DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
The Curriculum and Instruction Department in the UW-Whitewater College of Education & Professional Studies prepares students for careers as teachers in several ways:
- Numerous teacher preparation programs
- Programs for add-on licenses for certified teachers
- The Master of Science in Education: Professional Development
The faculty and staff recognize that graduates of our programs play a vital role in the lives of children and families both in Wisconsin and around the world. As students move through coursework, there is a strong commitment to education with a liberal arts foundation, a teaching major and the study of teaching. All students engage in at least three school-based field experiences that allow them to apply their knowledge to actual classroom situations.
Students are supported through an advising structure that starts in our first-year advising center and then moved through our COEPS Advising Center. Once students apply to professional education, students then work directly with a faculty member as they continue their upper division coursework. The admission process serves as a checkpoint for students to ensure they are on the pathway to licensure and meeting the requirements necessary to become a licensed teacher in the state of Wisconsin.
One semester prior to student teaching, students apply for graduation and complete any test required for obtaining a license. Upon graduation, students will have gained extensive knowledge of their subject areas and teaching. They will also have been given the opportunity to grow as instructional decision-makers, preparing them to be effective teachers and instructional leaders in our changing schools.
Winther Hall, Room 3032 | Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
262-472-1122 | cioffice@uww.edu
Learn about our programs
Art education
The art education program equips undergraduate and special students with the skills to teach K-12 art in schools. We are committed to preparing our students to become impactful educators. After completing a strong foundation in 2D and 3D art, students explore a wide range of disciplines, including ceramics, printmaking, metals and digital arts. Then they learn how to effectively teach these subjects and support student learning in the classroom.
Our students have different opportunities for student teaching placements and a variety of community-based learning experiences. They complete 10 weeks of pre-student teaching at the middle school level, followed by 10 weeks at the elementary level, and another 10 weeks at the high school level. These hands-on experiences provide insight into understanding art making, featuring cultural diversity, engaging students actively and facilitating access to learning for all learners. This may include:
- Culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning
- Arts integration and interdisciplinary learning
- Fostering divergent thinking through art-making experiences
As future art teachers, our students develop the ability to connect art to the broader world and society, preparing them to guide their students in becoming informed, engaged, and contributing members of our interconnected multicultural society.
Most of our graduates secure teaching positions, sometimes before graduation.
Contact: Dr. Verónica Soria-Martínez, soriamav@uww.edu
Business, marketing, and computer science education
The mission of the Business and Marketing Education program is to provide quality undergraduate and graduate education while meeting the Department of Public Instruction’s requirements for K-12 licensure, which complements the missions of both the College of Business and Economics and the College of Education and professional Studies. Consistently, Wisconsin school districts recognize the Business and Marketing Education program at UW-Whitewater for its outstanding business and marketing education curriculum and for graduates who are highly equipped to meet the challenges of teaching.
In an era of financial stress for K-12 institutions, business and marketing education is still a highly desirable elective for students at the middle school and secondary levels. There are still geographic areas in Wisconsin where demand for business educators exceeds supply, so demand for our graduates in teaching positions continues to be strong unless the graduates are geographically restricted.
The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The program offers two majors for K-12:
- Business and Marketing Comprehensive
- Business and Computer Science Comprehensive
Our program in business education prepares you to teach business, marketing and computer science in middle and high schools as well as at post-secondary schools.
Students will acquire subject matter knowledge in all areas of the business curriculum, including:
- Information technology
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Personal finance
- Business law
- General business
You will study business topics such as accounting, economics, management, marketing, information technology, finance, and business law alongside courses that prepare you to effectively teach those topics.
We offer two paths to licensure
- An accelerated, online master’s program that prepares career-changers for their initial teaching license in business.
- An undergraduate program with two emphasis areas: Business and Marketing Education or Business and Computer Science Education offered online and on campus.
Scholarship opportunities
There are several scholarship opportunities available for currently enrolled UW-Whitewater students in business, business and marketing, and business and computer science education. The financial support given as scholarships ranges from $25,000 - $32,000 yearly. The general application period for these scholarships begins on December 1. To apply, please visit our scholarship webpage.
