Acceptance for the MTEC/Lakeland College teacher certification program requires passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (Praxis I) as well as a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II content test.
Candidates must meet all of the admission requirements BEFORE beginning the certification program. The MTEC certification model is a proficiency based model similar to that of an Apprenticeship program. Part of the learning occurs through face to face and online coursework. The other part of learning occurs "on the job" with support and encouragement provided by a veteran mentor, Milwaukee Public Schools and the school to which the student is assigned.
Certification students become members of a cadre that meets regularly with an instructor.
Induction
The Pre-Service preparation provides the background knowledge and introduces the fundamental strategies needed to successfully manage a classroom. The Pre-Service includes:
- Introductory coursework (16 classes)
- Development of a classroom management plan
- Development of lesson plans for the first two weeks of teaching
- Practice teaching assignment at an MPS summer school site
Coursework is offered in the evenings and online in an effort to accommodate a variety of schedules. The practice teaching assignment must be completed during the day.
On the Job Teaching
Students are assigned to their own classroom where they are expected to organize and manage the instruction to the standards established by the school district. Both a mentor and assessor provide students with regular advice and encouragement.
In addition to teaching students are required to attend college level classes designed to extend their knowledge of teaching. Courses requirements allow students to apply their day to day teaching tasks to course assignments.
Certification Requirements
MTEC will recommend for Wisconsin teacher certification those students who:
- Successfully complete the year long On The Job teaching
- Complete a portfolio showing evidence that they know and can apply the Wisconsin State Teaching Standards
- Earn a passing score on the Praxis II exam
