Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE-The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will graduate its second cohort from the educational administrative certification program in May. Sixteen will receive certification.

Since the inception of the administrative education certificate in 2001, UW-Platteville's administration certificate program has graduated 18 individuals.

"We are extremely fortunate to have quality instructors for this program-consisting of current and retired administrators," said Wally Iselin, director of the educational administration certification program and director of clinical experiences.

Requirements for admission to the educational administration certificate program include having a minimum of three years PreK-12 teaching, counseling or student services experience, an essay of self-reflection on competency in the knowledge skills and dispositions of the 10 Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development, and two letters of recommendation from administrators.

To complete the educational administration certification licensure, candidates must complete the 24-credit program, pass the Department of Public Instruction content test for administrators, develop a graduation portfolio and have a completed master's degree.

"The program has had a tremendous impact on the master's degree program," said Iselin.

The courses offered for the educational administration certification program are held Saturdays during the summer over a two-year period.

"Our program is based on the concept of knowledge, skills and dispositions," said Iselin. "The program is easily adaptable to those who are currently employed because it meets on Saturdays."

Courses included in the certificate program include educational administration introduction seminar, educational administration relationships, educational administration student learning, educational administration systems I, educational administration legal aspects, and educational administration systems II.

Iselin said that one of the greatest keys to the success of the program was that the planning committee did not choose textbooks, but decided to rely on the involvement of practitioners, hands on activities and projects derived from true life situations.

"We've been pleased with the students involved, they are committed, willing and open to learn. We are extremely proud of those who have secured position as principles," said Iselin.

Students graduating in May from the Educational Administrative Certification program at UWP include: Cindy Atkinson, Lancaster; Jodene Bast, Platteville; Todd Bastian, Benton; Gerald Benish, Mineral Point; Becky Cohen, Darlington; Joseph Diedrich, Shullsburg; Mike Howard, Brodhead; Jason Julius, Platteville; Brian Kammerer, Brodhead; Mitchell Kunhnert, Platteville; Sara Latimer, Monroe; Mark Lierman, Shullsburg; James Matthys, Brodhead; Christy Murphy, Darlington; Jean Pierick, Highland; and Shane Wahls, St. Olaf, Iowa.