This is the second in a three-part series examining emergency and alternative licensure pathways available to Wisconsin schools and aspiring teachers.
Is This the New Normal? — Part II
Teacher shortages are no longer temporary. Across Wisconsin, many districts—rural and urban alike—are navigating open positions, late hires, and midyear vacancies as part of their new reality.
In Part II of our three-part series on emergency and alternative licensure, Dr. Timothy Raymond, CESA 7 TDC Licensing Coordinator, explores how districts can move beyond simply filling vacancies and instead build sustainable educator pipelines.
Key ideas from this article include:
• Shifting from a “hire and hope” mindset to a “recruit and develop” approach
• Investing inlocal talentalready connected to schools and communities
• Ensuring emergency and alternative pathways includementoring, coaching, and strong support systems
When used intentionally, these pathways aren’t about lowering standards—they’re about creating access while strengthening the future educator workforce.
Read Part II of the series by using this short link: bit.ly/4srTKBB
Coming next: Part III will explore how districts can formalize these efforts through structured mentoring, licensing guidance, and clear district systems.