Students are encouraged to be active members of campus professional organizations where they will experience leadership opportunities, such as:
- Business and Marketing Education Association (BMEA)
- Pi Omega Pi, the national business teacher education honor society
- Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate level of Future Business Leaders of America
- Collegiate DECA
Contact: Dr. Denise Roseland, roseland@uww.edu | Dr. Karla Saeger, saegerk@uww.edu
Early childcare education
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Early Child Care and Education
- Ranked #44 for Best Online Bachelor's Program by U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- Fully online program through the Universities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System
- Completed through accepting transfer credits and collaboration throughout the Universities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System
- Emphasis areas in teaching or leadership
- This program does not result in a teaching license
Early Child Care and Education embedded credentials
- Designed for professionals working in the early childhood field
- Fully online program
- Can be taken independently by special students or as part of the Early Child Care and Education major for degree-seeking students
- Sets of four courses designed around a topic
- Program development
- Leadership
- Diversity
- Supporting dual-language learners
- Nature-based learning
Contact: Anne Tillett, tilletta@uww.edu
Early childhood education
The UW-Whitewater Early Childhood Education programs provide innovative interdisciplinary pathways to undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on professions meeting the unique needs of all children, from birth through third grade. We prepare pre- and in-service teachers to use evidence-based practices in inclusive settings, use relationship based and equitable approaches to support children’s learning, engage and collaborate with families and other professionals, and facilitate developmentally appropriate learning within the context of cultures and communities.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Dual licensure in Early Childhood Regular and Early Childhood Special Education
- Curriculum and licenses focus on working with children from birth through third grade and their families
- Through a variety of experiences and coursework, students are prepared to work in a wide range of settings that serve young children and families
- NAEYC-accredited
- Two delivery models
- Campus-based
- ECE4U online hybrid program for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science in ECE from of the Wisconsin Technical College System schools, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, or the College of Lake County, Illinois
Contact, campus-based: Lori Becker, beckerla@uww.edu
Contact, ECE4U: Anne Tillett, tilletta@uww.edu
Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test
Since 2014, candidates in Wisconsin applying for an initial license in elementary education, special education, license as a reading teacher or reading specialist are required to take and pass the Foundations of Reading Test, a test of reading instruction knowledge and skills test.
Elementary-middle education
The Elementary Middle Education major leads to licensure for teaching pupils in kindergarten through 9th grade. Our program includes the elementary middle education major and an emphasis area. Students have the opportunity to select either a single licensure route or a dual licensure route to complete the program. Additionally, our program is grounded in a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to be creative, innovative, and adaptable in dynamic and diverse school environments. Informed by research, professional standards, and effective teaching practices, along with the Department of Public Instruction requirements, our curriculum provides students with transformational and empowering educational experiences that nurture their dispositions and competence in working with diverse learners and creating an equitable learning environment for all. In addition to building students’ content knowledge and pedagogical expertise in teaching core subject areas at elementary and middle schools, the program includes multiple clinical experiences in various school settings that engage students in supported, hands-on, and reflective teaching practice. The integration of coursework and clinical preparation in authentic educational settings offers students the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the teaching profession.
Contact: Dr. Yao Fu, fuy@uww.edu
Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test
Since 2014, candidates in Wisconsin applying for an initial license in grades Kindergarten through 5, special education, license as a reading teacher or reading specialist are required to take and pass the Foundations of Reading Test, a test of reading instruction knowledge and skills test.
English as a second language/bilingual-bilcultural
Bilingual/bicultural licenses and English as a second language (ESL) licenses are consistently categorized as “shortage areas” by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (as well as many other states). This means there are many open positions that need to be filled to meet the needs of K-12 bilingual and multilingual learners in our schools.
ESL-only
If you want to teach multilingual kids but don’t think that your language skills will be strong enough to teach in a language other than English, then our 24-credit ESL-only program might be right for you. With this program, your ESL license would be in addition to your major licensure area, such as K-9, secondary education, etc.
If you feel more confident in your language skills, you can always add the Bilingual/Bicultural Education license later. There is only one additional course required for the BBE license.
