Become a Teacher in Minnesota

It depends on your background and the path to teaching you choose.

In general, enrolling in a teacher prep program is the most straightforward route to getting licensed. Here’s what you can expect for most programs:

• Bachelor’s degree + teaching license: About 4 years
• Master’s degree + teaching license: 1–3 years
• License-only: 1–2 years

Short answer: No. 

Longer answer: Minnesota has four tiers of teaching licenses. Eventually, you’ll need a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license, which will require formal training or experience. But there are ways you can get in the classroom faster! With a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license, you can start teaching right away with a job offer from a Minnesota public school. You may qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license if you: 

• Have a bachelor’s degree OR
• Have vocational experience in a Career and Technical Education subject, such as a skilled trade OR
• Have vocational experience in a fine art subject, including dance, theater, visual arts or music OR
• Are a native speaker of a world language. (1)  

Learn more about your options.

It depends on your license. Minnesota has four types of teaching licenses, called “tiers.” For most people, a Tier 2 or Tier 3 license will be your most relevant options. Here’s a quick breakdown: (1)

In Minnesota, you may be able to transfer your out-of-state credential and receive a license to begin teaching in a Minnesota school. 

To learn more, visit the FAQs page for the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. Scroll down to “Out-of-State and Foreign Credentials.”