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Application and Admissions

May I enroll in one of the reading courses without taking the entire course sequence and without getting a Masters degree?

Yes; you are welcome to take individual classes for professional development.

When can I begin?

Each course is offered every September, January, and June.

Do I need to apply for admission to the university's graduate program?

No, you do not need to apply for graduate admission to the university unless you are beginning the Masters of Science in Education degree program at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Will the credits apply to a Master's degree?

Yes, the reading teacher certification courses are approved electives in the Master of Science in Education graduate degree.

How long will it take to complete the six courses for Wisconsin #1316 reading teacher certification?

If you enroll in one course per term, you may complete the certification in six semesters (two years).

If you are teaching/working full-time, enrolling in one course per term is the recommendation of the reading faculty. 

Other program plans for #1316 reading coursework completion may be considered after consultation with the reading program coordinator.

How many years of teaching experience are required for a reading teacher license in Wisconsin?

The reading teacher (WI #1316) license is a supplemental/add-on teaching license, which requires at least two years of teaching experience.

The years of teaching experience do not have to be completed in Wisconsin.

A long-term substitute teaching assignment, in Wisconsin or out-of-state for the minimum time of an entire semester, may count towards the total number of years in teaching experience for the reading teacher certification.

If you have questions about your current Wisconsin teaching license, obtaining a Wisconsin reading teaching license, or the verification of your teaching experience, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at 608-266-3390 or 800-441-4563.

May I enroll in the reading courses if I am a beginning teacher and have not completed two years of teaching experience?

Yes, you may enroll in the courses as a beginning teacher.  In addition to successful coursework completion, you may apply later for the reading teacher license, after you have met the two years teaching experience requirement.

Is there a reading specialist certification online program available?

Yes, check out the reading specialist certification program.

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Application and Admission Requirements

How do I apply?

STEP 1

Complete the Reading Teacher Certification Program Application including Philosophy of Education and Statement of Goals

Download: Application Form (Word document)
Save the Word file to your computer, fill in the information, and save the file.

If you have difficulty downloading the file, email Dr. Emily Hines at hinese@uwstout.edu and she will email the form, or call 715-232-5487 for assistance.

STEP 2

Email your completed application as an email attachment to Dr. Emily Hines, Associate Professor of Reading, hinese@uwstout.edu 

If you have any difficulty emailing the application as an attached file, call Emily at 715-232-5487 for assistance.

You will be notified of your status within one week after receipt of the application.

STEP 3

Request a PDF official e-transcript sent from a secure website or mail an official transcript from the issuing college or university where you received your degree in a sealed envelope and a scanned copy of your teaching license to

Heather Klanderman
School of Education Certification Officer 
415 10th Avenue E
267 Heritage Hall
UW-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751

If you have a question about the process, please contact Heather Klanderman at klandermanh@uwstout.edu or (715) 232-4088.

Benchmark I

Eligibility is determined by your application form, including:

  1. Evidence of and reflection on your professional development goals and commitment to working with students with reading needs (written statement of goals)
  2. Goals relating to seeking reading certification (written statement of goals aligned to the International Literacy Association Standards for Reading Professionals)
  3. Evidence of your current teaching license 
  4. Evidence of 3.0 GPA or higher (official transcript)
  5. Hold a bachelor's degree (official transcript).
  6. Passed a current background check (see Step 4).

STEP 4

Background check:  Per revised Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction PI 34 legislation, reading program students are required to obtain a background check, using the online program supported by UW-Stout School of Education:   https://www.uwstout.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-education/background-checks

 

STEP 5

After you receive program acceptance notification via email from Emily Hines, register online.

If you have questions, Request Information Online

When is the application deadline?

Eligible students will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. New classes begin in September, January, and June each year. All applicants will be notified of their status within one week after receipt of the application.

May I enroll in one of the reading courses without taking the entire course sequence?

Yes, you may register for individual courses for license renewal, advanced certification, or professional development. There is an easy, no-hassle online registration process. Simply complete the secure online registration form.

Is it necessary for me to apply before registering for the first course?

