)
Requires TOEFL
Choose nine 300-level elective credits from the following:
General Transfer Policies for Elementary Education Majors
- Complete coursework required for licensure either through receiving transfer credit or taking the course at UW-Superior.
- A student who is already certified in secondary education (EA-A level) must meet the student teaching requirements of the desired elementary licensure level.
- In order for an education methods course from another institution to be considered as a substitute for a methods course at UW-Superior, it must at a minimum have equivalent credit hours.
- No education course that is more than five years old may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
Secondary Education Programs
Many options are available for students seeking licensure in secondary education in Wisconsin. Each of these major leads to Early Adolescence-Adolescence (EA-A) licensure (Ages 10-21; grades 5-12) in their respective content area. Students are also required to complete a minor and should consult with their advisor to select a minor to complement their teaching (EA-A) major. Content area course requirements for each of the secondary education programs are available within the content area's section of the course catalog.
General Education/University Studies Requirements for Secondary Education Certification/Licensure
Secondary or K-12 teacher curriculum graduates may receive the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music Education or Bachelor of Science degree. (See requirements in major.)
Secondary or K-12 teacher certification students are required to meet the General Education/University Studies requirements of the university, specifically including a local, state and national government course (POLS 230 OR POLS 150+POLS 330), and biological and physical sciences courses. The Teacher Education faculty is committed to building upon the preparation brought by the liberally educated student at this institution. Teachers at the secondary and K-12 levels must exemplify the attributes of a liberally educated person.
All secondary and K-12 teacher certification candidates with a previous bachelor's degree must meet licensure requirements as outlined in PI-34 Wisconsin Teacher Education Program Approval and Licenses Law.
Professional Requirements for Secondary Certification/Licensure
The professional requirements for secondary education certification/licensure students consist of courses in the Teacher Education programs, appropriate methods courses in the major and minor areas, and student teaching.
Professional Education required courses (26 credits required):
Methods Courses in major/minor fields-2.00-4.00 credits
Teaching Experience required course (12 credits required):
Note: T ED 407 Required for students seeking Wisconsin EA-A certification and strongly recommended for students seeking Wisconsin EC-A (pre-K-post high school) certification
Student Teaching and Internship
In all student teaching or internship experiences, the student takes charge of classes in off-campus affiliated schools under direction of a cooperating teacher. The student prepares units of instruction and lesson plans; meets with university supervisors, cooperating teachers, and the coordinator of student teaching/field experiences in both group and individual situations; participates in co-curricular activities; works with consultants in special areas; and cooperates with school and community patrons. Experiences prior to student teaching or internship prepare students for successful completion of student teaching or internship.
Students are required to student teach full-time for at least eighteen weeks in one placement or nine weeks each in two placements based upon the calendar of the cooperating school(s). Twelve semester credits of full-time student teaching are required for certification.
Not more than two areas of certification may be completed in the semester period. Students seeking certification in more than two subject areas or certification levels will be required to take additional student teaching/internship beyond the semester.
The internship program is for students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and characteristics that would predict successful teaching. The program involves solo teaching for up to 50 percent of the day during a full semester. The student will operate under a special license obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and will be under contract to the cooperating school district. School districts must initiate the process for an internship approval through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Cooperating school districts inititate internship opportunities and are dependent upon availability within our cooperating school districts.
All coursework in a student's major, minor, general education/University Studies, and education courses is expected to be completed prior to student teaching or internship. Students should arrange their schedules to permit devoting full time to the student teaching or internship responsibilities. Because student teaching or internship placement involves many legal and diplomatic considerations, students may not solicit a student teaching or internship placement on their own. Students are cautioned against having district administrators call on their behalf.
Student teaching placements farther than 75 miles from UW-Superior will be charged a fee in addition to tuition. Placements within 75 miles of UW-Superior are considered tier 1 placements and will not be charged an additional fee. Placements between 76-225 miles from Superior will be charged a tier 2 fee; placements from 226-400 miles from Superior will be charged a tier 3 fee. Payment of this fee is due at the beginning of the student teaching placement. Placement fees for tier 2 and tier 3 placements will be established for each academic year by the start of the spring semester of the prior academic year. All student teaching must take place within a 400 mile radius of UW-Superior.
Criteria for Application for Student Teaching:
- A minimum grade of C in each education course.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (non-rounded) at the time of application as well as at the end of the semester prior to student teaching/internship experience.
- A plan for successful completion of all general education/University Studies, major, minor, education coursework prior to the beginning of student teaching.
- Successful completion of the electronic Teacher Education portfolio.
- Completion of Wisconsin state-required standardized test(s) for licensure areas at level(s) specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
- Submission of Student Teaching Application including required supplemental materials by the application deadline.
If you have any questions about applying for student teaching, contact your advisor.
General Policies for Certified Teachers Adding Additional Certifications
For additional certifications, a student must show evidence of completion of:
- Appropriate coursework by furnishing a list of coursework which has been completed and a list of courses that needs to be completed including the terms to be taken.
