Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide

Aspiring to become an elementary school teacher in Minnesota involves navigating a series of well-defined steps. From meeting educational benchmarks to fulfilling licensure requirements, the journey can seem complex. However, understanding each phase is crucial for a successful transition into this fulfilling career. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path to becoming a licensed elementary school teacher in Minnesota.

Key Things to Know

Understanding the critical components of the licensure process can significantly aid aspiring educators in their preparation.

Time to Licensure: The average time to complete the licensure process for an elementary school teacher in Minnesota is approximately 18 months. This includes obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing required exams.
New Licenses Issued: In the 2022-2023 academic year, Minnesota issued over 3,500 new elementary teaching licenses, reflecting a steady demand for qualified educators in the state.
Application Fees: The application fee for an initial teaching license in Minnesota is $57, while the renewal fee is $35. Additional costs may include exam fees, which can range from $50 to $150 depending on the tests required.
Professional Development: To maintain licensure, teachers must complete 125 clock hours of professional development every five years. This ensures that educators stay current with teaching practices and educational standards.
Tiered Licensure System: Minnesota has a tiered licensure system, starting with Tier 1 for those with limited experience and moving up to Tier 3 for fully licensed teachers. This system allows for flexibility and support as educators advance in their careers.

Navigating the licensure process can be complex, but understanding these key elements can help streamline the journey to becoming an elementary school teacher in Minnesota. With a commitment to education and a clear understanding of the requirements, aspiring teachers can successfully embark on this fulfilling career path.

Educational Requirements for Elementary School Teachers in Minnesota

The path to becoming an elementary school teacher in Minnesota begins with fulfilling specific educational prerequisites. These include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a student teaching experience, passing licensure exams, and undergoing a background check.

Bachelor’s Degree

The first requirement is to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a related field. Minnesota requires that this degree includes a teacher preparation program accredited by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Programs typically cover child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management.

Read also: University of Minnesota Data

Student Teaching Experience

Within your degree program, you must complete a student teaching internship. This hands-on experience is crucial, as it allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real classroom setting. Minnesota mandates a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching.

Licensure Exams

After completing your degree and student teaching, you must pass the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE). This includes a basic skills test and a content area exam specific to elementary education. As of 2023, passing rates for these exams are around 80%, indicating a competitive but achievable standard.

Background Check

All prospective teachers must undergo a criminal background check. This is a standard procedure to ensure the safety of students and maintain the integrity of the teaching profession.

Applying for Licensure

Once you have completed the above steps, you can apply for your teaching license through the Minnesota Department of Education. The application process includes submitting your transcripts, test scores, and proof of student teaching.

The demand for teaching careers in Minnesota remains strong, with a projected growth rate of 5% through 2030, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. This indicates a stable job market for new educators, making it an opportune time to pursue a career in teaching.

Read also: Guide to UMN Merit Scholarships

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming an elementary school teacher in Minnesota.

Licensure Application and Renewal Process

The journey typically begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree in education, specifically focusing on elementary education. This degree program should be accredited and include coursework in child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management, along with a student teaching component that provides hands-on experience. For those looking for flexible options, there are many affordable online bachelor's in education programs available, which can be a great way to start this journey.

Once the degree is completed, candidates must apply for a teaching license through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The initial licensure process requires passing specific examinations that assess both basic skills and subject matter knowledge relevant to elementary education. These assessments are crucial as they demonstrate the candidate's readiness to teach effectively.

In Minnesota, there are different tiers of licensure, with Tier 3 and Tier 4 being the most common for elementary educators. To maintain these licenses, teachers must fulfill ongoing professional development requirements, which include accumulating clock hours through various training programs. Teachers can track their completed clock hours through the online licensing system provided by PELSB, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for renewal. This process is vital for renewing teaching licenses in Minnesota, as it helps educators stay compliant with state regulations.

Additionally, educators are required to complete mandatory trainings that cover essential topics such as child safety and cultural competency. This ongoing education not only helps teachers stay current with best practices but also enhances their ability to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Read also: UMN Cost of Attendance

Traditional vs. Alternative Teacher Certification Programs

When considering a career as an elementary school teacher in Minnesota, knowing the differences between traditional and alternative teacher certification programs is crucial.

