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Wisconsin teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills now have a new option: the Professional Development Certificate program.
This program, developed initially through the WEA Professional Development Academy, is designed for experienced teachers. It is anticipated participants can use PDC courses to rejuvenate their careers; earn credits toward relicensure, a master’s degree, or National Board certification; and in some cases to obtain pay raises.
The goal of the program is to offer alternatives for professional development that are appreciably different than traditional college degrees in content, format and expected outcomes.
Features of the PDC include:
The PDC program was developed by a group organized by the WEA Professional Development Academy. It included WEAC members and staff, Department of Public Instruction staff, and University of Wisconsin officials.
The first institution to offer the certificate program is the Institute for Learning Partnership at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Seven school districts in Northeast Wisconsin are participating in the program. They are De Pere, Green Bay, Howard-Suamico, Manitowoc, Pulaski, Sheboygan Falls, and Two Rivers. The first class is made up of 24 educators.
The UW-Green Bay PDC program typically requires 12 to 24 months, depending on the participant’s schedule for completing program components.
The program offers generalist and specialist certifications.
“Although this program is in its infancy, it has received enormous response,” said Debra Berndt, director of the WEA Professional Development Academy. “We anticipate it will grow quickly. As more and more teachers request it, programs will be developed in other parts of the state.”
Berndt said the academy is in the process of developing an advisory panel to review other such programs. The panel will consist of representatives from universities, the DPI, technical colleges, and various educational organizations.
“The focus of the panel is on ensuring high standards and enough consistency so a PDC can be transferable,” she said.
The academy has developed standards for approving PDCs. Once a PDC program is approved, the academy will market it to members. Interested teachers should contact their district administration, the Institute for Learning Partnership, or Berndt at 1-800-362-8034, ext. 294, or at berndtd@weac.org.
Posted September 28, 1999