Earn Your Minnesota Teaching License

In most cases, yes—but not always! There are a few instances where you can get licensed to teach without a degree:

• Are you a tradesperson? If you have vocational work experience, you may be able to get licensed in a Career and Technical Education subject. Depending on your field, you may also be able to start teaching without a bachelor’s degree. Positions are available in fields such as skilled trades, health sciences, hospitality and others.
• Do you have experience in visual or performing arts? If you have five years of work experience in dance, theater, music or visual arts, you may not need a degree! You’ll need to verify your experience and meet other license requirements. 
• Are you a native speaker of a world language? You may be able to teach a World Language and Culture subject without a degree. 

Learn more about bachelor’s degree exemptions.

Your costs will vary depending on your teaching program. Learn more about teaching program costs.

In addition to program tuition, you can expect to pay fees for things like your teaching license application and background check.

Wondering how to pay for your program? We can help! Visit our Financial Support page for links to scholarships, reimbursements and more financial resources for future teachers.

If you’re an international student, you’ll need extra documentation when you apply to your teaching program. It’s a good idea to start collecting those documents as soon as possible.

Here are some of the documents you may need:

• Test scores, such as the TOEFL, to meet your program’s language proficiency requirements. 
• Documentation that shows you are eligible to work legally in the U.S. This can be a copy of a valid work authorization, permanent resident card or U.S. passport.
• An evaluation of your transcripts and other credentials from an approved credential evaluation organization. 

Check with your teaching program’s International Student Services Office to find out what specific documents they require.

As a Minnesota educator, your pay will depend on your years of experience and where you work. Statewide, the average starting salary for Minnesota teachers is about $43,000. (2)

You can increase your salary with experience and added credentials, such as a master’s degree. Learn more about Minnesota teacher pay and benefits.