How to Become a Teacher in Minnesota: Teacher Certification

This is a general guide to the steps a person could take to become certified to teach in the state of Minnesota. Please check with your state to make sure you have the most up-to-date information about the certification process.

Information about teacher salaries in Minnesota can be found here.

Traditional Approach for a Minnesota Teaching Certificate

1. Earn your bachelor's degree or master's degree from an accredited college.
2. Take teacher prep that provides you with some real-live classroom experience. You'll need some field experience before you can gain a certificate — this can come in the form of student teaching.
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 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 one year before you complete the teacher education program.  

1. Obviously you must still earn your bachelor's 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.

Sources:

Educational Testing Service, https://www.ets.org/

The Praxis Tests, Educational Testing Service, https://www.ets.org/praxis/

Human Relations Training and Teachers' Attitudes Prepublication Draft, ERIC, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED129680