The Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education (IECTE) Program is a signature dual licensure program for students interested in a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with licensure in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Program students also have the opportunity to add certifications in English as Second Language and/or Bilingual Education. This multi-licensure approach is grounded in the belief that a complex understanding of multiple knowledge frameworks is essential to providing meaningful educational experiences for all children birth through third grade. The IECTE Program seeks to educate future teachers with the knowledge and disposition to use equitable and effective practices that break down barriers and make learning accessible for all. It is a one-of-a-kind teacher education journey with the possibility of completing the dual licensure program in four years (including one summer) through real-world experiences and a supportive program structure. The program provides experiences in a cross-section of sites where future employment opportunities exist, including public and charter primary schools, Head Start, early intervention settings, and preschools and other community-based educational settings. The IECTE Program responds to the local needs of the Milwaukee Metropolitan school districts, as well as the national call for teachers who have the knowledge and disposition to effectively educate and celebrate the diversity of young children.
Requirements
General Education Requirements (GERs)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
The following GER course is highly recommended for students in the Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CURRINS 234 | Teachers as Writers | 3 |
Professional Courses
Non-Sequenced Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART ED 130 | Multicultural Art and Visual Learning in Elementary Education | 3 |
| CURRINS 233 | Introduction to Children's and Young Adult Literature | 3 |
| CES 210 | Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science | 3 |
| ED POL 375 | Cultural Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 176 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| MUS ED 260 | Making Music Connections with Children | 3 |
| TCH LRN 323 | Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 338 | Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 430 | Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 511 | Curriculum and Guidance for Social Emotional Learning | 3 |
| TCH LRN 512 | Reflective Practice in Inclusive Early Childhood Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| TCH LRN 520 | Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | 3 |
| TCH LRN 612 | Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities | 3 |
| TCH LRN 652 | Developmental Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| Choose one: | 3 | |
| Western Great Lakes American Indian Community Life of the Past | ||
| North American Indian History Since 1887 | ||
| American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin | ||
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: | ||
| Total Non-Sequenced Credits | 51 | |
Sequenced Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | ||
| TCH LRN 109 | Field Experience with Families and Communities | 1 |
| TCH LRN 312 | Models and Issues for Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Spring 2 | ||
| TCH LRN 209 | Field Work in Inclusive EC: Dual Language Learners | 2 |
| TCH LRN 302 | Inclusive Curriculum Foundations in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 501 | Language Acquisition for Children of Diverse Backgrounds | 3 |
| Fall 3 | ||
| TCH LRN 303 | Inclusive Curriculum Design in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 309 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Preschool and Kindergarten | 3 |
| TCH LRN 502 | Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| TCH LRN 569 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods: Preschool | 3 |
| Spring 3 | ||
| TCH LRN 409 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Primary | 3 |
| TCH LRN 504 | Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms | 3 |
| TCH LRN 570 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Teaching: Primary | 3 |
| Summer 3 | ||
| CURRINS 541 | Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL | 3 |
| TCH LRN 509 | Advanced Field Experience in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 568 | Inclusive Early Childhood Care, Curriculum, and Teaching: Birth to Three | 3 |
| TCH LRN 647 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Birth to Three | 3 |
| Spring 4 | ||
| Option 1: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education | ||
| TCH LRN 601 | Student Teaching Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 609 | Student Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 12 |
| Option 2: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education, plus Early Childhood Certification | ||
| TCH LRN 608 | Practicum in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Without Certification | 9 |
| Total Sequenced Credits | 52-58 | |
| Additional GER and elective credits to meet minimum 120 credits for graduation | ||
Program Benchmarks
Additional Requirements for Graduation:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all UWM and transfer courses
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on professional education courses
- Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits
- Completion of the last year of coursework (30 credits) in residence at UWM
Inclusive EC with Licensure:
- Successfully complete an approved reading assessment (e.g., WiFort assessment or WiFort alternative portfolio)
- Demonstration of successful completion of the Pedagogical Knowledge Assessment (PKA).
Benchmarks
Students must meet benchmarks at several points during the program and prior to student teaching. Benchmarks are monitored through tracking systems and advising. A student will be restricted from moving forward in the program if the benchmarks are not completed.
Admission
- C or better in ENGLISH 102
- C or better in MATH 175
- C or better in TCH LRN 109
- C or better in TCH LRN 312
- Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 209
- Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 501
- Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 302
- Cleared Criminal Background Check on file
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
- Mandatory meeting with advisor
Content Knowledge
Prior to student teaching, choose one of the options below.
Option A: Coursework
Students earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research | 3 |
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| TCH LRN 323 | Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 338 | Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 502 | Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| TCH LRN 520 | Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | 3 |
Option B: Test (Score)
Students demonstrate a score of 157 or above on the Praxis 5018. This demonstration is required 2 semesters prior to student teaching.
Student Teaching
Prior to student teaching, review the following with your advisor:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all UWM and transfer courses
- C or higher in the IECTE professional courses
- At least one attempt of the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WiFoRT)
- Successful Completion of the Content Knowledge Requirement
- 3.0 in the specified content courses
- Passing score on the ECE Praxis Subject Assessment 5018
- ESL certification only: PRAXIS Subject Assessment Exam #5362 – Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages, with a passing score of 149 or higher or minimum 3.0 GPA in CURRINS 541, 542, 543, 546, 655
- Bilingual certification only: ACTFL OPI exam – A minimum score of Advanced-Low (see advisor for details)
Undergraduate Advising
Our purpose is to provide collaborative, mentoring relationships which promote educational, career, and professional development. We value a student-centered, holistic, and ethical approach to advising based on strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff, and the larger campus community. We are committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment. We encourage students to be self-reliant through informed decisions and choices based upon dissemination of accurate information. We value our own continuous professional development to enhance the quality of the advising experience.
How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting
- Review your Advisement Report in PAWS.
- Come prepared with questions or topics for discussion.
- Make a list of courses you think you should take.
- Investigate opportunities to prepare for the job you want.
- Keep a record of your academic progress.
- Understand you are ultimately responsible for creating your educational, life, and career plans.
- Maintain honest and open communication with your advisor.
- Take responsibility for choices you make as a student and member of the UW-Milwaukee community.
Scheduling an Appointment
Office of Student Services
Enderis Hall, Room 209
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu
Graduate Advising
If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account.
Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning
Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.
College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.