30 minutes
Minnesota Teaching Program Application Guide
Learn everything you need to know about teacher prep program requirements. From getting your transcripts to applications and exams, this guide has you covered.
Learn everything you need to know about teacher prep program requirements. From getting your transcripts to applications and exams, this guide has you covered.
So you want to apply to a teacher education program (a.k.a. teaching program), and you’re figuring out what you need to enroll. That’s great news!
When you apply, program staff will look at a few different pieces to make sure you’re eligible and a good fit for admission, which could include:
In this guide, we’ll look at each of these components.
If you have any questions about your teaching program applications, reach out to a TeachMN coach or your program’s admissions staff for support. We’re here for you.
Already a teacher in a private school or another state or country? If you’re an experienced educator applying for a Minnesota teaching license, you must have your credentials reviewed by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. Learn more.
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When you submit your application, you’ll need to show your transcripts and any previous degrees or college credits you’ve earned. This may include high school transcripts if you’re just beginning your undergraduate program, or college transcripts.
Teaching programs want to see your GPA and what college courses you’ve already taken. You’ll need to send transcripts for any college classes you took in high school or after college, even if they didn’t lead to a degree!
Contact the transcript office or records office of the schools you attended, and follow their transcript request procedures. You can often find the procedures on the school’s website. You can also try calling or emailing the school.
Budget at least three to five days for processing. Some schools will send transcripts by mail; others may have electronic copies.
In your request, be sure to include:
Sometimes you’ll need to pay a fee to order an official transcript. Not to worry! TeachMN offers up to $100 in fee reimbursements for this kind of expense. Visit our Fee Reimbursements page to learn more.
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree when you start a teaching program, but in most cases you’ll need one eventually. Many programs let you work toward your bachelor’s and teaching license at the same time.
Visit TeachMN’s About Programs page to learn about choosing the right teaching program. To understand your program options, look at the statement below that best fits your situation.
In addition to your academic history, admissions staff will also look at your work experience so far, including any experience you’ve had working in education or in your subject area.
Some teaching programs will require you to have a certain amount of meaningful experience working in education or in the subject area you wish to teach.
To apply for your teaching program, you may need to submit some test scores from the core academic skills test (think SAT or ACT). Your college or university program will decide what (if any) test scores are required to apply.
To apply for your teaching license, the state of Minnesota decides what (if any) test scores are required. You’ll apply for your teaching license before you get hired to teach in your own classroom.
Good news! If you complete your teaching program in Minnesota, testing is no longer required to apply for your teaching license! Learn more.
Not necessarily! Many programs have gone test-optional. However, test scores may be helpful for scholarships and class placement. Check with your specific program to see if they require test scores for admission.
Like your transcripts, you may need to send official copies of your scores with your teaching program application.
For most exams, you can designate several schools to automatically receive your scores. To get your hands on additional official copies, head over to the testing website to order them. We’ve gathered the links to make it easier for you!
Finally, you’ll probably need to submit an essay or personal statement and at least one letter of recommendation. You may also need to complete an interview.
If there’s anything in your academic or work history that you’re worried about, these can be good places to address those.
In most applications, you’ll need to either write a personal statement about your interest in the program, or answer a series of essay-style questions. This is your chance to share a little more about your background and interests to show why you’re a good fit.
For many people, the essay can feel like the most stressful part of the whole application process. But we have free resources to make it easier for you!
Want to write a top-notch essay? Check out the TeachMN’s Essay Guide for tips, tricks and a template to get you started.
You’ll usually need at least one letter of recommendation from a former teacher, supervisor, or colleague in your application. Letters of recommendation can show off your strengths in a way that’s hard to do for yourself.
To get a stellar letter of recommendation, it’s important to follow some basic asking etiquette. We’ve got you covered there too—follow our step-by-step Letter of Rec Guide and Template to get an amazing letter of recommendation.
For many teaching programs, you’ll need to interview with program admissions staff. This is an opportunity to tell your story, share what you’ll bring to the program and show why you’ll make an excellent teacher.
It’s a great idea to prepare for your interview—so we’ve gathered a few of our favorite pieces of interview advice. (Need more of an interviewing 101 refresher? Check out these interviewing tips from The Muse.)
You’ll get to explain why you want to be a teacher—and why you’ll make a great one—in your admissions essay. The interview is your chance to tell your story out loud. Ask a friend or family member to listen to your answer, then aim to tell the story in about two minutes, give or take.
You’ll also want to practice explaining what you will bring to the program. What will make you a great colleague to your fellow classmates? What unique perspectives or teamwork skills do you bring?
Your interviewers may want to know more about your academic background or have questions about specific courses, changes in major or grades on your transcripts. Review your transcripts with a critical eye. What questions might your interviewers have? Practice answering them.
As with your admissions essay, this is your chance to use potential negatives to your advantage, showing how you have grown from challenges.
Interviewers often ask about how your life experiences demonstrate the qualities they’re looking for. They may want to know how you creatively tackle challenges, collaborate on projects or handle stress.
You’ll want to do more than tell them you’re creative and a great collaborator. This is your chance to show your unique qualities with short anecdotes. Think of specific examples from your school work, jobs you’ve had or other experiences. Come ready with a few noteworthy stories that illustrate your skills and how you work.
If you’re from outside the U.S., you may need to provide additional paperwork to show that you’re ready for your teaching program or license. This may include:
For more information, click on the statement below that fits you best.
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.