Wisconsin Center for Education Research

WCER and the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative are pleased to once again partner with the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, and the CESA Statewide Network for the Creating a Culture of Excellence for All conference. Join us in Madison on June 25–26 for this collaborative event that showcases accomplished Wisconsin school and district leaders who will share their continuous-improvement journeys, practical strategies, and measurable results.

Register to attend at https://sites.google.com/awsa.org/culture-of-excellence/home

WCER and the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative are excited to once again partner with the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, and the CESA Statewide Network for the Creating a Culture of Excellence for All conference. Join us in Madison on June 25–26 for this collaborative event that spotlights accomplished Wisconsin school and district leaders who will share their continuous-improvement journeys, practical strategies, and measurable results.

Learn more and register today at https://sites.google.com/awsa.org/culture-of-excellence/home

“As someone who always wanted to go into special education but was concerned about the potential financial burden, this program was a dream come true. Being paid to get a master’s degree and coming out with no debt? It’s a no-brainer!” said Ciara Park, a current program resident.

Now in its third year, the Special Education Teacher Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Participants gain extensive experience in Milwaukee Public Schools classrooms, mentorship from seasoned special educators, and a pathway to full special education certification. They also earn a master’s degree from UW–Madison.

Only a few spots remain for this year's cohort! Apply today at https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

UW Madison Special Education Teacher Residency Program (TRP) The UW–Madison Special Education Teacher Residency Program (TRP) includes a UW–Madison master’s degree and a teaching residency in Milwaukee Public Schools.

Make a difference as a Special Education Teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools. Our teacher residency program starts in the summer of 2026 and has just a couple of openings left.

Apply today at https://uwteacherresidency.org/

Get paid while you become a Special Education Teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools and earn your degree — only a couple of spots remain for our 2026-27 cohort!

Apply today at

UW Madison Special Education Teacher Residency Program (TRP) The UW–Madison Special Education Teacher Residency Program (TRP) includes a UW–Madison master’s degree and a teaching residency in Milwaukee Public Schools.

“As someone who always wanted to go into special education but was concerned about the potential financial burden, this program was a dream come true. Being paid to get a master’s degree and coming out with no debt? It’s a no-brainer!” said Ciara Park, a current program resident.

In its third year, the Special Education Teacher Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Participants gain extensive experience in Milwaukee Public Schools classrooms, mentorship from experienced special educators, and a pathway to full certification in special education. They also earn a master’s degree from UW–Madison.

The early decision application deadline is Dec. 15, 2025.

For more information about the UW–Madison and MPS Special Education Teacher Residency Program and to apply, visit https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

In its third year, the Special Education Teacher Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Participants gain extensive experience in Milwaukee Public Schools classrooms, mentorship from experienced special educators, and a pathway to full certification in special education. They also earn a master’s degree from UW–Madison.

Program Highlights:

—Collaborative Training: Participants work closely with MPS teachers and UW–Madison faculty to gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

—Mentorship and Support: Each resident is paired with a mentor, an experienced MPS special educator, who provides guidance and support throughout the program.

—Pathway to Certification: Successful completion of the program leads to full certification in special education in Wisconsin, opening doors to a rewarding career working with students with disabilities and their families.

—Financial Support: Residents receive a living stipend of no less than $53,419 and are eligible for free tuition through UW–Madison’s Teacher Pledge.

—Comprehensive Curriculum: The 14-month program includes a summer internship and a 10-month teaching residency in MPS. Graduates earn a master’s degree from UW–Madison in special education and a Wisconsin Cross-Categorical K–12 Special Education teaching license.

—Teaching Position After Graduation: Following completion of the program, participants agree to serve as special education teachers in an MPS school for a minimum of three years.

For more information about the UW–Madison and MPS Special Education Teacher Residency Program and to apply, visit https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

To begin tackling Wisconsin’s shortage of special education teachers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education and the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, in collaboration with Milwaukee Public Schools, have opened recruitment for the 2026 cohort of the Special Education Teacher Residency Program. This innovative program aims to address the critical shortage of special education teachers in MPS by providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring educators.

The early decision application deadline is Dec. 15, 2025.

“As someone who always wanted to go into special education but was concerned about the potential financial burden, this program was a dream come true. Being paid to get a master’s degree and coming out with no debt? It’s a no-brainer!” said Ciara Park, a current program resident.

For more information about the UW–Madison and MPS Special Education Teacher Residency Program and to apply, visit https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

The Special Education Teacher Residency program with Milwaukee Public Schools is now accepting applications for their 2026 cohort — apply by Dec. 15, 2025 to be considered for early decision!

In its third year, the Special Education Teacher Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Participants gain extensive experience in MPS classrooms, mentorship from experienced special educators, and a pathway to full certification in special education. They also earn a master’s degree from UW–Madison.

For more information about the UW–Madison and MPS Special Education Teacher Residency Program and to apply, visit https://uwteacherresidency.org/.

Sharing research! Bradley Carl, a scientist and founding co-director of WCER’s Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC), presented studies on teacher recruitment, training and retention in rural districts with NORC’s Jenny Seelig at the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance conference Wednesday at UW-Stevens Point.

We're delighted to welcome Rob Hubal to WCER as the inaugural SimLab Director!

Hubal brings more than two decades of experience in simulation systems, with a focus on high-stakes training environments. A cognitive scientist, his interdisciplinary work has advanced the use of virtual humans, immersive technologies, and AI-driven simulations to improve education, healthcare, and public safety outcomes.

The SimLab, housed within WCER, is a hub for interdisciplinary research that leverages simulation technologies to study and improve the performance of pre-professional, novice, and practicing professionals in education, healthcare, and engineering. The lab’s work spans mixed reality, machine learning, and human-driven feedback loops, with a focus on the real-world impact of rehearsing high-stakes conversations in a supportive, do-no-harm virtual environment. The SimLab partners with researchers and instructors to leverage research, teaching, and learning scenarios that support the improvement of professional competencies and research on professional competencies.
For more information about SimLab, visit simlab.wisc.edu.