The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is the state agency that oversees public K-12 education in The North Star State. The public K-12 public education system consists of 331 school districts with 2,014 schools (2022). More than 821,000 students were enrolled, and over 48,800 teachers were employed; the teacher-to-student ratio of 1:17 is slightly higher than the 1:16 national average.
The North Star State is considered a national leader in education. According to the NAEP or National Assessment of Educational Progress, Minnesota’s fourth and eighth-grade students scored the highest scores in reading and math (2012-2013) compared to South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Plus, the state has higher scores than the national average.
Minnesota’s commitment to excellent K-12 education starts with early childhood education, too, in recognition of its crucial importance in later years. The School Readiness Programs and Early Learning Scholarships are notable for their effectiveness in this regard. Special education is a priority, too, with comprehensive programs for students with disabilities and special needs offered.
Of course, teacher quality is at the heart of Minnesota’s success in K-12 education. Teachers benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities and good compensation. The teacher certification process is also among the most rigorous in the country, which, in turn, ensures teacher quality.
Do you want to be part of Minnesota’s K-12 education army and be part of its tradition of excellence? Read on and find out how you can become a teacher in The North Star State.
Related:
- Best 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Programs
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- Best Online English as a Second Language Endorsement Programs
- Top Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
- Best Schools Offering Online Reading Endorsements
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Minnesota
The PELSB – Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board oversees the teacher certification/licensure process. Among its functions are approving the teacher preparation programs, setting the licensure requirements, and issuing and renewing teacher certifications. Note that the PELSB is a separate and independent identity from the Minnesota Department of Education.
PELSB issued the following general teacher licensure requirements effective July 1, 2024. For additional information, visit its official website.
Minnesota has a four-tier teacher licensure system for its K-12 teachers. Criminal background checks, among others, are required for all licensure applications.
Tier 1 License
This is a one-year initial teaching license that can be renewed up to three times only; exemptions apply. Both the school district and the applicant submit the joint application. Applicants must meet these requirements:
- have a bachelor’s degree
- receive a job offer from a school district or charter school
- employing school must demonstrate a need for the candidate to fill the position due to a lack of licensed teachers.
Tier 2 License
This is a two-year license that can also be renewed for up to three times. A joint application filed by the school district and applicant is a must. Applicants must:
- Complete mental illness training and cultural competency training
- Have a bachelor’s degree or with a bachelor’s degree exemption
- Complied with one of the following:
- Currently enrolled in a Minnesota teacher preparation program
- Hold a master’s degree
- Completed a Minnesota teacher preparation program but didn’t qualify for Tier 3 or Tier 4 license but received a job offer
Tier 3 License
The teacher files their application for a Tier License, a three-year license that can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree exemption
- Pass required certification exams or get exemptions
- Complied with one of the following:
- Completed teacher preparation in Minnesota
- Official transcripts related to bachelor’s degree
- Completed teacher preparation in another state plus either equivalent student teaching experience or two years of teaching experience
- Licensure via portfolio
- Three years of teaching experience in the field of licensure with a Tier 2 license
- Professional teaching experience from another state and two years of teaching experience
Tier 4 License
This is a five-year license that can be renewed as many times as necessary. The teacher also files the application. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree or with bachelor’s degree exemption
- Pass certification exams or get exemptions
- Three years of teaching experience
- Complied with one of the following:
- Completed teacher preparation in Minnesota
- Completed teacher preparation in another state plus either equivalent student teaching experience or two years of teaching experience
- Licensure via portfolio
- National Board certification
- Background check clearance
- Official transcripts related to bachelor’s degree
- Proof of completion of teacher preparation program
- Passing scores on teacher certification exams
Licenses for administrators, career and technical educators, paraprofessionals, and early childhood family educators are issued separately.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Online bachelor’s degree in education programs in Minnesota usually have the following admission requirements:
- Completed online application form and application fee payment
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Official transcripts
Online master’s and doctoral degree in education programs have the following typical admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework, usually with a minimum cumulative GPA requirement
- Curriculum vitae or professional resume
- Letters of reference or recommendation
- Personal essays or statement of purpose
- Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE/GMAT), if required
Applicants may be required to present proof of relevant work experience and a valid teaching license for admission into graduate degree programs.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Minnesota
- Elementary School Teachers $66,792
- Middle School Teachers $70,090
- High School Teachers $67,600
- Special Education Teachers $64,508
- Superintendents $182,898
- School Administrators $122,520
- Principals $121,388
- Assistant Principals $103,367
- Curriculum Developers $68,780
- Instructional Coordinators $77,392
Scholarships for Future Educators in Minnesota
- The Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program awards up to $25,000 to aspiring teachers in undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The TEACH Grant federal program provides up to $4,000 per year to aspiring teachers planning on teaching elementary and secondary students from low-income families.