Traditional Teacher Certification Programs

Traditional programs typically involve a structured approach to teacher preparation, often requiring candidates to complete a bachelor's degree in education. Here are some key features:

Degree Requirement: Candidates must earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education.
Coursework: Programs include extensive coursework in pedagogy, child development, and subject-specific methods.
Student Teaching: A significant component is a supervised student teaching experience, usually lasting a full semester.
Examples: Notable institutions offering traditional certification include Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
Examinations: Candidates must pass the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE), which includes basic skills and content area tests.

Examples of traditional programs in Minnesota include:

University of Minnesota: Offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Minnesota State University, Mankato: Provides a robust teacher preparation program with extensive field experience.

Alternative Teacher Certification Programs

Alternative certification programs are designed for individuals who may already hold a degree in a non-education field or are seeking a quicker route into teaching. Key features include:

Flexible Entry: Candidates can enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in any field, often with a focus on specific subject areas.
Shorter Duration: These programs typically allow candidates to begin teaching while completing certification requirements, often within one to two years.
Mentorship: Many alternative programs provide mentorship from experienced teachers during the initial teaching phase.

Examples of alternative programs in Minnesota include:

Teach for America: A national program that places recent graduates in high-need schools while they pursue certification.
Minnesota Teacher Candidate Program: Allows individuals to teach while completing their licensure requirements through a combination of coursework and classroom experience.

In summary, the choice between traditional and alternative certification programs in Minnesota depends on your educational background, career goals, and preferred learning style. Each pathway offers a viable route to becoming an elementary school teacher, ensuring that you can find the best fit for your education journey.

Timeline to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Minnesota

The timeline encompasses several essential steps, each contributing to your readiness for a teaching career. Aspiring elementary school teachers in Minnesota should anticipate a commitment of approximately five to seven years, factoring in the time needed for education, preparation, application, and examination.

Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment involved:

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): The journey begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a teaching license. Most candidates pursue a degree in elementary education or a related field, and this phase usually takes about four years to complete.
Teacher Preparation Program (1-2 years): After securing your degree, the next step is to enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program (TPP). This program can take one to two years, depending on whether you choose to complete it concurrently with your degree or afterward. It includes both coursework and hands-on teaching experience, which is crucial for developing the skills needed to manage a classroom effectively.
Applying for Licensure (1-2 months): Once you have finished your educational requirements, you will need to apply for your teaching license through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The application process can take between one to two months, influenced by the thoroughness of your application and the current processing times.
Taking Licensure Exams (varies): Candidates are required to pass several licensure exams, including assessments in pedagogy and content knowledge. The preparation and scheduling for these exams can vary significantly among individuals, but it is advisable to allocate several weeks to a few months for adequate study time.

This structured approach ensures that candidates are well-equipped to succeed in the classroom.

Minnesota's Tiered Licensure System

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) developed the tiered licensure system to be a concise and objective tool to help teacher candidates navigate the required components for licensure.

Tier 1: Tier 1 licenses allow teachers to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. These educators can also step in to fill shortage areas and hard-to-staff positions.
- Requirements:
  - Must hold a bachelor's degree.
  - Applicant must have a job offer from a Minnesota public school district.
  - District must show it could not find a teacher holding a Tier 2, 3, or 4 license for the position.
  - Exemption from bachelor's degree for the following licensure areas:
    - World Language - must be a native speaker
    - Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Music - must prove five years of relevant work experience
    - Career and Technical Education and Career pathways - must have AA degree, a professional certification OR five years of relevant work experience.
Tier 2: Tier 2 licenses are a pathway to licensure for educators enrolled in a teacher preparation program or educators seeking to teach outside of their content area or scope.
- Requirements:
  - Must hold a bachelor’s degree (or fall under the exemption areas); and
  - Enrollment in a Minnesota state-approved teacher preparation program, or
  - Holding a master's degree aligned to the licensure assignment, or
  - Completion of an out-of-state teacher preparation program and do not yet meet all licensure requirements for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license
Tier 3: Tier 3 licenses are the licenses that graduates of Minnesota-approved teacher preparation programs will apply for at the time of graduation.
- Requirements:
  - Must hold a bachelor's degree (or fall under the exemption areas); and pass applicable licensure exams (or fall under exemption).
  - Must satisfy one of the following:
    - completion of a Minnesota-approved teacher preparation program;
    - completion of a teacher preparation program from another state that includes field-specific student teaching equivalent to requirements of MN programs and either A) equivalent student teaching or B) two years of teaching experience
    - licensure via portfolio;
    - three years of teaching experience in licensure field at Tier 2;
    - Professional teaching license from another state and two years of teaching experience
Tier 4: Tier 4 licenses are available for seasoned educators.

