Adult learners and career-changers with degrees in STEM-related fields can now become licensed technology education teachers though the Alternative Careers in Teaching (act!) program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) shows technology education teachers are needed throughout the state. In the 2015-16 academic year, the DPI issued 33 emergency licenses or permits to teach technology education; and in 2014-15 the DPI issued another 34 emergency licenses and permits.
Recently approved by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), this post-baccalaureate technology education licensure program leads to initial teacher licensure at the early childhood to adolescence level.
“Speaking with superintendents throughout the state, they advised the college that the supply of technology education teachers is at an all-time low, while the demand is at an all-time high,” Fred Yeo, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services said. “We developed the DPI approved program because we knew the college had the expertise and infrastructure in place to help the interested K-12 districts and teachers, who need the license.”
act! is a cooperative program between UW Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin Colleges, offering individually tailored, alternative pathways to initial Wisconsin licensure. The program is structured to meet the needs of adult learner and career-changers looking for a flexible, fast and convenient path to licensure.
With approval of the technology education license by DPI, the act! program can now offer secondary education licenses in three areas—mathematics, science and technology education.
Courses for all licensure programs are delivered in hybrid, online and face-to-face formats and can be completed in as little as 18 months.
To learn more, contact Michael Beeth at (920) 424-3326 or beeth@uwosh.edu