Program Eligibility

To qualify for the Teacher Residency Program, you need to qualify for the UW–Madison master’s program.

For our Master’s program, we require:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher — please contact us to discuss if you’re interested and it is below 3.0
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A Statement of purpose explaining why you’re interested in becoming a special education teacher, including experiences in education and/or working with people with disabilities. Please mention your interest in TRP in your statement.
  • Current resume

Note: No GRE is required.

Back view of a small student in a chair. The chair has books and a pouch that says Math on it hanging on the back of it.

If qualified for the Master’s program, you also need the following to qualify for the Teacher Residency Program:

  • Not currently employed in a licensed position within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS),
  • Agree to work in special education within MPS for three years after graduation, and
  • Apply to and be hired by Milwaukee Public Schools.  

Admission for Cohort 3 is now closed.

Please check back for updates about potential additional cohorts.

Please email Rebekka Olsen with any questions.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Special Education Teacher Residency Program (TRP) is supported by Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) School of Education, and the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at UW–Madison.