A teacher residency lets you earn your Tier 3 Minnesota teaching license and often (but not always) a master’s degree while co-teaching full-time in a local school. 

Here’s how it works:

• Co-teach with a mentor teacher for a full school year
• Complete coursework toward your teaching license and master’s degree in about 15 months
• Receive a stipend and tuition support
• Commit to teaching in the district after graduation

This path fits you if:

• You have a bachelor’s degree
• You’re ready to change careers or already work in a school
• You want to teach in a high-need subject or local school

Note: Residencies are usually designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree. They often lead to a master’s and teaching license. Others are license-only programs. Check with the program to be sure.

Find a residency program. 

Work in a school, earn your Minnesota Tier 3 teaching license and a bachelor’s degree, and get paid from day one. 

Here’s how it works:

• Work in a school—often as a paraprofessional—while completing degree coursework outside school hours
• Earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching license in two to three years
• Get ongoing mentorship, district support and a paycheck throughout

This path fits you if:

• You have some college credit or an associate degree
• You’re already working in a school and want to keep growing there
• You want to earn while you learn

Note: Apprenticeships are typically geared toward people working on a bachelor’s degree, but you can still find programs if you have a degree already. Program structures can vary, so always confirm the details.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program page to learn more. Then, explore our Registered Apprenticeship Programs page to find the program that’s right for you.

Are you in high school and thinking about becoming a teacher someday? Minnesota’s Grow Your Own programs can help you take the first step.

Across the state, schools are opening doors for future educators like you. With these programs, you can explore teaching, earn college credit and start building the skills you’ll use in the classroom and beyond.

Your school or district might offer: 

• Future teacher clubs where you can learn about education careers
• Intro-to-Teaching courses you can take for college credit
• Mentorship while you take college-level classes
• Scholarships to help you pay for college and teacher prep programs

Check with your school or counselor to see what’s available in your district. 

Learn more about Grow Your Own programs for students, then check out our Pathways for High School Students page to find a program.