Become a Licensed Educator 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.

Minnesota generally expects out-of-state candidates to:

• Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and

• Hold or be eligible for licensure in that state

If you complete a Wisconsin preparation program but have not yet received the Wisconsin license, Minnesota may:

• Request additional documentation

• Issue a lower tier or temporary license

In many cases, obtaining your Wisconsin license first simplifies the Minnesota licensure process.

Yes, in some situations.

Minnesota’s tiered licensure system allows districts to hire teachers under Tier 1 or Tier 2 licenses while they complete required exams or coursework.

This flexibility allows candidates to begin teaching while finishing licensure requirements.

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.

Yes - candidates who complete the 10 Sped program may pursue special education licensure in Minnesota through the state’s out-of-state pathway.

To qualify, candidates must complete an approved educator preparation program, meet student teaching requirements, and demonstrate content knowledge through coursework or testing. Minnesota licenses special education teachers by specific disability areas, so additional documentation may be required during the application process.

Most candidates enter at the Tier 3 or Tier 4 level depending on experience and credentials. Educate Pathways supports candidates by providing the documentation needed for licensure application.

Learn more about the special education teaching licensure for out-of-state applicants in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is the agency that issues and manages Minnesota licenses. Minnesota uses a tiered system (Tier 1–Tier 4) for teacher licenses. Out-of-state program completers who meet degree, preparation, student teaching, and testing expectations typically enter at the Tier 3 or Tier 4 level, depending on experience and credentials.

Learn more about Minnesota Educator Licensure Tiers.

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

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• The 10 Sped Program Administrator will confirm your degree when you apply for the program.
• Completion of a state approved educator preparation program in the licensure field. 
• 10 Sped is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public
• Instruction and offers early childhood and cross-categorical special education licensure areas.
• Minnesota special education teachers apply for licensure in a specific disability area. Learn more about Minnesota’s categorical disabilities. The 10 Sped Program provides instruction, assignments, and experiences with students in many disability areas. The 10 Sped Program Administrator will assist in your out of state application by providing documentation of specific license areas requirements that have been met through the 10 Sped Program.
• At least 12 weeks of field specific student teaching (or equivalent) for initial licensure. 
• 10 Sped 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 10 Sped Program Administrator carefully reviews transcripts to verify that a 3.0 GPA has been met in language arts, math, science and social studies. 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.

The 10 Sped Program curriculum includes assignments that serve as the alternative assessment for the Foundations of Reading Test. Students who earn a passing score on these specific assignments, pass the alternate assessment so do not need to take the Foundations of Reading Test.

Get more information about testing requirements here: Minnesota Educator License Testing Requirements

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

Learn more about becoming a special educator in MN!

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 a lower tier (1 or 2) 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 is designed to help you meet Wisconsin licensure requirements while planning to teach in Minnesota. Our personalized support includes: 

• Guidance on selecting the right subject and grade band license for Minnesota hiring needs 
• Help to map your Wisconsin coursework to Minnesota’s requirements 
• Documentation of field experience, student teaching, and program completion for your Minnesota application 

Minnesota participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which helps teachers move licenses across state lines, but still requires you to meet specific Minnesota standards. 

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. 

Learn more about current Minnesota school job openings on Minnesota School Jobs.