WELS Teacher Certification

Scripture outlines the qualifications of candidates for the public ministry in such passages as I Timothy 3, II Timothy 2:15, and Titus 1. In the interest of maintaining such scriptural principles for the teacher-training and staff ministry training programs of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), the Conference of Presidents (COP) as the certifying agency for the synod distinguishes between certified teachers and staff ministers and those still having a program of education to complete and has established guidelines for the certification of teachers and staff ministers.

The synod's preference is that men and women qualify themselves as teachers by graduating from Martin Luther College (MLC). However, because not all teachers are graduates of MLC, certification guidelines developed by the Conference of Presidents (COP) of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod seek to establish an adequate standard of teacher training that will ensure proficiency in carrying out the aims and objectives of WELS education programs. In addition, these guidelines make it possible to carry out an orderly program of inservice training for early childhood teachers who are rendering a needful and valuable service in our schools but who have not yet fulfilled baccalaureate or certification requirements.

To obtain a copy of these guidelines or for more information regarding synod certification, contact:

Prof. Kurt Wittmershaus
Director of Synod Certification
1995 Luther Ct.
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 354-8221 x377
wittmeka@mlc-wels.edu