Yes, if you are enrolling in all six courses for certification, then participants are required to apply, meet all application requirements, and receive notice of acceptance before registering.

What are the refund and drop/cancellation policies?

If, after submitting the enrollment form, you find that you need to drop the class before the first day of class, send a cancellation request by email to outreachreg@uwstout.edu (Telephone cancellations cannot be accepted).

UW-Stout Refund Policy:

For eight through eleven-week courses: 
100% refund if a course is dropped during Week 1
50% refund if the course is dropped during Week 2
25% refund if the course is dropped during Week 3
No refund is granted beyond the third week of the course.

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Courses and Course Sequence

Will I have to drive to campus?

No travel to campus is required. All courses are offered online. 

In the practicum course, you will assess and instruct a school-age student in your local community.

What is the course sequence?

The reading certification course sequence is five courses and a practicum. All courses are three graduate credits.

The reading teacher course sequence is:

You will compile a Professional Reading Teacher's e-portfolio with artifacts from each course. This collection of relevant electronic materials will demonstrate your professional growth throughout the program and will be assessed using the e-portfolio rubric.

How many courses should I take per semester?

If you are teaching/working full-time, enrolling in one course per term is the recommendation of the reading faculty. Most teachers prefer to take one online course at a time.

Carefully weigh your teaching responsibilities, family, and personal life commitments. 

Consider how much time you will have to devote to coursework and the requirements involved in taking an online course including electronic interaction (posting responses to the course discussion board, reading and replying to other participants' postings).

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Plan of Study (one course per term) Reading Teacher Certification (316)

Semester I
RDGED 701 Developmental Reading K-12

Semester II
 RDGED 702 Reading in the Content Areas K-12

Semester III
 (One of the following)
RDGED 703 Children's Literature in the Reading Program K-5
OR
RDGED 704 Young Adult Literature in the Reading Program (6-12)
(only one literature course is required, your choice)

Semester IV
 RDGED 706 Assessment of Language and Reading Development

Semester V
 RDGED 705 Instructional Techniques for Assisting Students with Reading Difficulties

Semester VI
 RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties

Plan of Study (two courses per term) Reading Teacher Certification (316)

Semester I

RDGED 701 Developmental Reading K-12

RDGED 702 Reading in the Content Areas K-12

Semester II
(one of the following literature courses)

RDGED 703 Children's Literature in the Reading Program K-5 OR RDGED 704 Young Adult Literature in the Reading Program 6-12 (only one course is required, your choice)

RDGED 706 Assessment of Language and Reading Development

Semester III

RDGED 705 Instructional Techniques for Assisting Students with Reading Difficulties

RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties

How long does it take to complete the reading course sequence?

If you enroll in one course each term, then it is possible to complete all of the reading teacher courses during six consecutive terms (24 months), including summer sessions.

Some students prefer to spread the courses across three years. However, it will be very difficult to consolidate your learning and complete the practicum if there is a one year gap or more between each course.

May I enroll in RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties without taking the other courses in the sequence?

No. RDGED 706 Assessment of Language and Reading Development is a prerequisite and must be completed at UW-Stout before enrolling in RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties. RDGED 706 serves as the foundation for delivering the assessment experiences necessary to meet the needs of an individual child during RDGED 707, the reading practicum.

You may enroll in RDGED 705 Instructional Techniques at the same time as you have enrolled in RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties.

Can reading certification course credits apply as electives in a Master’s degree program at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

Yes, Reading Teacher Certification credits may be completed as a concentration area in the Master of Science in Education degree program. All reading program courses will satisfy all electives and two of the core MSE courses.

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Transfer Credits

Can previous graduate level literacy or reading coursework be applied to the UW-Stout reading teacher certification sequence of courses?

There are six required courses for the 316 Reading Teacher certification. 

A maximum of six graduate credits completed within the past seven years may be transferred pending a syllabus review of previous reading/literacy coursework.

Transfer credits may only apply to the first three courses in the reading certification sequence of courses (RDGED 701 Developmental Reading, RDGED 702 Reading in the Content Areas, RDGED 703 Children's Literature or RDGED 704 Young Adult Literature). 

