Want to become a teacher in the great state of Minnesota? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Minnesota.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Minnesota also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Some U.S. states also have specific course and semester-hour requirements. Minnesota does not list particular courses or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or Contact your teacher education program or the Minnesota Department of Education for more information.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of institutions that offer educator preparation programs can be found on the Minnesota Board of Teaching’s teacher education page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show competency in basic skills as well as in the desired subject area. Minnesota requires the NES Essential Academic Skills Test, the MTLE content knowledge test for subject area expertise, and the MTLE pedagogy test.

Minnesota issues three levels of teacher certification. The teaching credential issued to beginning educators who have completed an accredited teacher education program is the First-time Full Professional Minnesota Education License. It can be renewed every five years if you meet the requirements for professional development. Find out more about earning your teaching credential on the Minnesota Department of Education’s licensing page.

Step 3: Submit a Minnesota Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply for teaching licensure in the state of Minnesota. The MDE requires all applicants for first-time teacher certification to apply online. You must pay all application fees online via credit card only. Candidates check the status of their application at any time by visiting the link above.