Minnesota

The State of Minnesota has a 4-tiered teacher certification system. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are entry-level licenses without continuing contract rights. In order to obtain a Tier 1 or a Tier 2 license, an individual must first have a job offer from a public-school district (including charter schools). Individuals holding a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license are limited to teaching in the district that supported the Tier 1 or Tier 2 license application. Tier 1 license holders are required to have a bachelor’s degree; it is valid for one year and can be renewed up to three times. Tier 2 license holders either have a master’s degree in content area, or have a BA degree and are currently enrolled in a teacher preparatory program; Tier 2 licenses are valid for two years and can be renewed up to three times. Passing the required content examinations together with three years of teacher experience at Tier 2 or completing a teacher preparation program qualifies the candidate to apply for a Tier 3 license (out-of-state standard license holders and out-of-state teacher program graduates qualify for Tier 3 license as well). The Tier 3 license is specific to content, and does not require a district’s proof of employment. The Tier 3 license is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely. After completing all of the requirements of a Tier 3 license, eligible candidates can apply for Tier 4. The Tier 4 license is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely. You can find a helpful infographic about the Minnesota  tiered licensure system and the basic requirements here. For additional information about certification, please, consult the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.