NOTE: The last three courses (RDGED 705 Instructional Techniques for Assisting Students with Reading Difficulties, RDGED 706 Assessment of Language and Reading Development and RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties) must be taken from University of Wisconsin-Stout to demonstrate competencies using specific assessments and instructional techniques to prepare for the practicum.

To determine if you have taken a course that is eligible for transfer credit, complete the following steps.

STEP 1

Compare the syllabus of the course you have taken with the course objectives, content, evaluation, and requirements of the syllabi for UW-Stout courses RDGED 701, RDGED 702 and RDGED 703 or RDGED 704.

STEP 2

List the dates when you enrolled in the course including the beginning and ending date when the course was offered and number of credit hours. Email hinese@uwstout.edu or mail this information and the syllabus of the course you completed with a copy of the final project to: 

Dr. Emily Hines, Associate Professor of Reading
114 Heritage Hall University of Wisconsin-Stout
712 South Broadway St.
Menomonie, WI 54751

STEP 3

After a course has been approved for transfer credit, submit an official transcript from the issuing college/university to Emily Hines. Official transcripts must be received from the issuing school in a sealed envelope.

NOTE: Undergraduate credits will not be approved for graduate transfer credit.

Contact Dr. Emily Hines, Associate Professor of Reading, if you have questions about transfer credits. Email: hinese@uwstout.edu or telephone: (715) 232-5487

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E-portfolio

You will compile a Professional Reading Teacher's e-portfolio with artifacts from each of the reading courses using the web-based portfolio provided by the university. This collection of relevant electronic materials will demonstrate your professional growth throughout the program and will be rated using the e-portfolio rubric.

The portfolio will be introduced in RDGED 701 Developmental Reading K-12 and artifacts will be added upon the completion of each course. The e-portfolio will be reviewed at the completion of 12 credits and the completion of the final course, RDGED 707 Practicum in Reading Difficulties. Successful completion of the e-portfolio is a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure requirement.

Benchmarks

What is the program GPA requirement?

After completion of 15 credits (prior to enrolling in the Practicum in Reading Difficulties) students must demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher in each of the five prerequisite courses: RDGED 701, 702, 703 or 704, 705, 706 and provide evidence of a Satisfactory Educator Background Check (if you are not currently licensed to teach). 

316 Reading Certification Benchmarks Chart (PDF)

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Wisconsin Licensure

What are the requirements before I can apply for Wisconsin reading teacher (WI 316) licensure?

Before applying for the license, students must demonstrate:

  • Satisfactory Dispositions ratings
  • Satisfactory Learner Assessment and Instruction Profile ratings
  • Reflective Summary of Professional Development goal attainment (in e-portfolio)
  • Satisfactory e-portfolio ratings
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher each of the six required reading courses (18 credits)
  • Two years of teaching experience
  • A Wisconsin teaching license 
  • A bachelor's degree.
  • A current background check.

How do I apply for an emergency 316 reading teaching license?

If you are applying for an emergency 316 reading license, you and your employing school/school district must complete the emergency license form online from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 

Contact UW-Stout's certification officer to request the institutional verification that you are currently enrolled in reading courses.

Heather Klanderman, Certification Officer 
School of Education 
415 10th Avenue E
267 Heritage Hall 
Menomonie, WI 54751

If you have a question about the process, please contact Heather Klanderman at klandermanh@uwstout.edu or (715) 232-4088.
Wisconsin Emergency License Information 

What are the teaching experience requirements for a reading teacher license in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will issue the reading teacher (316) license to applicants who can verify two years of teaching experience, hold a valid Wisconsin teaching license, and show proficiency in the teaching of reading based on work completed in UW-Stout's reading courses and practicum.

If you hold a teaching license from a state other than Wisconsin and want to obtain a Wisconsin reading teacher license, you will need to obtain a Wisconsin teaching license before you are eligible for a reading teacher (316) license.

The years of teaching experience do not have to be completed in Wisconsin.

A long-term substitute teaching assignment, in Wisconsin or out-of-state for the minimum time of an entire semester, may count towards the total number of years in teaching experience for the reading teacher certification.

