A teacher is a person who has the ability to activate curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in others, and you have decided to become one. The following are the steps to help you become a teacher in Minnesota.

Step 1 – Choose What You Want To Teach

You should first think about what type of students you want to teach. Younger ones in elementary school? Teenagers in high school? Are you interested in working with children with special needs? What subject(s) do you prefer? These are important questions to ask yourself before beginning your journey. The Minnesota Department of Education has information on teachers, students, and schools in the state, which could help you make your decision.

Step 2 – Complete Your Education Requirements For Teaching In Minnesota

To be licensed as an educator in Minnesota, prospective teachers must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. In addition, licensed teachers should complete and be recommended by a teacher preparation program.

Generally, teachers education programs consist of two main elements: curricula and field work. Curricula refers to the college courses you will take. The courses usually focus on subject-based teaching methods, differentiated instructional strategies, assessment tools and measures, along with an emphasis on technology integration. The fieldwork aspect usually includes field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three options depending on your institution. Students who successfully complete student teaching will have collaborated with a master teacher to create and implement lesson plans based on the diverse needs of the students in the class.

There are many joint programs which allow individuals to complete the requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree alongside those of a teacher preparation program. This type of program is designed for students who know from the beginning that they want to become a teacher.

Step 3 – Pass The Required Test For Minnesota

Candidates seeking Minnesota teaching certification must go through the appropriate basic skills and subject area testing through the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE).

All Minnesota teacher candidates who seek initial certification must pass the Basic Skills and Pedagogy test. These tests assess an individual’s knowledge of fundamentals in reading, writing, math, and principles of teaching and learning.

In addition, candidates for certification must take a Content Area test which is determined by the subject area and grade level the candidate wishes to teach and become licensed in.

Step 4 – Apply For Your Minnesota Teaching License

Once all of the requirements for a Minnesota teacher certification are met, applicants should apply for licensure. The following will be required:

• Completed application (you can apply through the online licensing system)
• Clear status of background check through the official fingerprinting agency
• Official transcripts showing proof of Bachelor’s Degree and completion of a teacher preparation program
• Payment of non-refundable processing fee
• Passing scores on required examinations
• If applicable, copy of out-of-state teaching license

Step 5 – Find A Teaching Job In Minnesota

Once your application is processed, you will be able to begin your rewarding career as licensed educator in Minnesota! You will be prepared to activate curiosity and knowledge in your students on a daily basis.

Teachers seeking jobs in Minnesota are encouraged to use the links on the Minnesota Department of Education site in order to access job listings for teaching, administrative, and support roles. These sites also help teaching candidates manage and track their applications. Listed through the Department of Education site are EdPost, K12 JobSpot, and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) Jobsite.

Current need within the state focuses on teachers who have qualifications to teach special education, languages, math, and science at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Step 6 – Continue Your Education And Professional Development

The state of Minnesota’s most recent initiative, Job Embedded Professional Development (JEPD), articulates that all teachers need to be invested in improving the learning climate for all students. JEPD enables Minnesota schools to stay focused on quality instruction, and occurs during the workday and in the workplace. This method enables students to connect the actual work of teachers with their current students as examples. This method is also centered on the needs of the school and the educator team present at the school. Teachers with additional questions should direct their inquiries toward their administrative team.

There is a growing shortage of qualified and motivated teachers in the state of Minnesota. If you have a strong desire to make a difference in a child’s life through learning then get started on the simple steps to becoming the next great Minnesota teacher.