The language required for the ESL-only license is the ability to hold a basic conversation and to have strategies to understand what someone is trying to communicate. This is the equivalent of “novice high” in language learning, and it can be any language that’s not English, including languages not offered at UW-Whitewater. There are multiple ways to demonstrate proficiency; talk to a BBE/ESL advisor for details.
Bilingual/Bicultural
The 30-credit Bilingual/Bicultural Education plus ESL licensure program is a good option if you are a heritage or native Spanish speaker or if you already have strong Spanish-speaking skills. If you wish to teach in English and in Spanish, this is the program for you.
The Spanish language proficiency required for this licensure is “advanced low” in oral language, reading and writing on the ACTFL proficiency test OPIc/WPT. This means you can easily talk to families and kids about various topics and can teach in the language with elementary students and some content at middle school. You don’t have to be able to do this already when you start the program — you just need to be able to do this by the time you graduate.
Not ready to demonstrate proficiency? There are a number of ways to strengthen your language:
- Talk with BBE/ESL advisors
- Take UW-Whitewater classes for heritage/native speaker and Spanish for professionals
- Live abroad for at least four weeks
- Try an intensive language and culture program over Winterim or during the summer session
- Engage in community-based or family language learning
- Do your student teaching abroad in a Spanish-speaking country
Contact: Dr. Julie Minikel-Lacocque, minikelj@uww.edu
English literature and language arts education
The Secondary English Education Program prepares students to teach high school and middle school Language Arts, Literature, and Communication. We work hard to prepare our students to be impactful educators. After completing a major in English Literature and Language Arts, students are ready to bring creativity and critical thinking to a variety of middle and high school Language Arts classes. Students in this major are not required to declare a minor, however some may be interested in declaring a minor in Bilingual/Bicultural Education if interested in teaching in grades 4 through 12 Language Arts in a bilingual program.
Our students have many options for student teaching placements. The 18-week, full student-teaching experience gives them the opportunity to learn about understanding cultural differences, actively engage students, and create access for student learning in the classroom. This can include:
- Using technology responsibly and to unlock creativity
- Problem-solving different ways to work through conflicts in the classroom
- Inspiring students with student-centered learning
To prepare students to teach across a range of classes, students study literary analysis, creative and professional writing, film, communication, and journalism. In addition to taking content courses in literature, writing, film, and communication, students complete courses in education methods and have several opportunities to observe and participate in area schools. The major fulfills the requirements for a teaching license in the state of Wisconsin.
As future Language Arts teachers, our students have the added mission of preparing their students to find their creative voices and to develop their skills for critical literacy and effective communication. The college of education and professional studies is committed to supporting future teachers to be competent and engaged global citizens, who believe in democracy and contributing to our interdependent, multicultural, and multilingual world.
Graduates of this program are in high demand to fill teaching positions in the region and beyond.
Math education
The secondary math education program prepares undergraduate students to teach high school and middle school mathematics.
Students complete a substantial major in mathematics, while at the same time learning how to teach mathematics. Students not only learn in the classroom, but also participate in clinical experiences including pre-student teaching and student teaching.
Mathematics is an important part of the identity of students in grades 6-12. This program empowers future teachers to help their future students develop positive math identities by actively engaging them in doing mathematics, providing the supports they need, and identifying them as mathematical thinkers.
This program has a high job-placement rate.
Contact: Dr. Wade Tillett, tillettw@uww.edu
Music education
With UW-Whitewater’s music education program, undergrad students learn the necessary skills to teach a love for music to children in grades K-12. This unique program combines a structured foundation from the College of Education and Professional Studies and a hands-on musical experience from the College of Arts and Communication.
Music education students can:
- Mentor younger musicians in different areas of music in more than 10 music camps
- Potentially perform music in different areas of the state or country
- Participate in music research
- Learn from talented faculty and guest artists
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education leads to teaching licensure.
Contact: Dr. Alena Holmes, holmesa@uww.edu
Science education
The secondary science teacher education program prepares individuals to teach high school and middle school science. Teachers completing this program are prepared to teach courses in grades 4-12 such as chemistry, physics, earth and space science, biology, and physical science.
