Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Programs and Services

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the state agency responsible for advancing public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Led by Superintendent Jill Underly, the DPI oversees state education and administers various educational, vocational, and special needs programs. It also provides professional services and licensing for teachers, administrators, library professionals, and student services personnel. The Department distributes state and federal education aid to local districts and programs.

Overview of the Department of Public Instruction

Established on March 13, 1848, the Wisconsin DPI has a long history of serving the educational needs of the state. The Department's main office is located in the Tommy G. Thompson Building (TGT) in Madison. The superintendent is a constitutional officer of the government of Wisconsin, established in Article X of the Constitution of Wisconsin.

The DPI plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child in Wisconsin has the opportunity for a high-quality public education. Dr. Jill Underly was re-elected as Wisconsin’s state superintendent of Public Instruction in April 2025, marking the start of her second term in the role. With more than two decades of public education experience, including her most-recent six years as the Superintendent of the Pecatonica School District, Dr. Underly has been committed to ensuring that every child, every day, has the opportunity for a first-class public education in the State of Wisconsin.

Key Programs and Services

The Wisconsin DPI offers a wide array of programs and services designed to support students, educators, and communities throughout the state. These programs cover various aspects of education, from early childhood to higher education and beyond.

Special Education Programs

The DPI is committed to providing comprehensive special education services to students with disabilities. These services aim to ensure that all students have access to a free and appropriate public education.

However, recent federal actions have raised concerns about the future of special education programs in Wisconsin and across the country. Last week, the Trump administration made a reduction-in-force for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services that will leave limited staff in place for the monitoring and oversight of special education. Siebert said, “It’s a civil rights law, and so while Wisconsin might step up, what about the other 7.5 million students in our country that have disabilities?” Badeau said, “It is going to be devastating for kids who are receiving special education services,” Badeau said. “It’s crisis-level,” she said.

Teacher Development and Support

The DPI recognizes the importance of well-trained and supported educators. The Department offers various programs and resources to help teachers develop their skills, stay up-to-date on best practices, and advance in their careers.

One such program, Warhawks Teach, a partnership between DPI and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, paid for special education teachers on temporary licenses to earn a master's degree as they worked toward full-time licensure. McMahon said, "I told my superintendent, it feels like a dream. Like I couldn't even believe this was something that was offered".

The grant also provides training and mentorship opportunities for first- and second-year special education teachers through their local CESA education agency. Over 300 new special education teachers participated in that Special Educator Induction Program since October 2024, DPI told the federal government in its appeal to keep the grant. Doyle said teachers around the state have told her how the program has helped them learn new approaches at work and feel more confident. Doyle said, "The feedback from the participants has just been outstanding, and I think that really sums it up".

Library Services

The DPI supports public libraries throughout Wisconsin, providing resources, training, and funding to help them serve their communities. Libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy, providing access to information, and fostering lifelong learning.

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Other Educational Programs

In addition to the programs mentioned above, the DPI administers a variety of other educational programs, including those focused on:

Early childhood education
Career and technical education
Bilingual education
Gifted and talented education

Challenges and Controversies

The Wisconsin DPI has faced its share of challenges and controversies in recent years. One notable example is the Department of Education's decision to cut funding over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.

On Aug. 27, the federal education department notified DPI that the grant would be eliminated because a review found it conflicts with Trump administration goals like "prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education." Specifically, the federal review flagged language in DPI's grant application saying educator coaches would be trained in an "equity mindset." It also took issue with a paragraph in the grant application stating: "The (educator) coach surfaces the impact of white supremacy and the history of whiteness on systems, works to disrupt and dismantle its effects, and facilitates action planning to build a more equitable system of education in its place."

In appealing the grant termination on Sept. 11, DPI said it included equity-related goals because the grant's own application requirements asked applicants to show how they would "ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the project." Under the Trump administration, the education department has outlined goals to eliminate goals that promote diversity, equity, or inclusion. It has also argued that the concept of systemic racism does not exist. In its appeal letter, DPI said it had eliminated the DEI-related language at issue in the hopes of maintaining the grant. Responding to DPI on Sept. 29, federal officials said they still believe the grant is being used for purposes that conflict with federal priorities.

This decision resulted in the elimination of several initiatives funded by the grant, including contracts to develop an online training program for new special education teachers, a social media campaign for teacher recruitment, and an online toolkit for educators about individual education plans. Also being eliminated is Warhawks Teach, a partnership between DPI and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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The Impact of Funding Cuts on Special Education

The reduction in funding for special education programs has raised concerns among educators and advocates. As a result, several initiatives funded by the grant will be eliminated entirely. That includes contracts to develop an online training program for new special education teachers, a social media campaign for teacher recruitment, and an online toolkit for educators about individual education plans. Also being eliminated is Warhawks Teach, a partnership between DPI and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Across Wisconsin, just 46% of special education teachers remain in the state after seven years on the job, state data show. Special education consistently ranks among the top fields for teacher shortages. Like other districts, Stevens Point often relies on special education teachers with temporary licenses. They often transition to the field after having worked in another K-12 specialty, or outside of education all together, McMahon said. Many of those teachers are younger and already have debt from a bachelor's degree, on top of needing to get a full-time license, she said.

The loss of funding for programs like Warhawks Teach could exacerbate the teacher shortage and make it more difficult for districts to provide high-quality special education services.

Future Directions

Despite the challenges it faces, the Wisconsin DPI remains committed to its mission of advancing public education and libraries in the state. The Department continues to explore new ways to support students, educators, and communities and to ensure that all Wisconsin residents have access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

The DPI's focus on equity, inclusion, and teacher development reflects its commitment to creating a more just and equitable education system for all students. As the Department moves forward, it will be essential to address the challenges posed by funding cuts and to continue advocating for policies and programs that support the success of all Wisconsin learners.

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