General Education Teacher Certification
Become a Licensed Teacher in as little as 12 months
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Approved
- Flexible, asynchronous online learning
- 19 Subject Areas
Table of Contents
Project Teaching is a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) approved, non-traditional pathway to earning your teaching license. Designed for motivated professionals and future educators, this program blends flexible online coursework with real classroom experience so you can transition into teaching with confidence.
Whether you are changing careers, recently graduated, or expanding your credentials, Project Teaching provides a structured, supportive path to licensure. You’ll complete meaningful coursework, gain hands-on classroom experience, and receive guidance every step of the way.
Project Teaching Program
Designed for aspiring teachers who do not currently hold a teaching license, the Project Teaching Program is for initial teacher licensure.
The Project Teaching Program is ideal for career changers, recent graduates, and professionals ready to step into the classroom. You will complete relevant and practical coursework, engage in structured student teaching experiences, and connect with your cohort of aspiring educators.
You can complete the program in as little as 12 months, depending on your subject certification requirements and start date.
If you already hold a Wisconsin teaching license and are looking to add another subject area, visit our Add-On Certification page.
Subject Areas
- Agriculture (K-12)
- American Sign Language (K-12)
- Art (K-12)
- Business Education (K-12)
- Computer Science (4-12)
- English Language Arts (4-12)
- English as a Second Language (K-12)
- Family and Consumer Education (K-12)
- French (K-12)
- Health (K-12)
- Elementary / Middle (K-9)
- Marketing (K-12)
- Math (4-12)
- Music (K-12)
- Physical Education (K-12)
- Science (4-12)
- Social Studies (4-12)
- Spanish (K-12)
- Technology Education (K-12)
Not sure what subject area to pursue? Click the button below and upload your transcripts.
Content Knowledge (Praxis II)
You must demonstrate certification area content knowledge proficiency in one of two ways:
- 3.0 or higher GPA in the certification subject area
OR
- Passing score on the Praxis II exam (if required, this is taken after admissions, during program enrollment)
When registering for the Praxis II, use Educate Pathways Institution Code #1390.
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)
Required for Elementary/Middle K–9 certification only.
- Test #890
- Passing score: 233
FoRT preparation is included in coursework.
When registering, use Educate Pathways Institution Code #0040.
| Enrollment | $500 | Non-refundable |
| EDWN 600 | $3,400 | Tuition due on or before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
| EDWN 603 | $3,400 | Tuition due on or before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
| EDWN 604 | $3,400 | K-9 certification only. Tuition due on or before the 15th of the first month of the semester. Only offered in May. |
| EDWN 612 | $3,400 | Tuition due on or before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
Federal financial aid is available to eligible students through Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota application.
Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
Enter Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota code: 002380.
Notifications and updates will be provided by Saint Mary’s University. Monitor your Saint Mary’s email for updates.
For financial aid questions, contact: studentcent
What to Expect
- Two pre-student teaching experiences are completed during coursework semesters
- One 16-week student teaching experience is completed after coursework semesters are passed (Fall or Spring)
- Ongoing support, observations, and evaluations from your Educate Pathways supervisor
After Student Teaching
Once you complete student teaching:
- Your program administrator uploads the required documentation to DPI.
- You apply for your teaching license through the DPI website.
- You receive your Wisconsin teaching license.
Dual Application Required
To enroll, you must apply to both:
- Educate Pathways (Project Teaching Program)
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (for academic credit)
We guide you through both applications to ensure a smooth process.
Program Start Dates
Fall Semester: September
Spring Semester: January
Summer Semester: May
Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online
Complete both online applications in approximately 20–30 minutes.
Required documents:
- Resume
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts
- Current teaching license (if applicable)
Step 2: Acceptance Notification
Receive email confirmation from both programs within 1–2 weeks.
Step 3: Enrollment
Submit your enrollment fee to secure your spot.
Below are answers to the most common questions about certification, testing, student teaching, timelines, and financial aid.
If you need additional support, our team is here to help.
Contact Us
Phone: (715) 246-6555
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm CST
Who is eligible for the Project Teaching Program?
The Project Teaching Program is for anyone who already has a bachelor's degree and wants to get an initial teaching license or for those who already have a teaching license and want to add a general education teaching license. Your transcripts will be reviewed to determine if you have met the course requirements for the content knowledge in the subject area you are seeking licensure for. Additional coursework may be required to complete in the subject area you are pursuing. If you require additional coursework, it must be completed prior to starting the Project Teaching semesters or you must have a plan in place through the coursework approval process to complete the requirements before the scheduled student teaching semester.
Paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who have a bachelor's degree and those on a Tier 1 license with stipulations are strongly encouraged to apply!
What if I already have a teaching license and want to add another one?”
What license will I have upon completing the program?
Project Teaching Program completers are eligible for one of the following Wisconsin teacher certifications:
| DPI License # | Subject Area | Grade Levels |
|---|---|---|
| 1200 | Agriculture | K-12 |
| 1348 | American Sign Language | K-12 |
| 1550 | Art | K-12 |
| 1250 | Business Education | K-12 |
| 1405 | Computer Science | 4-12 |
| 2300 | English Language Arts | 4-12 |
| 1395 | English as a Second Language | K-12 |
| 1210 | Family and Consumer Education | K-12 |
| 1355 | French | K-12 |
| 1910 | Health | K-12 |
| 2088 | Elementary/Middle (K-9) | K-9 |
| 1285 | Marketing | K-12 |
| 1400 | Mathematics | 4-12 |
| 2500 | Music | K-12 |
| 1530 | Physical Education | K-12 |
| 2600 | Science | 4-12 |
| 2700 | Social Studies | 4-12 |
| 1365 | Spanish | K-12 |
| 1220 | Technology Education | K-12 |
How long does it take to complete the program?
