The most “traditional” way to start your teaching career is to first go through a teaching program, and then look for a job. But that’s not your only option!
If you have a bachelor’s degree or vocational work experience, you may be able to start teaching right away, earn a salary and learn on the job—all at the same time. You’ll need what’s called a Tier 2 teaching license.
How can I start teaching right away?
Minnesota has four types of teaching licenses, called “tiers.” Eventually, you’ll need to earn a Tier 3 teaching license, which usually means you’ve completed a teacher prep program and met full licensing requirements.
But if you already have a degree or vocational experience, you can get in the classroom right away with either a Tier 1 or a Tier 2 license.
In general, a Tier 2 license will be the most straightforward path to a full license, so that’s what we’ll focus on here. (For more info about the Tier 1 license, check out the FAQs!)
Who should consider a Tier 2 teaching license?
There are lots of reasons to consider a Tier 2 license! A Tier 2 license might be a good fit if:
- You have a master’s degree in the subject you want to teach. For example, maybe you have a master’s in history and want to teach social studies.
- You have a bachelor’s but haven’t completed a teacher prep program.
- You’re a school staff member with a degree who wants to lead your own classroom.
How to start teaching right away with a Tier 2 License
- 1
Make sure you’re eligible.
To qualify for a Tier 2 license, you’ll need to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree, in most cases. You may not need a degree for certain vocational subjects! Our FAQs have more info about exceptions to the degree requirement.
- Enroll in a teaching program OR have a master’s degree that matches the content area you want to teach.
- You can also qualify if you’ve finished a teaching program but don’t meet the Tier 3 license requirements yet. For instance, maybe you finished a program in another state but haven’t taken any licensing tests.
- 2
Decide what you want to teach.
The teaching license you earn will depend on the subject and grade level you want to teach.
- 3
Apply for teaching jobs in a Minnesota public school.
Your teaching job must be in the same grade level and subject area that you plan to teach once you’re fully licensed. If this isn’t the case, you may want to apply for a Tier 1 license instead.
Check your local school district’s website to find jobs near you.
- 4
Apply to teaching programs and enroll.
Look for a teaching program that supports teachers with a Tier 2 license! You can apply to license-only programs or programs that combine a teaching license and master’s degree.
Explore teaching programs in Minnesota.
If you have a master’s in your teaching subject, you don’t have to enroll in a teaching program. Keep in mind though, a teaching program gives you access to extra mentorship, training and professional support. As a bonus, if you complete a Minnesota program, you won’t have to take any teaching tests.
- 5
Apply for your Tier 2 teaching license.
Once you’ve been accepted into a teaching program and secured a job, you’ll apply for your license through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. You’ll need documentation from your school district that you have a job offer.
You’ll need to pay a fee to receive your Tier 2 license. TeachMN can help with the cost! Learn more.
Get the Free Guide
The TeachMN Tiers 1 and 2 Licensing Guide has everything you need! Get details about eligibility requirements, steps to get started and application tools, all in one place.
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