How to Get a Teaching Degree in Minnesota

Minnesota teachers have several ways of gaining licensure.

If you are interested in teaching, you now have several methodologies available to you for gaining your teaching licensure. You no longer have to graduate from a college with a teacher preparation program to get employment with a board of education in your state. Minnesota is one of the states offering what is called alternative paths to teaching, as well as the traditional college route.

Instructions

Traditional Path to Teaching

1. Complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum if you are currently enrolled in a two-year degree program or community college. This way you will know your credits are fulfilling requirements for the university to which you plan on transferring.

2. Complete a teaching program that leads to licensure at one of the institutions recognized by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The institution then has to recommend you to the Board of Teaching.

3. Take the PRAXIS I, the professional knowledge PRAXIS II and the PRAXIS II in your subject area. The PRAXIS tests are standardized tests designed specifically for states to use as part of the licensure process.

4. Submit your portfolio, which should include your teaching experience and your college transcripts.

Alternative Paths

1. Earn a bachelor's degree or higher in the field in which you want to teach (for example, a mathematics degree if you want to teach mathematics).

2. Apply to the program that fits your needs. Some university programs offer online classes, while others let you transfer credits from your previous degree to a teaching degree or offer a combination of both. Some let you teach while you are working on your degree.

3. Find an internship if the program you are completing requires it. Some programs will specify which county school boards for whom you must work.

4. Complete the requirements of steps three and four of the section above. Those with alternative degrees still must complete the PRAXIS and provide a portfolio.

Tips & Warnings

• There are some special grants, loans and scholarships available to people who are interested in teaching to help defray costs of education.

References

• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: The Teacher Center