Special education teaching license introduced at Ripon College

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has approved Ripon College for a teaching license in kindergarten through grade 12 cross-categorical special education, available for students now.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, a cross-categorical special education license “authorizes an individual to teach in a program that provides services to pupils in kindergarten through grade 12 with intellectual, emotional-behavioral, specific learning or other disabilities.”

“The advantage is our students can leave Ripon College with two licenses within four years,” Director of Teacher Education Jean Rigden said. “Special education is a high-need area as many schools struggle to find highly qualified licensed special education teachers. The demand for special education teachers is high in nearly every state.”

Ripon College introduced a minor in special education last year, and licensure was added on Feb. 5. While students can start their licensing now, they will not be licensed until the end of the spring 2025 semester.

The license allows a student who completes both a major in elementary education and a minor in special education to be a licensed elementary education teacher for K-9 and a licensed cross-categorical special education teacher for K-12.

“This new minor and teaching license in special education provides Ripon students with an extraordinary opportunity to serve in a high need area in schools,” Matt Knoester, professor of educational studies and chair of educational studies department, said. “Combined with an elementary education major and teaching license, our students will be in very high demand and well-prepared to make a positive impact in their communities.”

Ripon College offers programs leading to teaching licensure in elementary education (K-9), middle school and high school (grades 4-12) subject areas and K-12 licensure in French, Spanish, art, health, physical education, music and theater. Licensure in English as a second language can be added to any teacher licensure program.

Licensure programs at Ripon meet standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Students who complete the requirements of a licensure program are eligible for a Tier 2 Wisconsin teaching license. Most other states accept the Wisconsin teaching license.

“The special education minor can significantly enhance a teacher’s quality in an inclusive setting by equipping future teachers with knowledge and strategies to effectively meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with disabilities,” Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Amira Albagshi said. “The minor prepares teachers to create inclusive, supportive and effective learning environments where every student – regardless of their abilities – has the opportunity to succeed.”