Alternative Education

Graduate Certificate
Wisconsin Teaching Certification

College of Education and Professional Studies

Gain a solid foundation in the history, philosophy, educational psychology, curriculum, instruction and management involved in the rapidly growing area of Alternative Education. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has developed the following courses that will effectively prepare teachers and administrators to work in alternative education settings. Each two-credit course is offered completely online in an asynchronous format.

Who Should Enroll

• Wisconsin educators who want to obtain a 952 license
• Minnesota educators who want to be qualified in the area alternative education
• Any educator wishing to learn more about teaching in alternative education settings
• Current alternative educators who would like to continue their professional development

Key Features

• All classes are online in an asynchronous format
• Participants will have the opportunity to interact with fellow educators from all over the state and country
• Each two-credit class is completed in approximately six weeks
• Practical experience is incorporated throughout the courses
• Includes both theoretical and practical experiences based on a reflective practice model
• Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for 952 certification

Required Courses

In order to receive the certificate and be qualified for Wisconsin certification, students must complete the four core classes (AED 700-703) and the practicum (AED 770). Students may begin the program any term and complete the courses in any order. The practicum must be taken in conjunction with AED 701, 702 and 703.

Offered in Summer:

AED 700 History and Philosophy of Alternative Education, 2 credits

Offered in Fall:

AED 701 Alternative Education Students: Who are They?, 2 credits
AED 702 Teaching and Working with Alternative Students, 2 credits
AED 770 Practicum in Alternative Education,* .5-1 credit

Offered in Spring:

AED 703 Building and Evaluating Alternative Programs, 2 credits
AED 770 Practicum in Alternative Education,* 1 credit

Elective Course
AED 689 Topics in Alternative Education , 2 credits

*Practicum is completed concurrently with the courses offered each term.

Admission Requirements

• Completed application (PDF) for graduate study at UWRF.
• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended as an undergraduate student, sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution.
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program.

For More Information

Mary Manke, Associate Dean
College of Education and Professional Studies
715-425-3774
Email: mary.p.manke@uwrf.edu