Becoming a substitute teacher is a great way for individuals to learn more about operating within a classroom setting. Find out how you can become a Minnesota substitute teacher!
Becoming a substitute teacher is a great way for individuals to learn more about operating within a classroom setting. Find out how you can become a Minnesota substitute teacher!
Career Overview
Substitute teachers are essential for ensuring classroom activities get carried out during times when standard instructors are unable to work. While not required to undergo to the same level of training, coursework, and certification as standard school teachers, substitute teachers can help keep students on-track with their studies while their regular instructor is absent. Becoming a substitute teacher in Minnesota requires certain skills and education in order to qualify for employment within a given school district.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited college or university</td></tr>
<tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> N/A</td></tr>
<tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Tier 1 Substitute Teaching Licenses valid for one year; eligible for renewal three times</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certification Renewal Process </td><td> Online or mailed applications may be submitted for certification renewal once annually for three years</td></tr>
<tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> N/A</td></tr>
<tr><td> Average Salary in Minnesota (2018) </td><td> $39,340*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Estimated Job Growth 2016 – 2026 </td><td> 7%*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); estimated job growth projections reflect data for elementary school teachers and not substitute teachers specifically
</i></p><h3 id="section---SpecialSkillsCharacteristics">Special Skills & Characteristics</h3><p>Like all instructors, substitutes must be able to manage classrooms of varying sizes. Because substitutes are often thrown into environments to which they are unaccustomed, they will need to be particularly resourceful and have an easy-going attitude. Other characteristics of successful substitute teachers include:
</p><ul><li>Familiarity with classroom planning and instructional materials
</li><li>Strong communication skills
</li><li>Ability to learn quickly and adapt to one's surroundings
</li></ul><p>Having a strong sense of curiosity about a variety of school subjects can also help substitute teachers be more successful as they are placed in their different assignments.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3><p>Minnesota requires all educators to possess at least a bachelor's degree. Substitute teachers are no different; however, if the substitute plans to teach Career and Tech Ed or Career Pathways, they must provide a different set of educational requirements. Rather than a bachelor's, Career and Tech Ed or Career Pathways substitutes must hold either an associate's degree, professional certification, or five years of relevant work experience in the content area they plan to instruct.
</p><h3 id="section---ShortTermTier1CertificationStipulations">Short-Term Tier 1 Certification Stipulations</h3><p>Short-term Tier 1 certifications are issued to those who meet the minimum educational requirements outlined above. However, these certifications are only valid for one school year and candidates are limited in the number of times they may renew their license. Substitute teaching licenses issued at the Short-term Tier 1 level may be renewed up to three times before a candidate is no longer eligible for substitute teaching employment.
</p><h3 id="section---LifetimeTier1CertificationRequirements">Lifetime Tier 1 Certification Requirements</h3><p>Alternatively, substitute teachers can seek out a Lifetime Tier 1 certification. These certifications are much more involved, requiring years of teaching experience in order for candidates to be eligible. Candidates must hold at least a Tier 3 teaching license, which has the following requirements for certification:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college
</li><li>Passing scores on Minnesota content and pedagogy exams
</li><li>Completion of an approved teacher preparation program
</li></ul><p>A Lifetime Tier 1 Substitute Teaching Certification may be issued to candidates who have held at least a Tier 3 license for at least three years in an accredited nonpublic school. These certifications are typically reserved for educational professionals who are in retirement.
</p><h3 id="section---LifetimeTier1CertificationRenewal">Lifetime Tier 1 Certification Renewal</h3><p>Candidates are not required to provide evidence of continuing education credits or professional development. Lifetime Tier 1 Certification holders are not required to submit for renewal since these licenses are issued on a lifetime basis. However, candidates can choose to reapply to the Minnesota Board of Education for either a Tier 1, Tier 3, or Tier 4 license.</p>
