Wondering how to earn a teaching license with a bachelor’s degree? Explore this page and download our free Licensing Guide!
First things first: In Minnesota, there are four types of teaching licenses, called “tiers.” A Tier 3 license is the standard license for new teachers—and there are a few ways you can get one!
Let’s walk through your options and the steps you’ll need to take to get licensed.
If you have a bachelor’s, you can either start teaching right away, or you can finish a teaching program before you lead your own classroom.
Before you enroll in a teaching program, you’ll need to know the subject and grade level you want to teach. These will determine the teaching license you earn.
Ideally, your degree will match your future teaching subject—but if not, that’s okay! The FAQs have info about what to do.
Make sure to look for programs that are state-approved and offer your chosen teaching license! You can find license-only or combined master’s degree + license teaching programs.
Explore Minnesota teaching programs.
Not sure if a teaching program is right for you? The FAQs cover alternatives to get your Tier 3 license.
TeachMN can help you save money on teaching program applications! We’ll reimburse up to $100 for any required application expenses—like application and transcript fees. Get $100 back.
Good news: If you complete a Minnesota teaching program, you won’t have to take any teaching tests! You can also skip testing if you’ve been recommended for licensing with a teaching portfolio or if you’ve taken licensing tests in another state.
If none of those apply to you, you’ll take the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations. These cover teaching skills and content knowledge. Learn more about teaching tests.
Almost there! Your teaching program may need to confirm that you’re eligible to apply for your teaching license.
Once you get confirmation, you’ll apply directly through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. You’ll also complete a background check as part of the application process. (1)
With a Tier 3 license, you can apply to teaching jobs throughout Minnesota.
Your Tier 3 license is valid for three years. You can renew it as many times as you want, or eventually work toward a Tier 4 license.
The TeachMN Licensing Guide covers everything you need to start your journey. Get details about teaching pathways, license subject areas and steps to a teaching license, all in one place!
Find bachelor's degree, master's degree and license-only teaching programs in Minnesota.
Find ProgramsTalk to an experienced local educator about how to become a licensed teacher in Minnesota. Get free advice on how to choose what subject and grade to teach and apply to the right program.
Read MoreApplying to teaching programs or jobs? Get step-by-step advice and free templates to make your application stand out.
Read More Fingerprint Cards, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
https://mn.gov/pelsb/aspiring-educators/fingerprint/
Educator Pay Data, National Education Association. October 17, 2024.
https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
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