Section 118.197 - Initial license to teach; alternative preparation programs(1) Notwithstanding s. 118.19 (4m), (6) to (9), (12), and (14), the department shall grant an initial license to teach to an individual who is eligible for licensure under s. 118.19 (4) and (10) and who satisfies all of the following: (a) The individual possesses a bachelor's degree.(b) The individual successfully completed an alternative teacher certification program operated by an organization that satisfies all of the following criteria: 1. The organization operates in at least 5 states.2. The organization has been operating an alternative teacher certification program for at least 10 years.3. The organization requires candidates to pass a subject area exam and the pedagogy exam known as the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam to receive a certificate under the alternative teacher certification.(2) A license under sub. (1) authorizes an individual to teach the subject and educational levels for which the individual has successfully completed an alternative teacher certification program. The department shall treat an initial license to teach granted under sub. (1) in the same manner the state superintendent treats an initial license to teach granted in accordance with s. 118.19.Amended by Acts 2023 ch, 197,s 1, eff. 3/24/2024.Added by Acts 2017 ch, 59,s 1524g, eff. 9/23/2017.