High school teachers are inspiring the futures of the next generation. They help students realize their potential while acting as role models, listening ears, and motivators. It is a career that gives purpose for getting up in the morning and carrying on. Wisconsin is ranked #6 in the country for education, and they are looking for more teachers to join their excellent schools. 

The average high school teacher salary in Wisconsin as of May 2023 was $66,490. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

In this guide, Teachers of Tomorrow will explore Wisconsin high school educator salaries. We’ll also explain the state’s pathways to becoming a teacher, including alternative teacher certification options. 

teacher teaching

What Is a High School Teacher? 

High school teachers work with students in grades nine through twelve. Educators for this age group are certified in specific subject areas, such as language arts, mathematics, and physical sciences. It is the perfect age group to teach if the individual enjoys delving deeper into subjects, critical thinking, and debate. 

High school teachers see many students throughout the day rather than teach in a contained classroom. The high student numbers mean greater communication demands and grading. On the upside, it allows teachers to build relationships over four years rather than saying goodbye after a single school year.

High school is an intense time for students and their families. The pressure of “what to do after graduation” adds anxiety and stress. Consequently, educators are relied upon as emotional support in addition to trying to help students sift through their choices and achieve their goals. 

There is no perfect recipe to create a successful high school teacher. Excellence is found in a variety of personalities and classroom management styles. However, educators who thrive in high schools share some traits, such as the following: 

  • Humor: You don’t need to be a comedian to excel as a high school teacher. You do need to be able to find the sunny (funny) side of things and take a joke. High school is full of drama, teen humor, and the unexpected. Being able to poke fun at yourself and enjoy the chaos will make high school students more of a pleasure to teach. 
  • Communication: High school teachers are like mayors of tiny villages. They work with over a hundred students, all of whom have families with concerns and interest in their child’s welfare. Teachers also have to stay in touch with fellow staff members of the community and write letters of recommendation. It is also common for high school teachers to be on committees, running after-school clubs, or coaching sports. Being an excellent communicator is the only way to successfully work with so many different people. 
  • Flexibility: High school schedules and curriculums are jam-packed. There is more to do than time to do it. Adding to the challenge is that nothing ever goes to plan. Successful high school teachers are magicians with time and space, altering lessons and plans on the fly and somehow getting it all done.  
  • Patience: High schoolers are very different from elementary students but teens still require grace and latitude. They routinely test boundaries and sometimes need to learn social lessons repeatedly. Successful educators of this age group possess empathy, compassion, and humor that help them glide through their students’ more trying moments.

High school teachers take on numerous responsibilities. Examples include the following:

  • Preparing students to pass standardized tests and entrance exams.  
  • Guiding students on choices that will impact their future careers. 
  • Ensuring the classroom remains welcoming, productive, and safe for all students. 

How Much Do High School Teachers Make in Wisconsin?

The average annual salaries for high school teachers in Wisconsin as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Highest salary – $83,670
  • Average salary – $66,490
  • Lowest salary – $48,650

Wisconsin’s high school teacher salary ranges vary between school districts. The amount an educator makes also depends on years of experience, grade level, subject area, and if they have any extra qualifications or skills. 

wages wisconsin

How To Become a High School Teacher in Wisconsin

The high school certification process is not standardized in the United States. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees the state’s pathways. The most common route is the traditional pathway. 

Wisconsin’s traditional route requires the following steps:

  1. Get a bachelor’s degree: Wisconsin, like the rest of the country, requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Those on the traditional route are usually advised to get a degree in education. 

However, for teaching high school, it is best to major in a subject the candidate wishes to teach, such as math, and take the classes geared for teaching. Some schools have the candidate’s minor in education. Others will provide a subject major for teaching, i.e., Math for Teaching High School.  

2.   Complete an accredited teacher preparation program. Most Wisconsin candidates attend teacher preparation programs at the same institution where they obtained their bachelor’s. However, those who wish to change schools can do so, provided the new institution offers a teacher preparation program approved by the WPI. 

3.   Obtain student teaching experience. Wisconsin requires candidates to do at least 18 weeks of student teaching, although some programs may require more. Student teaching usually isn’t paid. However, there are exceptions for candidates taking an additional route. 

4.   Pass Wisconsin DPI-mandated exams. The exams a Wisconsin teaching candidate needs are determined by the desired grade level, subject, and any specialty area the educator wants to teach. Foundations of Reading, Praxis Core, and Praxis II are popular exams in Wisconsin.

5.   Get a background check. Wisconsin DPI certification applications include a background check. The process looks to see if there are any local and national records of prior crimes and “immoral conduct.”

To begin the process, applicants must:

6.   Apply for certification. Wisconsin teaching candidates apply online for certification using the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system. The directions are on the DPI website, beginning with the background check process. Candidates must also submit the required documentation and pay the necessary fees. 

Alternative Route to Certification for High School Teachers

Wisconsin provides three alternative routes to becoming a certified high school teacher. These pathways save candidates time and money, as they do not require an individual to obtain a second bachelor’s degree. 

Wisconsin Route 1: Post Bachelor’s Degree Candidate

Wisconsin allows bachelor holders to apply to a master’s degree education program to achieve certification. Master’s degrees are not required to teach in Wisconsin. However, having one puts candidates into a higher pay bracket and can open doors to future career opportunities that are not available to educators with only a bachelor’s. 

Candidates who wish to use this pathway to teaching must:

The courses available differ in structure, time commitment, and cost.

Wisconsin Route 2: Alternative Route Program Candidate

Wisconsin Alternative Route 2 is similar to Route 1: candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a subject they wish to teach, such as math. Candidates apply to an approved educator preparation program. However, they apply to one that grants a certificate upon completion instead of a master’s. 

The advantage of Route 2 is that it is typically cheaper and more flexible than Route 1. 

Wisconsin Route 3: American Board Candidate

Wisconsin grants teacher licenses to candidates who have completed their online teacher certification through the American Board and obtained an ABCTE certification of completion. 

The program is online and self-paced, making it the most accessible route. However, candidates must submit an Out-of-State application (1025) even if they are residents of Wisconsin, as the American Board is not a state-specific program. 

What is the Highest and Lowest Paying High School Teaching Job?

Certified Wisconsin High school teachers can choose to work for various types of schools. However, they don’t all pay the same. 

  • Public schools: Wisconsin public schools average the best pay and benefits for high school teachers. 
  • Charter schools: Wisconsin charter schools do not have as much funding as their public schools, which reduces the high school salaries. 
  • International schools: International schools pay their high school teachers in a similar range to charter schools. The best earnings for teachers who teach in hard-to-fill areas and are fluent in a second language. 
  • Private schools: Private school salaries for high school teachers are wide-ranging and heavily dependent on tuition fees.  
  • Online teaching: High school virtual teaching offers flexible hours but does not pay as much as working in a Wisconsin public school classroom. salary wisconsin

Ready to begin an inspiring career that transforms lives? Teachers of Tomorrow looks forward to helping you reach your goals. Contact us now and begin your journey to getting your teaching license in Wisconsin today. 

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