How To Become a Teacher in Minnesota 2025

<p>Minnesota has a somewhat unique structure for the requirements to become a teacher, with multiple tiers and different requirements for each tier. While the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">quickest way to become a teacher</a> is through a bachelor's degree program, it's not the only way. The tiered system can be a little confusing, so we've broken down the most common way to navigate the system and become a teacher in Minnesota. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>There are multiple grade levels and subjects you can choose from when becoming a teacher. You need to choose what subjects and grade levels you want to teach because that will influence your major. This will then influence what teacher certification you're eligible for. Below, you'll find the basics you need to know for each grade level. </p> <p>Note that for some specialist subjects (e.g., art, music, and physical education), licensure is for all grades in some states. This is true in Minnesota as well. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Elementary school teachers typically teach children in grades kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. In elementary schools, children usually stay with one teacher for the majority of the day. This teacher covers generalist subjects, such as math and reading. Students will occasionally visit other specialist teachers for subjects (e.g., art or PE). </p> <p>There are two primary levels for teaching elementary-age children. In Minnesota, early childhood education licensure covers children from birth through third grade. Elementary education covers kindergarten through sixth grade. That means for some subjects, you can choose which degree you want. For example, to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you could hold either license; however, to teach fourth grade, you would need an elementary education license. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Middle school typically spans grades five or six through grades eight or nine. To meet middle school teacher educational requirements, you'll need to obtain a license for these grades. </p> <p>In Minnesota, there is no generalist middle grades degree. Instead, teachers earn teaching certificates in specific subject areas for grades five through eight, such as math, science, and social studies. Some licensure is for grades five through 12, such as health, family and consumer sciences (home economics), and certain types of career and technical courses. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>High school teachers in Minnesota primarily teach grades nine through 12. The high school teacher educational requirements in Minnesota are very similar to the middle school requirements &mdash; you need to earn a license in the subject area you want to teach for grades nine through 12. </p> <p>There are a few differences, however. For example, at the middle school level, you can earn a license in general science. But at the high school level, you choose between fields like chemistry, life sciences, and physics. For other subjects, like social studies and communication arts, your license will be for grades five through 12. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Once you've decided what grade level and subject you want to teach, you can choose your major. These can vary between schools, so you'll want to consider options that align with your teaching goals. </p> <p>For example, Augsburg University offers bachelor's degrees in elementary education, special education, K-12 English as a second language, and secondary education. In the secondary education degree, students can choose from several subject area options, and a middle school endorsement can be added. </p> <p>Bemidji State University, meanwhile, offers a generalist elementary education option as well as specific fields within elementary education. It also offers multiple options for middle and high school subject areas, as well as specialty subjects, like music education or physical education, that lead to licensure for all grades. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Every tier level in Minnesota requires a bachelor's degree &mdash; except for very specific circumstances. If you know you want to be a teacher, you should choose an education program that doubles as a teacher preparation program. </p> <p>The completion of a teacher preparation program is required for tiers two through four. Teacher preparation programs ensure that aspiring teachers receive the proper education. Some states call these ''teacher education programs'' or ''educator preparation programs''. </p> <p>Bachelor's degrees usually take four years to complete. The education courses you take will depend on your major but often include core topics, such as classroom management, educational psychology, and pedagogy. If your program is an approved teacher preparation program, you'll also participate in student teaching experiences. These give prospective teachers the opportunity to work in a classroom setting under a licensed, experienced teacher. </p> <p>Note that Minnesota does offer some alternative routes to teaching that do not require a bachelor's degree. These are available to those wanting to teach career and technical education (CTE), dance, theater, visual arts, music, world languages, and culture. They all require significant years of experience in the subject matter. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>None of Minnesota's licensure tiers requires a master's degree. However, many teachers choose to pursue an advanced degree to further their knowledge, obtain additional subject area licensure, or potentially increase their paycheck. </p> <p>Students with a bachelor's degree in a field that is not education or teaching can also pursue a master's in teaching to qualify for a teaching credential. This qualifies them for tiers two and up. </p> <p>Some schools in Minnesota don't offer teaching degrees at the undergraduate level, which lead to licensure. For example, the University of Minnesota only offers accelerated bachelor's-to-master's education programs that require one additional year of education to qualify for teacher certification. