Become a Licensed Teacher in Minnesota
Start Your Teaching Career with Educate Pathways
After completing the Project Teaching Program, participants may be eligible for licensure in Minnesota.
Educate Pathways’ Project Teaching Program prepares aspiring teachers through flexible online coursework, real classroom experience, and a clear path to licensure.
Graduates of this Project Teaching Program may apply for Minnesota teaching licensure through the state’s out-of-state pathway.
- Become classroom-ready in as little as 12 months
- Flexible, asynchronous online learning
- 19 certification areas
- 16-week student teaching experience
Table of Contents
Project Teaching is ideal for:
- Career changers
- Recent graduates
- Professionals entering education
- Individuals expanding their credentials
Participants complete:
- Flexible online coursework
- Guided pre-student teaching classroom experiences
- A 16-week student teaching placement
This practical, structured pathway prepares candidates to transition into teaching with confidence.
- Agriculture (K-12)
- American Sign Language (K-12)
- Art (K-12)
- Business Education (K-12)
- Computer Science (4-12)
- English Language Arts (4-12)
- English as a Second Language (K-12)
- Family and Consumer Education (K-12)
- French (K-12)
- Health (K-12)
- Elementary / Middle (K-9)
- Marketing (K-12)
- Math (4-12)
- Music (K-12)
- Physical Education (K-12)
- Science (4-12)
- Social Studies (4-12)
- Spanish (K-12)
- Technology Education (K-12)
Not sure what subject area to pursue? Click the button below and upload your transcripts.
Although Educate Pathways prepares candidates for Wisconsin licensure, graduates frequently pursue teaching positions in Minnesota through the state’s out-of-state licensure pathway.
Minnesota licenses teachers through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
Candidates who complete an approved teacher preparation program and meet Minnesota requirements may qualify for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 Minnesota license, depending on experience and credentials.
Educate Pathways administrators support candidates pursuing Minnesota licensure by helping them:
- Select the appropriate certification area
- Document field experiences and student teaching
- Prepare required licensure documentation
What are the basic requirements to obtain a Minnesota license after completing a Wisconsin program?
Candidates who complete the Project Teaching Program and pursue a Minnesota Tier 3 license should expect to meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
The Project Teaching Program Administrator verifies this during the application process.
Completion of a State-Approved Preparation Program
Project Teaching is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and offers 19 subject licensure areas.
Student Teaching Experience
Minnesota requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching.
Project Teaching exceeds this requirement with a 16-week student teaching placement.
Required Testing
Candidates must meet testing requirements such as:
- Minnesota MTLE exams or accepted equivalents
Educate Pathways reviews transcripts to determine whether applicants meet subject area content requirements through a 3.0 GPA.
If this requirement is not met, candidates must pass Praxis II.
Students pursuing K-9 Elementary/Middle certification must also pass the Foundations of Reading Test.
Testing fees are the responsibility of the student and are not included in tuition.
To apply for the Project Teaching Program, candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A criminal background check
- Acceptance at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
Content Knowledge Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in their certification subject area through:
Option 1
3.0 or higher GPA in the certification subject area
OR
Option 2
Passing score on the Praxis II exam
If required, Praxis II is taken after program admission during enrollment.
When registering for Praxis II, use Educate Pathways Institution Code #1390.
Students seeking Elementary/Middle K–9 certification must also pass the:
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)
Test #890
Passing Score: 233
FoRT preparation is included in coursework.
Project Teaching includes extensive classroom experience:
- Two pre-student teaching experiences during coursework semesters
- One 16-week student teaching placement
Project Teaching exceeds Minnesota’s minimum requirement of 12 weeks of student teaching by providing a 16-week placement.
During student teaching, candidates receive:
- Guidance from a cooperating teacher
- Observations and evaluations from an Educate Pathways supervisor
- Ongoing professional mentorship
Dual Application Required
Enrollment requires two applications:
- Educate Pathways Project Teaching Program
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Application Process
Step 1 – Apply Online
Complete both applications in approximately 20–30 minutes
Required documents:
- Resume
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts
- Current teaching license (if applicable)
Step 2 – Acceptance Notification
Applicants typically receive confirmation from both programs within 1–2 weeks.
Step 3 – Enrollment
Submit your enrollment fee to secure your spot.
Can a Wisconsin program lead to a Minnesota teaching license?
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.
How does Minnesota teacher licensure work?
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.
What if I do not yet hold a Wisconsin teaching license?
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.
Can I teach in Minnesota while finishing exams or additional requirements?
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.
How does Educate Pathways support candidates planning to teach in Minnesota?
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.
How does reciprocity work between Wisconsin and Minnesota?
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.
Important Licensure Disclosure for Minnesota Candidates
Educate Pathways programs are designed to:
- Prepare candidates for Wisconsin educator licensure, and
- Support candidates pursuing Minnesota licensure
Completion of an Educate Pathways program does not guarantee Minnesota licensure.
Licensure decisions are made solely by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
Requirements may change at any time, and applicants are responsible for reviewing current Minnesota licensure requirements and submitting all documentation requested by PELSB.
Program Strength
- Wisconsin DPI approved program
- 100% placement rate
- 19 certification areas
- Three start dates each year
Flexible + Practical
- Flexible online learning
- Real K–12 classroom experience
- Cohort-based learning model
- Graduate credit
Support + Outcomes
- Dedicated academic advisor
- Courses led by experienced K-12 administrators
- Financial aid available through Saint Mary’s University
- Clear path to licensure in as little as 12 months
We combine practical experience, personalized support, and a clear path to licensure so you can move confidently into your teaching career.
Get the training, support, and certification you need to step into the classroom with confidence.
Connect with a Program Administrator
Questions? Call (715) 246-6555