- Submission of Student Teaching Application including required supplemental materials by the application deadline.
- Additional appropriate standardized test scores must be at the Wisconsin passing levels.
- Student teaching: nine weeks as assigned by the coordinator of student teaching.
K-12 Education Programs
Three options are available for students seeking licensure in K-12 education in Wisconsin. All three comprehensive majors lead to an Early Childhood-Adolescence (EC-A) licensure (Ages 4-18; grades PK-12) in their respective content area. Program requirements for each of the K-12 education programs are available within the content area's section of the course catalog.
Professional Requirements for K-12 Certification/Licensure
The professional requirements for K-12 education certification/licensure students consist of courses in the Teacher Education programs, appropriate methods courses in the major and minor areas, and student teaching.
Professional Education required courses (26 credits required):
Methods Courses in major and/or minor fields - 2.00-4.00 credits
Teaching Experience required course (12 credits required)
Note: T ED 407 Required for students seeking Wisconsin EA-A certification and strongly recommended for students seeking Wisconsin EC-A (pre-K-post high school) certification
Note: It is recommended that T ED 339 be taken in the junior year. Because special methods courses may not be offered every year, it may be necessary to take the methods course before T ED 339 is taken. The student should consult with his or her advisor to determine whether this is permitted. Before the student is allowed to take the special methods in the majors/minors, he or she is required to have successfully completed the admission process to the Teacher Education program. Music majors should check with the Music Department for special requirements.
- Art Education (EC-A)
- Music Education (EC-A)
- Choral/General Music Concentration
- Instrumental/General Music Concentration
- Physical Education (EC-A)
Secondary Teaching Majors
- Biology (EA-A)
- Broad Field Language Arts (EA-A)
- To qualify for a license in Broad Field Language Arts (301), an individual shall have completed a language arts program major or minor. The Language arts program shall include competencies in each of the subcategories listed in this subdivision under P134 with a concentration in at least one of the subcategories. A concentration is required to teach upper level high school courses in the specific subject category. English literature and composition subcategory is available as an individual minor license (300) and shall be included in the broad field language arts license.
- Broad Field Science (EA-A)
-
- Wisconsin DPI defines PI 34 licensure criteria for "Upper Level" secondary certification students in broad field science as follows: "A person with a broad field science license may teach any science class at the early adolescence-adolescence level, up through grade 10, and any basic science class in grades 11-12 that is not: A)part of the college preparatory sequence; B) an advance placement course; C) an elective with more depth of content than basic courses. To teach a course under the criteria in A, B, or C (above), the teacher must have a concentration in that subject area.
- Broad Field Social Studies - History (EA-A)
- Wisconsin DPI defines PI 34 licensure criteria for "Upper Level" secondary certification students in broad field social studies as follows: "A person with a broad field social studies license may teach any social studies class in grades 11-12 that is not: A) part of the college preparatory sequence; B) an advance placement course; C) an elective with more depth of content than basic courses. To teach a course under the criteria in A, B, or C (above), the teacher must have a concentration in that subject area."
- Broad Field Social Studies - Political Science (EA-A)
- Wisconsin DPI defines PI 34 licensure criteria for "Upper Level" secondary certification students in broad field social studies as follows: "A person with a broad field social studies license may teach any social studies class at the early adolescence-adolescence level, up through grade 10, and any basic socials studies class in grades 11-12 that is not: A) part of the college preparatory sequence; B) an advance placement course; C) an elective with more depth of content than basic courses. To teach a course under the criteria in A, B, or C (above), the teacher must have a concentration in that subject area."
- Chemistry (EA-A)
- English (EA-A)
- History (EA-A)
- Math (EA-A)
- Political Science (EA-A)
Successful Completion of the Student Teaching or Internship Experience
- At least four written observations by the supervisor. The student will be evaluated on communication skills, content knowledge, human relations knowledge and pedagogical knowledge, directly related to the program's standards.
- Recommendations of cooperating teachers which document the ability of the student to satisfactorily meet the standards of the program, communication skills requirements, content knowledge, and human relations knowledge.
- Successful compilation and presentation of an electronic portfolio, the edTPA, which demonstrates that the student has met program standards and technology proficiency. Teacher candidates are also required to fulfill the program's Senior Year Experience requirements.
- A passing score on the edTPA is not required for graduation; however, a passing score is required to be certified for Wisconsin licensure.
Secondary Teaching Minors
A teaching minor is not required for secondary teaching majors. Students should consult with their advisor to select a minor to appropriately complement their teaching (EA-A) major. Program requirements for each of the secondary education programs are available within the content area's section of the course catalog.
- Biology (EA-A)
- Chemistry (EA-A)
- Computer Science (EA-A)
- English (EA-A)
- Geography (EA-A)
- History (EA-A)
- Mathematics (EA-A)
- Physics (EA-A)
- Political Science (EA-A)
- Psychology (EA-A)
- Sociology (EA-A)
- Spanish (EA-A)
- Special Education (EA-A)