If you have questions about your current Wisconsin teaching license, obtaining a Wisconsin teaching license, or the verification of your teaching experience, contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Teacher Education, Licensing and Professional Development Team, email Educator Licensing at licensing@dpi.wi.gov or call 608-266-3390 or 800-441-4563.

Who is eligible for a reading teacher license in Wisconsin?

The reading teacher (WI #1316) license is a supplemental/add-on teaching license, which requires at least two years of teaching experience and or eligibility of another teaching license.

Library media specialists, special education teachers, and speech-language pathologists may apply for add-on reading teacher licensure because they hold another teaching license.

School counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers (i.e. pupil services) may not apply for add-on reading teacher licensure unless they hold another type of teaching license.

316 Reading License Frequently Asked Questions

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Out-of-State Licensure

If I live outside of the state of Wisconsin, will the reading certification apply in my state?

If you are considering an online academic program that leads to a professional license, it is highly recommended you contact the appropriate licensing agency where you plan to receive instruction before beginning your academic program. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) do not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by your state’s licensure requirements for a graduate to be eligible for a license.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Contact your state's accrediting agency, State Board of Education or other certifying agency and obtain a statement regarding the coursework requirements in your state. They will assist you in verifying the applicability of this reading certification to your state's requirements. Each state has different certification requirements.

We will be happy to assist you by providing course descriptions and syllabi for the reading courses in University of Wisconsin-Stout's online program, and you may submit those to your state's certification agency for approval and apply for license/certification in your state.

If you hold a teaching license from a state other than Wisconsin and want to obtain a Wisconsin reading teacher license, you will need to obtain a Wisconsin teaching license before you are eligible for a Wisconsin reading teacher license.

Additional information about out-of-state applicants for a Wisconsin teaching license: Initial License for Out-of-State Program Completers

If you have questions about your current Wisconsin teaching license, obtaining a Wisconsin teaching license, or the verification of your teaching experience, contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Teacher Education, Licensing and Professional Development Team, email Educator Licensing at licensing@dpi.wi.gov or call 608-266-3390 or 800-441-4563.

Accreditation of the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the School of Education

Taking an Online Course

How do I take an online course?

You are required to have a computer and broadband Internet connection. To ensure success in your online classes, you should be comfortable using email, the Internet and common software, such as a word processing program.

You may participate using your home or school computer to access the course Web pages, modules, and readings. Many of the course instructional concepts are developed through participating in an online class forum called a discussion board. The discussion board is used to dialog with your online peers about readings, exchange ideas and share information and resources, and respond to case studies posted by peers or your instructor.

Participants must log in to the discussion three to five times per week, participate in the online discussion board, and complete the minimum number of weekly postings to the discussion.

Activities are conducted according to a schedule with specific assignment due dates each week, but there are no required "live" sessions to attend. Instead, lectures, activities, questions, and discussion take place via the course website. Student learning is assessed in a variety of ways: through online discussion participation, assignments and projects that are submitted online via the course dropbox.

Do I have to be online at the same time as everyone else? Is there a time each week that I have to be online with the whole class?

No, there are no scheduled "live" chats.

Many Internet resources are integrated as part of each course. Web-based discussion boards and email are utilized for instructor/student communication and class discussion.

While online education is highly flexible, there are weekly assignment deadlines. Your peer learners will depend on you for timely feedback as you interact via the discussion board. Therefore, students need to participate regularly each week. If you are planning extended travel away from a computer during the course, it's best to delay taking the class until the next session is offered.

To complete the online course requirements, you will need regular, reliable broadband Internet access.

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University Email Account

Do I need to use a university email account instead of my home or school email account?

Yes, when the class begins, you will be expected to use your University of Wisconsin-Stout email account for all correspondence with your instructor. The Learn@UW-Stout courseware will only list your university email address for communication with the instructor, class peers, as well as the student business and registrar's offices.

Your instructor will email pre-class information to your UW-Stout university email address; be sure to have it set up before the first week of class and login to read the orientation information. 

Request Information Online

How do I request additional information?

If you have specific questions or need more information about the application and registration process, you may request information online or telephone (715) 642-0209.