WI SB87

Federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands in Wisconsin may opt to evaluate applicants for lifetime (Tier III) teaching licenses in their associated American Indian language by submitting written notice to the Department of Public Instruction.

DPI must notify the tribal government when an individual applies for a Tier III lifetime license in the tribe's associated language, and the tribe determines whether the applicant is highly skilled in that language.

If a tribe endorses the applicant as highly skilled, DPI may issue the Tier III lifetime license; if not endorsed, the applicant may only renew a Tier II license.

Current law allows Tier III lifetime licenses after completing 6 semesters of teaching experience; this bill adds tribal endorsement as an additional requirement when a tribe exercises the opt-in evaluation authority.