- The North Star Promise Scholarship program is a last-dollar program that covers the balance of tuition and fees.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Minnesota
These online universities in Minnesota were selected based on these criteria:
- Obtained a regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- With approval to provide teacher preparation programs from PELSB
- Provide excellent academics, quality of instruction, and student support services as well as a wide range of choices
Minnesota State University Moorhead
MSUM offers several online degree programs in education through its College of Education and Human Services.
- BS in Elementary Inclusive Education
Students learn the best practices of inclusive education at the elementary level. Concentrations are available in:
- Elementary Inclusive Education: Special Education
- Academic and Behavioral Strategist Option
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction
Both theory and application are emphasized in the licensure program. Concentrations are available in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Content Specialization
- Kodaly
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Special Education
- Teacher Leadership
- MS in Special Education
Students choose from licensure specializations in:
- Developmental Disabilities
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Physical/Health Disabilities
- Specific Learning Disabilities.
Check out these online programs, too:
- MS in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- Specialist in Educational Leadership
- In-state Tuition: $10,236
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
Concordia University St. Paul
CUSP, a private university, offers several respected education degree programs known for their flexibility and quality.
- MA in Differentiated Instruction
This is a 30-credit program that can be completed in 20 months. Students learn as a cohort and complete one course every eight weeks.
- MA in Early Childhood Education
The two-year program features a 30-credit career-connected curriculum.
Be sure to consider these programs, too:
- MA in Education with concentrations in:
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Technology
- English as a Second Language
- Literacy w/ K-12 Reading Endorsement
- Trauma and Resilience in Education
- MA in Education – Special Education with endorsements available in:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Emotional Behavioral Disorders
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- MA in Teaching with Initial K–6 Licensure
- Doctorate in Education
- EdS in Educational Leadership – Principal Licensure (K–12)/Superintendent Licensure
- In-state Tuition: $25,000
- Online Education Degrees: 5
- Homepage
Southwest Minnesota State University
SMSU, a public university and a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system member, offers among the best online education programs in the state.
- BS in Early Childhood Education
Students earn the 120-credit licensure degree in 2-4 years, depending on their transfer credits and course load.
- BS in Elementary Teacher Education
This is a licensure program with 25 courses and a field experience requirement.
- BS in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
The 120-credit licensure program features 26 courses and a semester-long student teaching experience.
- MS in Education
Students choose from concentrations in:
- Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
- Technology for Training and Learning
- K–12 Reading
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Sports Leadership
- English
- Mathematics
Check out these online programs, too:
- BS in Educational Studies
- BS in Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist
- MS in Special Education
- BS in TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language
- In-state Tuition: $10,304
- Online Education Degrees: 8
- Homepage
Walden University
Interested individuals looking for a wide range of education programs will find them at Walden University. The private for-profit online university offers these online programs at its CAEP-accredited Richard W. Riley School of Education and Leadership.
- BS in Elementary Education
The 181-quarter credit program meets the state’s teaching licensure requirement. Students learn through didactic coursework and interactive avatar simulations.
- BS in Early Childhood Studies
This is a non-licensure program suitable for individuals who want to work with young children and their parents in early childhood education. Students learn through a combination of didactic courses, virtual field experiences, and case studies. This program aligns with NAEYC standards.
- MA in Teaching – Elementary Education
This is a licensure program that prepares students for the challenges and rewards of teaching students at the elementary level.