The program is designed to support the development of data-driven pedagogical practices that are guided by the individual’s values. Learners first complete coursework in a disciplinary-specific field such as chemistry, physics, or biology, and then transition to coursework that focuses on building a “pedagogical toolkit” of tools and practices the individual finds productive.
An important design feature of the secondary science teacher education program is the numerous opportunities for interacting with local teachers via placement experiences and access to professional learning communities. This program has a high placement rate, with multiple opportunities to step into local classrooms before student teaching. By experiencing various environments and interacting with practicing teachers, the future teacher can reflect on practices that align with their teaching style while making sense of real classroom contexts. The 18-week, full student-teaching experience makes space for future teachers to refine their pedagogical toolkit alongside a cooperating teacher who provides support and resources and shares in reflection.
Future science teachers in the UW-Whitewater program are encouraged to develop responsive teaching practices through community-driven opportunities to teach and learn. Our program recognizes science as a practice and situates science learning within contexts applicable to learners’ everyday lives so that teachers are prepared to craft environments wherein learners generate meaningful solutions to real-life phenomena and environmental problems. Most of our students graduate with teaching or administrative roles in K-12 schools or move on to administrative roles.
Contact: Dr. Adam Schafer, schafera@uww.edu
Social Studies education
The secondary social studies education program prepares undergraduate students (or special students) to teach high school and middle school social studies.
We work hard to prepare our students to be impactful educators. After completing a major in history, economics, geography, psychology, sociology, or political science, students learn how to teach these programs and support their students in the classroom.
Our students have numerous options for student teaching placements. The 18-week, full student-teaching experience gives them the opportunity to learn about understanding cultural differences, actively engage students, and create access for student learning in the classroom. This can include:
- Using technology responsibly
- Creating a classroom climate where conflict is managed productively
- Engaging students so they are inspired to learn
As future social studies teachers, our students have the added mission of learning the ways of a healthy democracy, thus preparing to help their students to be knowledgeable, engaged and contributing members of our interdependent multicultural democratic society.
Most of our students graduate with teaching opportunities in schools or move on to administrative roles. This program has a high placement rate.
Contact: Dr. James Hartwick, education@uww.edu
Theatre education
Learn how to teach theatre to grades K-12. From the front of the house to the backstage happenings, theatre education is a comprehensive program of study that prepares students to teach:
- Stage production
- Design/technology
- Stage management
This hands-on, collaborative program offers foundational teaching skills from the College of Education and Professional Studies and the immersive theatre experiences from the College of Arts and Communication.
Contact: Bruce Cohen, cohenbe@uww.edu
World languages education
The World Languages and Cultures Education program prepares people to teach world languages and cultures elective classes to new language learners and heritage language learners. This is a K-12 license intended to prepare undergraduate students, practicing teachers who are licensed in another area already, and bilingual career-changers.
Note: If you are interested in teaching in bilingual/immersion programs or teaching English as a second language, check out the ESL/Bilingual Education program page. You can reach out to Dr. Jenna Cushing-Leubner to find out which program is right for you: cushingj@uww.edu.
We believe that communicating across our different languages and cultures is important for being able to create a sustainable future together. We work hard to support people who grew up only knowing English to become bilingual enough to teach young people how to communicate in a language other than English and be part of our multilingual and multicultural world. We are committed to supporting teachers in their own creativity and skills for teaching monolingual kids to become culturally curious bilingual adults.
At UW-Whitewater leading faculty in heritage language and ethnic studies teach and support people who want to teach their home, family, or heritage language in schools. Students learn how to teach mixed classes of heritage and new language learners and to focus on heritage language reclamation of their own family languages.
Our students are paired with mentor teachers to get experience teaching in elementary, middle, and high school classes. As future language teachers, students combine a love of sharing languages and cultures with finding creative ways to make language learning interesting and fun. Our students go on to become language teachers whose students feel confident communicating outside of the classroom and using their languages in the real world.
Language teachers are in very high demand, and most of our students graduate with job offers to teach in area schools. Some have the chance of being hired in student teaching internships before graduation. Many of our students choose to add a minor to get licensed in ESL or Bilingual/Bicultural Education, too, which gives them even more opportunities to teach a variety of language learners.
Contact: Dr. Jenna Cushing-Leubner, cushingj@uww.edu