The Project Teaching Program is comprised of three-four semesters and takes approximately 12-16 months to complete. Each of the first two-three semesters of coursework is four months long. During the last semester of the program, students are required to student teach. Student teaching takes place during the fall or spring semester only. There are no class meetings during the student teaching semester.
How are classes offered?
Our programs are designed for full-time professionals who have a demanding schedule and family commitments. The online, asynchronous cohort is taught online through weekly on-demand modules and weekly discussion posts that student complete at their convenience each week.
Why is a cohort model important?
The Project Teaching Program is a cohort model, which means students stay with the same instructor and the same classmates throughout their program experience. This allows our Project Teaching students to join a network of colleagues that they can stay in touch with long after their program is completed. Students apply the topics learned throughout the program and enjoy learning from others' perspectives - much like a department team!
Who teaches the Project Teaching Program cohorts?
All of our Project Teaching Program instructors are experienced and currently practicing administrators in Wisconsin school districts. Students learn from leaders who are actively involved in teaching and learning in our schools which keeps the Project Teaching curriculum current, relevant, and practical. Our instructors offer an online environment that is supportive and caring to all students learning needs. Academic advisement is personalized to help students make the most of their Project Teaching Program experience.
How is the program structured?
The Online Project Teaching Program courses are taken in sequential order. Students must demonstrate proficiency during each semester to progress to the next semester.
Semester I
EDWN 600: Individual Development and Effective Practice is a 3-credit course.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.
Semester II or III
EDWN 603: Teaching and Learning Practices a 3-credit course.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction through modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled.
*Students are required to complete pre-student teaching requirements during Semester I or II before being eligible to student teach during semester III.
For K-9 certification only. Offered in May semester
EDWN 604: Content Methods for Elementary and Middle School.
- The online asynchronous cohort will participate in weekly instruction modules provided by the instructor and engage in weekly online discussion posts during the 16 weeks of the semester. Three optional, one-hour sessions are scheduled. This course may be completed concurrently with EDWN 600 or EDWN 603 during the May semester.
Semester III or IV
EDWN 612B: Student Teaching is a 3 credit practicum experience. Students choose up to 3 school districts where the student teaching will take place and the Program Administrator works with the districts in student's priority order to set up the placement. Student teaching occurs during the school year only (Fall or Spring) and students follow the Educate Pathways/university calendar for the fall/spring semester. Students who are working under a 1-year license with stipulations, many student teach on the job!
Which tests are required?
Content Knowledge Proficiency Students need to demonstrate proficiency in the subject area being pursued. Educate Pathways carefully reviews transcripts to verify if a 3.0 GPA has been met in the subject area. If not, the student will need to pass the Praxis II. Students are responsible for registering and test fees, which are not included in the tuition for the Project Teaching Program.
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) Students seeking a K-9 elementary/middle license will be required to pass the FoRT exam. Students are responsible for registering and test fees, which are not included in the Project Teaching Program.
When can I start?
Online cohorts begin every January, May, and September! Applications are accepted year round. All application information must be completed and the enrollment fee paid in order to start.
Is financial aid available?
Will I earn graduate credits?
What are the admissions requirements?
The Project Teaching Program admissions requirements are:
1. An official transcript that provides evidence that you hold a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS), Juris Doctor Degree (JD), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) from an accredited college: or university or a foreign credential evaluation that verifies the equivalent to a BA/BS in the U.S. The student must request that an official transcript, that includes degree conferred date be sent by the university either through the mail or electronically through their parchment service to Educate Pathways to be admitted to the program.
2. A resume that includes pertinent education and experience.
3. Acceptance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota to be admitted to the Project Teaching Program.
4. Criminal background check with no conviction or plea bargain for crimes which may impact school children and/or the maintenance of a safe and healthy school. The background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission and include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.
What if I want to get licensed in another state?
Coming soon...
What is the cost?
| Enrollment | $500 | Non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| EDWN 600 | $3,400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
| EDWN 603 | $3,400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
| EDWN 604 | $3,400 | K-9 certification only. Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of the semester. Only offered in May. |
| EDWN 612 | $3,400 | Tuition due on/before the 15th of the first month of the semester. |
*Subject to change without notice.
How do I apply?
Create an Educate Pathways account and complete the online application for the Project Teaching Program by clicking the orange button below.
Program Strength
- Wisconsin DPI approved
- 100% placement rate
- 19 subject areas
- Three start dates per year
Flexible + Practical
- Flexible, asynchronous online learning
- Real K–12 classroom experience throughout
- Cohort-based learning model
- Graduate credit
Support + Outcomes
- Dedicated academic advisor
- Personalized program support
- Courses led by experienced K–12 administrators
- Financial aid available
- Clear path to licensure in as little as 12 months
We combine practical experience, personalized support, and a clear path to licensure so you can move confidently into your teaching career.
Questions? Call (715) 246-6555