Preschool Teacher Licensure in Minnesota

Department of Labor job growth projections for early childhood educators in Minnesota show a more than 10 percent increase is expected during the current ten-year period ending 2022. Given the growing demand for early childhood education professionals in the state that cater to young learners with atypical development, Minnesota has also designated “Special Needs Early Childhood” as one of its current teacher shortage areas. The mean annual salary for preschool teachers in Minnesota was $32,880 in 2013, compared to a national average of $31,420. Most early childhood education jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in theMinneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington area, where the average salary was $33,090. The highest salaries for preschool teachers in the state are found in northwest Minnesota’s non-metropolitan areas, where the average was $36,870 in 2013.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Preschool Teacher

The steps in this guide will help you to become a licensed preschool teacher in Minnesota.

Step 1. Earn a Relevant Degree and Complete a Teacher Prep Program
The state of Minnesota requires aspiring public school preschool teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree or better from an approved early childhood education certification program.
If pursuing a preschool teacher position in a Minnesota Head Start program, you must have at least an associate’s degree. Students who wish to become preschool teachers will need to choose an Early Education program from an accredited school. The Minnesota Department of Education provides a list of state-approved and accredited early childhood education programs.
You will be required to earn at least a C average in all required courses, and to pass all three sections of the MTLE Basic Skills exams before you will can be certified. Upon successful completion of an approved program, and upon passing the MTLE, you will be eligible for licensure in the state of Minnesota.
Step 2. Complete Required Exams and Teacher Performance Assessments
The Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) replaced the Praxis series exams previously used in the state.
The MTLE is divided into three main segments: basic skills, pedagogy, and content area subjects. Each main segment also has subtests. The site also offers study materials and practice tests.
There is a registration fee of $50 for the MTLE test.
The basic skills portion of the MTLE consists of reading, writing and math subtests. Each subtest has a fee of $25.
The second portion of the MTLE, pedagogy, consists of two subtests, Early Childhood I and II. Each pedagogy subtest has a fee of $35.
Step 3. Minnesota licenses are good for five years.
You must submit your application with verification of your successful completion of an accredited early childhood education program and the MTLE exam. You must also include a license fee of $87 and submit to fingerprinting and a criminal background check. If you’re an out of state teacher applying for a Minnesota preschool teacher’s license, you may have to complete additional courses before attaining licensure. Minnesota does not participate in reciprocity, and it requires all teachers to take a Human Relations program with coursework about human relations and cultural diversity. You will have to take these courses to be licensed in Minnesota, and you may also be required to take the MTLE, or courses to satisfy the state’s reading strategies standards.
If you have a valid teacher’s license from another state, and your state’s licensing requirements are at least equivalent to Minnesota’s, you may qualify for a one-year license so that you can teach while taking the required coursework.
Step 4. Complete Requirements for License Renewal
Minnesota licenses are valid for five years, and they expire on June 30 of the final year. You may apply for your renewal license online. The license renewal fee is $64.00.
You will also be required to complete a conduct review and to list any recent criminal offenses.
The state also has continuing education requirements for license renewals. You must show proof that you have completed 125 hours of professional development approved through your local school district’s continuing education committee.
Current license renewals must show evidence of professional development activities in these areas:
- Positive behavioral intervention strategies
- Accommodation, modification, and adaptation of curriculum, materials, and instruction
- Key warning signs for early-onset mental illness in children and adolescents
- Reading preparation
- Activities that integrate technology with student learning
- Work that demonstrates professional growth in best teaching practices

Minnesota Preschool Teacher Salaries

The 2014 median preschool teacher salary in Minnesota was $30,160 according to the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. The median Minnesota preschool teacher salaries in the state’s metropolitan areas were below the state’s average.

The highest was in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area:

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