Other excellent online programs to consider:
- MS in Early Childhood Studies (Non-licensure) with specializations in:
- Administration, Management, and Leadership
- Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings
- Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership
- MS in Education with concentrations in:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Leadership Administration (International Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership Administration (Licensure)
- Elementary Reading and Literacy
- Elementary Reading and Mathematics
- Integrating Technology in the Classroom
- Mathematics (5–8)
- Mathematics (K–6)
- Mathematics and Science (K–8)
- Science (Grades K–8)
- Self-Designed
- Special Education (Non-Licensure) (Grades K–12)
- STEM Education (K–8)
- Teacher Leadership (Grades K–12)
- MS in Higher Education with specializations in:
- Adult Learning
- College Teaching and Learning
- General Program
- Leadership for Student Success
- MS in Instructional Design and Technology with concentrations in:
- General Program
- Online Teaching and Learning
- Training and Performance Improvement
- Doctor of Education with specializations in:
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Administration and Leadership (for Administrators)
- Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education (Self-Designed)
- Higher Education and Adult Learning
- Higher Education Leadership and Management
- Organizational Leadership and Development
- P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
- Special Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education with specializations in:
- Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation
- Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management
- Educational Technology and Design
- Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Self-Designed)
- Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy
- Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
- Organizational Research, Assessment, and Evaluation
- P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
- Reading, Literacy, Assessment, and Evaluation
- EdS in Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
- EdS in Early Childhood Education
- EdS in Educational Administration & Leadership (Non-Licensure)
- EdS in Educational Leadership & Administration (Principal Licensure Preparation)
- EdS in Educational Technology
- EdS in Learning, Instruction & Innovation
- EdS in Reading, Literacy & Assessment
- EdS in Special Education
- In-state Tuition: $10,964
- Online Education Degrees: 17
- Homepage
St. Cloud State University
SCSU, a public university, is known for its excellent online education programs, too.
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction
This is a teacher licensure program aligned with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Students can apply for graduate assistantship positions.
- MS in Educational Leadership and Technology
Students select between full-time and part-time enrollment. The program emphasizes best practices in the integration of technology in educational leadership settings. Scholarships are offered.
We also recommend these online education programs:
- MS in Library Media
- MS in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- EdD in Higher Education Administration
- In-state Tuition: $8,812
- Online Education Degrees: 5
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Minnesota
Bemidji State University
- Location: Bemidji, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $10,130
- BS in Elementary Education (Hybrid)
- MA in Teaching
- Master of Special Education
Bethel University
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 6
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $42,930
- BA in Special Education
- MA in Education K-12
- MA in Special Education
- MA in Teaching
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership
- EdD in K-12 Administration
Capella University
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $14,784
- MS in Education with concentrations in:
- Adult Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education Studies
- English Language Learning and Teaching
- Higher Education Leadership and Administration
- Instructional Design & Educational Technology
- Leadership in Educational Administration
- Reading and Literacy
- Special Education Teaching
- Doctor of Education with specializations in:
- Adult Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Performance Improvement Leadership
- Reading and Literacy
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education with specializations in:
- Leadership for Higher Education
- Leadership in Educational Administration
The College of St. Scholastica
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $40,454
- BS in Elementary Education
- Master of Education
- EdD in Educational Leadership
Hamline University
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $49,031
- BA in Education
Martin Luther College
- Location: New Ulm, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $17,770
- MS in Education with concentrations in:
- Educational Technology
- Instruction
- Leadership
- Special Education
- MS in Educational Administration with concentrations in:
- Early Childhood Director
- Principal
- Technology Director
Minnesota State University Mankato
- Location: Mankato, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $10,001
- BS in Elementary Education
- MS in Elementary Teaching
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $43,160
- MA in Educational Leadership
St. Catherine University
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $49,758
- BS in Early Childhood Education (With licensure)
- MA in Montessori Education and Leadership
- Master of Library and Information Science
University of Minnesota Online
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $16,488
- Master of Education
- Master of Education in Family Education
University of St. Thomas
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 5
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $52,284
- MA in Academic Behavioral Strategist
- MA in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- MA in Developmental Disabilities
- MA in Early Childhood Special Education
- MA in Learning Disabilities
All degrees come with the option to earn additional special education licensure.