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassMinnesotaTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Minnesota Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>In most states, you need to pass the state's licensing exams to become a certified teacher. However, that is not necessarily the case in Minnesota. </p> <p>Students who have completed an approved teacher preparation program do not need to take the state's licensure exams. Additionally, certain subject areas, like CTE, do not have relevant exams. </p> <p>Testing is for those who have a bachelor's degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program. It allows you to move from tier two to tier three if you meet other experience requirements. </p> <p>The tests you take will depend on the subject matter you want to teach. Unlike other states, Minnesota uses its own tests, not the PRAXIS tests. </p> <p>All teachers must submit to fingerprinting and a background check before they can receive their license. Once the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PLESB) receives a complete application, including the results of the background check, it takes about 30 days for them to process the teaching application. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Nationally, demand for teachers is expected to decrease, according to O*Net. However, that's not the case in Minnesota. Instead, projections show that teaching positions are expected to increase by 4% by 2032. </p> <p>In Minnesota, there are teacher shortages in many different areas. You can find more information on the PLESB website. </p> <p>Note that even after you've secured a position within a school district, you'll need to maintain your licensure. You'll need to renew periodically and complete professional development and mandatory training. The length of time between renewals depends on your tier &mdash; some tiers have a limited number of renewals before you must move up to the next tier. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>If you're starting your higher education knowing that you want to become a teacher, the first thing you should look for is an approved teacher preparation program. There are many schools in Minnesota that offer these, and you can find a full list on the PLESB website. </p> <p>Other things to consider include: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools that offer teacher preparation programs in Minnesota are regionally accredited. However, if you're looking at out-of-state schools, ensure that your school is accredited and the education program is approved by that state. </li><li><b>Major:</b> Not all schools offer all majors. If, for example, you want to become a special ed teacher, look for schools with special ed programs. </li><li><b>Format:</b> Some schools offer programs with online coursework, where you only do the hands-on experiences in person. Others are fully on campus. </li><li><b>Cost:</b> Tuition varies by school. Consider the tuition rate and financial aid options. In Minnesota, many undergraduate students qualify for free tuition under the North Star Promise. </li></ul><p>If you plan to study on campus, you will also want to consider school location, housing options, and transportation. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInMinnesota">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Minnesota</h2> <p>Minnesota's tier licensure system can be confusing if you're not familiar with it. We've answered some frequently asked questions about how to become a teacher in Minnesota below. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInMinnesota">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Minnesota?</h3> <p>Nearly all applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Minnesota. While there are a few exceptions, these require several years of experience in the subject area you wish to teach. </p> <p>The easiest, most streamlined way to become a teacher in Minnesota is to earn a bachelor's degree in teaching or education through an approved teacher education program. This allows you to enter tier three right away and exempts you from taking the state's teaching exams. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInMinnesota">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Minnesota?</h3> <p>The amount of time it takes you to become a teacher in Minnesota depends primarily on how long it takes you to complete your teaching program. Many students finish within four to five years. </p> <p>After that, you'll submit your application for licensure. Once your background check is approved, you should receive your license within 30 days. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Requirements are not as strict for teachers at private schools. They do not need to hold a teaching license. However, if they do not, they must meet another requirement, such as having a bachelor's degree or being directly supervised by an individual with a valid Minnesota teaching license. </p> <h3 id="section---HowShouldYouGetATeachingLicense">How Should You Get a Teaching License?</h3> <p>If you have not started college yet, the best way to get a teaching license in Minnesota is to complete a bachelor's degree that is an approved teacher preparation program. This is the simplest and automatically enters you into tier 3. </p> <p>If you have a bachelor's degree, you can earn a master's degree or enroll in a teacher preparation program. You can also find master's degrees that double as teacher preparation programs. </p> <h2 id="section---PursueYourTeachingCareer">Pursue Your Teaching Career</h2> <p>Start your journey toward becoming a teacher in Minnesota by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and licensure options.</p>