Become a Teacher Through Preparation
Pathways to Teaching
You become a teacher by learning...
- how to manage a classroom,
- what the strongest pedagogies are, and
- practicing skills through student teaching.
How you become a licensed teacher in Minnesota depends on where you are in your education and experience. Check out the different pathways to become a teacher by completing our profile assessment - Tiers without Fear! By answering some simple question through clicking a few buttons, you'll receive a personalized outline to help guide some next steps.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There have been some recent changes to tiered licensure laws that are not yet reflected in this tool. For any detailed questions, to confirm what tier license you qualify for, or to begin the process of becoming a licensed teacher, please reach out directly to the Professional Education Licensing and Standards Board at pelsb@state.mn.us.
Pros
No need to be enrolled in a teacher preparation program, or have a bachelor’s degree if you have an Associates and work experience. In technical fields and shortage areas, the one-year licenses can be renewed indefinitely.
Cons
These teachers are not in the teacher bargaining unit and are not earning credit toward probation. Teachers at Tier 1 do not have continuing contract rights. Teacher must apply for license with district. Tier 1 teachers are not automatically part of a district’s QComp plan. Limitations on number of renewals if not in a technical field or shortage area.
Getting There
Complete These
- 5 years work experience
- Associate's degree or professional certificate
OR
Complete These
- Bachelor's degree
Pros
No need to be in a teacher preparation program if you already have a Masters. If these teachers get to Tier 3, then two years of successful teaching at Tier 2 can count toward the Tier 3 requirement of three years of probation.
Cons
These teachers are in the teacher bargaining unit and are not probationary. Teachers at Tier 2 do not have continuing contract rights. Limitations on number of renewals.Teacher must apply for license with district.
Getting There
Complete These
- Enroll in Minnesota teacher training program
- Master's degree in subject area
OR
Any 2 of These
- Complete teacher training program
- 8 upper-level course credits in the subject area
- Training in subject-specific teaching methods
- Two years experience in subject area
- Pass state tests in teaching and subject area
Pros
These teachers are in the bargaining unit. Teachers at Tier 3 have continuing contract rights after completion of the probationary period.
Cons
All out-of-state teachers must pass board-adopted content and pedagogy exams prior to receiving a Tier 3 license.
Getting There
Complete This
- Pass state tests in teaching & subject area
AND
One of These
- Complete teacher training program
- Pass portfolio evaluation
- Tier 2 license, 3 years teaching & pass evaluation
- Out-of-state teaching license, 2 years teaching
Notes
Must complete three years of probation. If a teacher at Tier 3 got to Tier 3 via Tier 2, two years of teaching at Tier 2 can count toward the three-year probationary requirement. An out-of-state teacher may apply for a Tier 2 license prior to passing exams if they are offered a position by a district.
