Become a Teacher in Minnesota

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• Minnesota Teacher Certification - Program Information
  
  
• Step-by-step instructions - Minnesota Teacher Certification, Certification Renewal and much more

Minnesota may be the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but the more education-minded will be interested in the fact that it also boasts 2,755 elementary and secondary schools staffed by 53,083 teachers. ⁽¹⁾ With nearly 7,000 new K-12 jobs expected between 2009 and 2019, there should be some good employment opportunities if you're planning to become a teacher in Minnesota. ⁽²⁾

Of course, the rewards of the job itself make teaching an appealing profession—teachers have the opportunity to shape the intellectual future of America's students. And the financial remuneration isn't bad, either, with Minnesota teachers earning an average salary of $53,069 in 2009-10, according to the National Education Association. Cumulatively, all these factors make teaching in Minnesota sound like a pretty hot prospect.

Future Minnesota Teachers

If you want to become a teacher in Minnesota, bear in mind that job prospects vary quite a bit depending on statewide and district needs at the grade level you plan to teach. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reports the largest projected growth at the preschool level, followed by elementary and middle school. ⁽²⁾

Teaching in Minnesota requires a bachelor's degree, a passing score on the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE), completion of an approved teacher preparation program, and any other requirements specific to your field of licensure, such as subject area endorsements for secondary school teachers.

Current Minnesota Teachers and School Administrators

Minnesota teachers and administrators periodically need to renew their licenses periodically. As a condition of renewal, teachers must complete 125 professional development hours, generally through education courses that cover issues such as curriculum, teaching strategies, reading instruction and other pedagogical subjects. The good news is that additional college credits can help you boost your salary.

Minnesota Teachers in Demand

With programs like the Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center (MTRC) providing resources to current and prospective educators, and a new online licensing application system, it's more convenient than ever to become a teacher in Minnesota. And if you hold licenses in multiple areas or are certified as a highly qualified teacher, your opportunities will be even more plentiful.

Start researching bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in education at the schools below, and take the first step toward teaching in Minnesota!

Sources:
Minnesota Department of Education, unless otherwise indicated
(1) National Center for Education Statistics, State Education Data Profiles
(2) Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development