Anyone who completes an educator preparation program for the first time in a particular license category (i.e. teaching, pupil Services, administrator) after August 31, 2004 is an initial educator in that license category.

Wis. Admin. Code PI 34 requires school district to provide a support system for initial educators that includes:

• Provide ongoing orientation that is collaboratively developed and delivered by school boards, administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents/families.
• Provide support seminars which reflect the appropriate standards (teacher, pupil services, administrator) and the mission and goals of the school district.
• Designate and administrator who may serve, subject to school board approval, on the initial educator’s Professional Development Plan (PDP) team.
• Provide a qualified mentor. A qualified mentor is an educator who holds a Professional or Master Educator License, is trained to provide support and assistance to initial educators, and has input into the confidential formative assessment of the initial educator. Mentor training should include knowledge and understanding of the Wisconsin Educator Standards as well as the Professional Development plan (PDP) process. The mentor is not part of the formal employment evaluation process.

Related information for Initial Educators

• Professional Development Plan (PDP): Information about writing a PDP, lists of DPI-trained PDP team members, and PDP requirements for licensing.
• PI 34 – Wisconsin Quality Educator Initiative: Information about Wis. Admin. Code PI 34 governing Teacher Education Program Approval and Licenses.
• Wisconsin Educator Standards: Summary of Wisconsin Educator Standards for Teaching, Pupil Services, and Administrator that are used to guide to guide career-long professional development, including Professional Development Plan (PDP).
• Frequently Asked Questions – Initial Educator.