Become a Licensed Teacher in Minnesota

Yes. If you complete an approved Wisconsin teacher preparation program and meet Minnesota’s requirements, you can apply to the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) for a Minnesota teaching license through the out-of-state pathway.

Even though Educate Pathways is a Wisconsin-based program, Minnesota evaluates your preparation under its out-of-state licensure rules, including reciprocity and tier placement.

Minnesota uses a tiered teacher licensing system administered by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).

The four license tiers include:

Tier 1
Short-term license often used while candidates complete requirements.

Tier 2
For candidates who have some preparation but have not yet completed a full teacher preparation program.

Tier 3
For candidates who have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program and meet testing requirements.

Tier 4
For experienced teachers who meet Tier 3 requirements and additional experience criteria.

Out-of-state candidates who complete a teacher preparation program and meet testing requirements typically qualify for Tier 3 or Tier 4 licensure.

To qualify for a Minnesota Tier 3 license after completing Educate Pathways program, you should expect to need:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
  • The Project Teaching Program Administrator will confirm your degree when you apply for the program.
• Completion of a state approved educator preparation program in the licensure field (for example, Math 4–12, ESL K–12).
  • Project Teaching is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and offers 19 different subject licensure areas.
• At least 12 weeks of field specific student teaching (or equivalent) for initial licensure.
  • Project Teaching exceeds this requirement by providing a 16-week student teaching experience.
• Passing scores on required content and pedagogy exams (Minnesota MTLE exams or accepted equivalents).
  • The Project Teaching Program Administrator carefully reviews transcripts to verify that a 3.0 GPA has been met in the subject area. If content knowledge proficiency is met, no other test is required. If not met, the student will need to pass Praxis II. Students are responsible for registering and test fees, which are not included in the tuition for the Project Teaching Program. Students seeking a K-9 elementary/middle license will be required to pass the Foundations of Reading Test. Students are responsible for registering and test fees, which are not included in the Project Teaching Program. · Get more information about testing requirements here: Minnesota Educator License Testing Requirements
• Completion of Minnesota’s required human relations coursework, plus any additional required training (such as reading and cultural competency content).
  • The Educate Pathways curriculum includes required human relations coursework.

Begin your Tiers without Fears Personal Assessment to help you navigate the Minnesota Teaching License rules.

Minnesota expects out-of-state candidates to complete a state approved preparation program and typically to hold or be eligible for a license in that state. If you have finished all components of a Wisconsin program but have not yet obtained the Wisconsin license, Minnesota may request additional documentation and could place you on a lower tier or temporary license while you complete any remaining steps.  In many cases, securing your Wisconsin license first makes your Minnesota application smoother and more straightforward.

Yes, in some situations. Minnesota’s tiered system and recent rule flexibilities allow districts to employ out-of-state teachers on lower tier or short-term licenses while they complete required exams or coursework.

Learn more about applying for your first teaching license by going to Minnesota Aspiring Educators

Educate Pathways provides guidance to candidates who plan to pursue Minnesota licensure after completing the program.

Support includes:

• Guidance selecting certification areas aligned with Minnesota hiring needs
• Assistance mapping Wisconsin coursework to Minnesota requirements
• Documentation of field experience and student teaching for Minnesota licensure applications

Our advisors help candidates navigate cross-state licensure rules so they can move forward with confidence.

Minnesota participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which helps teachers move licenses between participating states.

However, reciprocity does not mean automatic licensure.

Minnesota still requires candidates to meet its standards for:

• Degree requirements

• Teacher preparation program completion
• Testing requirements
• Required coursework

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) makes the final decision on licensure eligibility and tier placement.

Educate Pathways programs are designed to prepare candidates for Wisconsin educator licensure and to support candidates who wish to pursue licensure in Minnesota. Completion of any Educate Pathways program does not, by itself, guarantee licensure in Minnesota. Licensure decisions are made solely by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), and requirements may change at any time. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the most current Minnesota Professional Licensing and Standards Board requirements and for submitting all documentation requested by PELSB.

How do I learn about job openings in Minnesota? Learn more about current Minnesota school job openings on Minnesota School Jobs.