Minnesota Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Minnesota

So you want to earn your Minnesota Teacher Certification? Let's take a look at the step by step instructions:

Traditional Approach for the Minnesota Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to request more information for your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive a Minnesota Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Pass the Praxis I or the CAAP Exam. Also you must complete the Praxis II (subject area)
4. Finish the Minnesota Human Relations Program
5. Pass a background check by the FBI. Also call (651) 582-8691 to request Fingerprint cards.
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
     • Have the certification officer from your Teacher Preparation Institution complete one of the of the sections from your application
   • Processing fee $57 payable to : The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education
   • $31 cashier’s check for Fingerprint processing payable to Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Copies of all test scores
   • Mail to:
     Minnesota Department of Education
     Educator Licensing and Teacher Quality
     1500 Highway 36 West
     Roseville, MN 55113-4266
     (651) 582-8691
7. Do you want to renew your Minnesota Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Minnesota Teacher Certification

Alternatively, you can earn the Minnesota Teaching Certification to teach in Minnesota for 1 year before you complete the teacher education program.  

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Pass the Praxis I or the CAAP Exam. Also you must complete the Praxis II (subject area)
3. Be hired by the Minnesota school district
4. Be involved in the Minnesota Resident Mentorship Team
5. Final review will determine whether or not you’ll be granted the full certification

Photo by Ryan Harvey on Flickr.com