How much do Rn make in Wisconsin?

I'm a teacher in Michigan. If I move to Wisconsin, will I have to do anything to make my certification valid?

• I was recently interviewed for a non-teaching job in Wisconsin that provides benefits and good pay, so of course I am interested. I also recently received my Michigan teaching certificate for secondary education (English and Psychology). If I wind up moving to Wisconsin for this new job, but still want to pursue a teaching job while I'm there, do I have to do anything to actually make my certificate valid in Wisconsin? As far as I have read, the Michigan certificate is "valid" in several other states - Wisconsin included - however, I'd like to know if I would have to pay anything, apply for anything, or take a test of some kind to actually have it *be* valid. Anybody have any details for me?

• Answer:

  Joe, When a US state, like Michigan, says their license if "valid" in some other states, that means only the education program you completed will be accepted. You must still apply for WI certification. It's really like starting from scratch. You will need to contact WI Bd. of Ed., which you can do online, and get application forms, or apply online for many of the steps. You will be required to submit official copies of all college-level transcripts. Obtain these from your colleges before you leave MI. (You get to pay for these. I suggest you get 3 copies of each.) WI will charge a fee for the license application, have you fingerprinted and a mug shot taken to make sure you're not whatever. You will give them a resume, Make sure you have the info for all the places you worked: organization name, address, phone, email, contact name & number, job title, subjects taught, dates of employment. Have you current driver's license and social security card always ready because only the person behind the desk and God Himself know if you need them. Ask your MI education professors, other teachers, or anybody who can be bribed to say something nice about you (It's a joke, okay!) to write letters of recommendation. You will definitely need these if you get an interview (Photocopies are okay.) You will need a recent physical examination with current vaccinations for whatever is explained online. Guess who gets to pay for that! (I went to a community health clinic to get current and had the proper documents validated for only $25.) Finally, you will have to take the WI teaching tests for each area of certification and a general education test, which you also pay for. You can find out dates and testing sites online. You can take them anytime, even before you start the application process. You may retake any test if you blow one or to improve your scores. This entire process can take forever, or somewhat less. Important tip: Whenever you must go to any Dept. of Ed. office, take a book to read, a bottle of water, and some snacks with you.