Become a Teacher in Minnesota
Minnesota grape
http://education.state.mn.us/1500 Highway 36 West Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 582-8200
Minnesota highlights
Become a teacher in Minnesota
Minnesota Teacher Shortage areas
Earn Your Minnesota Teaching Credential
To earn your Minnesota teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. The teaching credential issued to beginning teachers who have completed an accredited teacher preparation program is the First-time Full Professional Minnesota Education License, which is then renewed every five years after meeting requirements for professional development. Learn more here about earning your Minnesota Teaching Credential.
Learn more about getting your teaching credential.
Return to the topPrerequisite Coursework in Minnesota
All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Some states also have specific course and credit-hour requirements.
Michigan does not list specific course or credit hour requirements, but every college or university teacher preparation program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher preparation program or the Department of Education for more information.
Return to the topRequired Tests for Minnesota
Most states require tests to show competency in Basic Skills as well as in the desired Subject Area. Minnesota requires the MTLE (Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations) basic skills test for Basic Skills, the MTLE content knowledge test for subject area competency and the MTLE pedagogy test.
Read more about teacher certification tests. Return to the topMinnesota Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher Certification Programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of institutions offering education preparation programs can be found here.
Return to the topAlternate Teacher Certification in Minnesota
In March of 2011, Minnesota passed a new law setting requirements for approved alternate licensure programs. Currently there are no programs approved by the new law, but there will be soon. For more information, click here.
Wisconsin Region Troops to Teachers program Return to the topCertification Reciprocity in Minnesota
Interstate reciprocity is a program that allows teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. To find out which other state teaching licenses can be used in Minnesota, visit the Teach.com reciprocity page . Or, for more specific questions about your situation, contact the Minnesota Department of Education.
Return to the topBenefits of a Master's in Education in Minnesota
It is no longer enough to just have years of experience for teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A Master's in Teaching will give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a Master's program, you will be able to achieve better results in the classroom and have more job security and higher pay.
Learn more about the Benefits of a Master's in Education.
Return to the topMaster's in Education Financial Aid
Minnesota residents are eligible for the Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship as well as the TEACH Grant, a grant which gives financial aid to students in return for an agreement to teach in a high-need school.
Learn more about how to finance your Master's degree.
Return to the topMinnesota Teacher Salary and Incentives
The average teacher in Minnesota makes $52,250 per year, which is 119% of the state average income. Minnesota does not provide differential pay for teachers in high needs schools or shortage subjects. More information on Minnesota public school salaries can be found at the TwinCities.com salary lookup tool.
Learn more about teacher salaries.
Return to the topMinnesota Teacher Benefits and Retirement
Minnesota public school employees are covered by Minnesota’s State Employee Group Insurance Plan, which includes several health coverage options. Teachers either at age 55 or older with 3 or more years of creditable teaching service to the state, or at any age with 30 or more years of creditable teaching service are eligible for retirement benefits administered by the Minnesota Teachers Retirement Association, which publishes its handbook of benefits and services online.
Learn more about benefits for teachers.
Return to the topProfessional Development for Teachers in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a standard range of professional development opportunities, such as conferences and technology training. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Education runs an induction and mentoring program for new teachers.
Minnesota requires completion of 125 hours of approved professional development activities during each five-year licensing period, including activities relating to certain areas such as behavioral intervention and reading preparation.
Return to the topMinnesota Teaching Jobs
The Minnesota Department of Education runs an online Teacher Recruitment Center with up-to-date teaching positions and the ability to create a profile and post your resume online.
Learn more about finding a teaching job.
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