Paraprofessional to Teacher Licensure
Ready to take your education career to the next level?
Open to all genders, Alverno’s online Paraprofessional to Teacher Licensure program in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is a streamlined path to licensure for practicing paraprofessionals who have an associate degree (or at least 48 college credits) but not a bachelor’s degree. In three years or less, you'll earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from one of the most respected and innovative schools in Wisconsin and be eligible for a Wisconsin teaching license.
About the Program
Classes are taught online (spring start) or hybrid (fall start), both synchronous and asynchronous. Each student must also complete 18 weeks of student teaching. The program is offered in partnership with MPS but is open to any and all who wish to seek this licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Education without minor
- One course every 8 weeks
- Tuesday evenings form 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Cycle through 8-week courses until program completion (including summer)
- Program takes 2.5–3 years to complete, depending on transfer credits
Bachelor of Science in Education with minor
- Two courses every 8 weeks
- Tuesday evenings form 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. plus an additional evening for minor courses
- Cycle through 8-week courses until program completion (including summer)
- Program takes 2.5–3 years to complete, depending on transfer credits
Licensure Options & Minors
You'll choose between two license major options — Birth to Third Grade or K to Ninth Grade.
You also have the option to minor in Special Education or Teaching English Language Learners (with or without bilingual endorsement).
Admissions Requirements
- Working paraprofessional
- Associate degree or at least 48 college credits (not a bachelor's degree)
- If you have previous college credits but no degree, please submit transcripts from all institutions attended including your official high school transcript
- If you have an associate degree, please submit your official associate degree transcript
- Either:
- Pass the Praxis CORE Basic Skills Test (reading, writing and mathematics) OR
- Grade of B or higher in a college-level mathematics, English/literature and writing/communication course
Quick Links
— Gadeer, Para to BSE studentThe paraprofessional to BSE program at Alverno has prepared me to meet my career goals because of the fieldwork connected to the classes. I felt I had a terrific experience at Alverno because everything I do in the classroom I was able to elaborate and discuss it with my professors every week. I’m so thankful for the professors I was privileged to learn from because they have shaped my understanding of what it means to be an effective teacher.
Education + The Alverno Difference
There’s no better place to study education — Alverno has won numerous national awards for its innovative practices, outstanding teaching and high classroom engagement. Educators from around the world visit Alverno’s campus to study our curriculum and groundbreaking approach to learning and assessment. You’ll learn how to bring this effective approach to your own classroom.
Instead of letter grades, we focus on your personal development and real-world skills — equipping you with the crucial communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need to thrive in psychology. Our learning approach is centered around the 8 Abilities, which will set you apart from the crowd.
New – Special Education Scholarship Opportunity
Alverno’s Developing Diversity in Exceptional Educator Preparation (DDEEP) program provides 24 scholarships per academic year to racially, ethnically, linguistically and ability diverse students who wish to serve as a special education teacher.
Students must meet eligibility requirements and commit to serve as a special education teacher for at least two years for every year the scholarship is received.
