A license is necessary to teach in Minnesota. To be licensed as a Minnesota teacher of tiers one through four, you need to fulfill the requirements of the tiered licensure scheme. This requires you to attend college and earn a degree.
There are many factors that affect the median teacher salary. Salary.com reports that the average salary for public school teachers is $65,650 annually in Minneapolis. Minnesota’s teacher shortage has led to high demand. Seventy percent report that the shortage has had a significant impact on their school districts in Minnesota.
How can I become a Minnesota teacher?
Minnesota requires teacher certification for all subjects with the exception of career and technical learning and career pathways. This is the minimum requirement for tier 1. Teaching career and technical education, or career pathways requires an associate of art (AA), professional certificate, five years work experience, or a bachelor’s degree. Tier one licensure is available for those with at least five years.
Each tier has its own licensing requirements. These include completion of a teacher education program, upper-division credits for the subject area, passing content and pedagogy tests.
Out-of state teachers can move straight to tier three by obtaining a bachelor’s in education, passing the content and teaching pedagogy exams, and two years experience as a teacher.
Meet Minimum Education Requirements
Minnesota teachers must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify. Although the tiered licensing guide doesn’t specify which type of degree is required, schools will likely consider whether the degree is appropriate for teaching or the subject matter when they hire teachers. A school might avoid hiring a science teacher with an English degree. An academic degree that is science-focused would be better.
A BA degree does not suffice for career and technology education teachers and career paths teachers. You can get a license with an associate degree, professional certification or five years’ work experience.
You don’t have to take a Minnesota approved teacher preparation program in order to be eligible for tier 1 licensure. You will need to complete it to move up to tier 2.
Popular Online Teaching Programs
Get student teaching experience
While most teacher education programs require students to teach, this is not required for licensure by the Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota teachers are not required to have any teaching experience in order to obtain tier one licensure. The National Council on Teacher Quality says that student teaching experiences should not exceed ten weeks. Five of those must take place at the same site.
Teachers need to communicate well with others, be able to write, speak, and listen. They should be able and willing to work with students. They must be enthusiastic and believe in education. They must also show empathy and patience to their students.
Pass the required certification tests
Tier one licensure is not subject to any test. For tier three and four licensure, you will need to pass the state subject area and pedagogy exams. To be licensed as a Tier Four licensee, you must pass a board approved skills exam.
There are three types depending on what grade the children are being taught. There are three kinds of tests: the primary, elementary, or secondary.
There are many content-area testing. These tests are mandatory for teachers who teach in any subject. In order to pass high school science classes, teachers must be able to pass chemistry (9-12), Earth and Space Science (9-12), Life Science (9-12), Physics (9-12) and Physics (10-12).
Request Certification
Minnesota offers an online licensing system to first-time applicants. For renewals, adding subjects to existing licenses, or for grade level increases, applicants must submit a paper application. Minnesota educator license fees are $91.95.
If you are an electronic first-time application, you will need the “Minnesota Education License”, and then check to see if your intent is to apply for a teaching license. You will then need to select the appropriate Tier.
Next, enter your personal information. You can also check if your license was issued by another country. After you have completed this information, you’ll be asked to enter information about the college degree. You will need to prove that you are qualified for the level you are applying. Your fingerprint card will be required for your application.
The entire process is quick and easy. Licensure requests are usually processed in under 30 days. A 30-day processing period applies to new applicants.
How do I maintain my Minnesota teaching certification?
Your Minnesota teacher'’s license can be renewed by submitting a paper application. Tier 1 licenses can be renewed once per year. Tier 2 licenses can be renewed for three times and are valid for two-years. Tier three licenses can be renewed at any time for an unlimited period of three years. Tier four licenses are valid for five year and can be renewed indefinitely.
Tier one and second-tier teachers do NOT have continuing contract rights. As such, it is sensible to attempt to upgrade to tier three or four as soon as possible. To obtain a Tier Three license, you will need a Bachelor’s degree (or AA in Career and Technical Education or Career Pathways), passing scores on content and pedagogy and one of these:
- Minnesota-approved teacher preparation program
- A similar teacher preparation program in another state
- Portfolio in licensure field
- Three years teaching experience at tier 2
- Two years teaching experience and a teaching license from another state
Minnesota Teachers’ Career Outlook
According to the 2021 Minnesota Teacher Supply and Demand Report released by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. 70% report that their school districts have been impacted at most “somewhat significantly” due to the teacher shortage. These districts have a high demand for teachers.
Salary.com has listed the Minneapolis median public school teacher’s salary at $64,650 in January 2022. This is slightly lower than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ national median of elementary, middle, high school and secondary teacher salaries. According to BLS, elementary school teachers get a mean salary of $60,000. Middle school teachers get $60,810. High school teachers get $62,870 per yr nationwide.
Your salary may increase if you return to school to continue your education. Teachers with master’s degrees are often paid more than teachers with bachelor’s. Find out the average salary for a graduate student by speaking with your school district.
Minnesota In-Demand Teacher Careers
Kindergarten Teachers
Elementary and kindergarten teachers teach young children the alphabet, numbers, math, reading, science and other skills. They help young children to communicate with their peers and authority figures. They develop lesson plans and grade the completed assignments.
Middle-School Teachers
Students in sixth through eighth grade are typically taught by middle school teachers. They assist students in preparing them for high school. They plan lessons, teach students and grade their assignments. They can specialize in one subject or another.
High-School Teachers
Students in grades 9-12 are taught by high school teachers. They assist students in preparing them for college and the job market. They plan lessons and teach students according to lesson plans. Finally, they evaluate student results. When making lesson plans, they take into consideration the strengths and areas of opportunity for students.
Educators of Students with Special Needs
Students with special needs are taught by special education teachers in small groups and one-on-one settings. They assess the skills of their students and create educational plans that meet their needs. Special education teachers work with students to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and make sure that they follow the plan.
Educators of Technical and Professional Skills
High school students receive career and technical education instruction. This helps them develop job skills that will allow them to be successful in the real world. They might teach automotive repair, graphic art, cosmetology or culinary arts, as well as other job-related subjects. Teachers in career and technical education often give their students hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Frequently Asked Question about Minnesota Teaching Certification
How do you get your teaching certificate in Minnesota?
A bachelor’s degree is required to obtain your Minnesota teaching certificate. A professional certification, an associate of art degree or five years of work experience are required to teach career and technical education. All teachers need a bachelor'.
The tier one license can be obtained by completing this process. However, the license is valid only for one-year and cannot be renewed in most situations. You should work as quickly as possible to meet the tier 2 requirements.
Is it possible for me to teach in Minnesota with no license?
Minnesota does not require a teaching license. You can however teach for three years with a Tier 1 license. For most subjects, you only need a bachelor of Arts degree. Teachers in career and technical education don’t need a bachelor’s. However, they must have an associate or professional certificate, five years of teaching experience, or a master’s degree.
Tiered licensing is a system that requires you to fulfill more requirements to receive your educator’s license. You will still be entitled to contract rights after you reach tier 3.
What is the average time it takes to become a Minnesota teacher?
To hold most teaching positions in Minnesota, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree. This usually takes around four years.
An accelerated program may help you finish your degree quicker. You might be able also to graduate faster by attending summer school or taking additional classes each semester. These strategies may allow you to finish your bachelor’s in three years.
