Are you thinking about becoming a teacher in Minnesota? Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a paraprofessional ready to take the next step, or a professional considering a career change, one question comes up fast: Do I need a license to teach?

The short answer is yes. Minnesota requires all public school teachers to hold a valid state teaching license. But there’s more than one path to get there, and the state’s tiered system makes it possible to enter the classroom while continuing to earn your credentials.

If you’re ready to start a career in education, here’s a guide to becoming a licensed teacher in Minnesota and how Zen Educate can help you find the right teaching role.

Understanding Teacher Licensure in Minnesota

In Minnesota, teacher licensing is managed by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Every public school teacher must hold a license, but the requirements vary depending on your background and experience.

The state uses a tiered licensure system that creates multiple entry points for new educators while maintaining high professional standards.

Before you apply, take a few minutes to explore PELSB’s helpful tool, Tiers Without Fear, which has a short questionnaire that recommends the best pathway based on your education and experience.

Minnesota’s Tiered Licensure System

Each tier reflects a different level of readiness and experience. Here’s how it works:

Tier 1: Getting Started

• Best for: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and a job offer from a Minnesota school

• Length: One year (renewable up to three times)

Tier 2: Building Experience

• Best for: Candidates who meet Tier 1 requirements and are enrolled in, or have completed, a teacher preparation program

• Length: Two years, renewable

Tier 3: Fully Licensed

• Best for: Candidates who have completed a state-approved educator preparation program and passed all required Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE)

• Length: Three years

Tier 4: Professional License

• Best for: Experienced teachers who have met all Tier 3 requirements and taught successfully in Minnesota for at least three years

• Length: Five years

For a visual overview, check out PELSB’s Tiered Licensure infographic and Apply for My First License page.

Core Requirements for Licensure

No matter which tier you pursue, every candidate must meet the state’s core requirements:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree (or meet specific CTE exceptions).

• Complete a state-approved educator preparation program, either traditional or alternative.

• Pass the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE), which test both content knowledge and teaching skills.

If you’re new to the field and exploring your options nationwide, you might also find How to Become a Teacher: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Educators helpful, so you can see how Minnesota’s process compares to other states.

Alternative Pathways to Licensure

Minnesota also understands that strong teachers aren’t all prepared the same way, so there are additional ways to earn a license depending on your background and experience. If you already have a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a traditional education program, or if you have strong professional experience, here are several alternative options that can help you earn your license:

1. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway

For more hands-on subjects such as automotive repair or health sciences, candidates can qualify with one of the following:

• A professional certification in their field,

• An associate’s degree, or

• At least five years of relevant work experience.

2. Teach for America – Twin Cities

Teach for America (TFA) recruits and develops leaders to teach in high-need K–12 schools across the Twin Cities. Most participants are recent college graduates who commit to teaching for two years while earning a temporary teaching license and working toward full certification. This program partners with St. Mary’s University to help aspiring teachers earn their license while working full-time in classrooms that need the most support. TFA’s requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50, and

• U.S. citizenship, national or legal resident status, or DACA/EAD eligibility, and

• The ability to meet certification requirements through the alternative pathway.

3. TNTP’s Teach Minnesota Program

A newer option, Teach Minnesota, is one of the first PELSB-approved alternative routes to teacher certification. It’s designed especially for paraprofessionals and substitute teachers who want to advance their careers without pausing their income.

Participants complete a six-week summer institute, begin teaching full-time in the fall, and receive ongoing coaching throughout the school year. Certification is earned based on performance in the classroom, not just coursework.

If you’re currently a paraprofessional or substitute teacher, this program could be the bridge you’ve been looking for. You can also read How to Become a Teacher in Minnesota, which will let you know the other requirements for teaching in the state.

4. Experience-Based Exemption (Five-Year Work Experience Path)

Minnesota also allows candidates with at least five years of relevant professional experience to request an exemption from certain educator preparation requirements. If you’ve spent at least five years working in a field like visual arts, dance, theater, or music, you can request an exemption from parts of the traditional preparation requirements. The exemption isn’t guaranteed, but for applicants with a strong professional background, this option can make the path into the classroom a little more direct.

5. Reciprocity for Out-of-State Teachers

If you are already licensed in another state, Minnesota provides a pathway to transfer that license. While it’s not automatic, most teachers qualify after they share their current license, complete background checks, and meet Minnesota’s specific requirements. For relocating teachers, it’s usually the fastest way to start teaching.

Steps to Apply for a Minnesota Teaching License

For those following the traditional route into the classroom, here’s a clear breakdown of the steps you’ll need to complete:

1. Confirm your eligibility. Review your education, experience, and goals to determine which tier applies to you.

2. Pass your exams. Register for the MTLE Basic Skills and MTLE Content exams through the official Minnesota testing site.

3. Complete an educator preparation program. Choose from traditional university programs or approved alternative routes, such as Teach Minnesota or Teach for America.

4. Submit your application. Apply for your first license through the PELSB online portal. Be ready to upload transcripts, test results, and proof of program completion.

Do private schools require a Minnesota teaching license?

While public school teachers in Minnesota must hold a state-issued license, teacher certification is optional in many private schools. 

A private school teacher must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a valid Minnesota teaching license for the grade level, or

• Be directly supervised by a licensed teacher, or

• Successfully complete a teacher competency exam, or

• Teach in a school accredited by a commissioner-recognized agency, or

• Hold a baccalaureate degree, or

• Be a parent instructing their own child who is assessed annually.

Many private schools prefer licensed teachers, but the criteria offer more flexibility than public school requirements. 

Final Thoughts

Becoming a licensed teacher in Minnesota takes planning, but there’s a clear path no matter where you’re starting, whether you have recently graduated from college, are exploring a career change, or already support students in the classroom.

If you want to gain experience right away, Applying for Your Short-Call Substitute License in Minnesota explains the full process step-by-step.

If you’re moving from another state, The Complete Guide to Teacher License Reciprocity outlines how your current credentials can transfer to Minnesota.

And if you’re considering starting as a paraprofessional, Do I Need a License to Become a Paraprofessional in Minneapolis? breaks down the qualifications and hiring process.

Ready to take the next step? Join Zen Educate to connect with schools in Minnesota that match your experience, schedule, and long-term goals.