FAQs

ENROLLMENT

What is enrollment?

Enrollment is the period of time from you accepting your offer to become a Fellow to the start of PST. The purpose of enrollment is to prepare you for a successful experience during Pre-Service Training and beyond. During enrollment, you will learn more about TNTP, be introduced to the core skills and traits that we believe are essential for great teachers, have opportunities to get to know other Fellows, and complete all requirements necessary to become a certified teacher in Minnesota.

How can I refer a friend who I think would make a great Fellow?

You can refer a friend to the Fellows program by emailing their name and contact information to Teach MN staff or inputting their information here. We will reach out to all referrals with more information about our program.

PRE-SERVICE TRAINING (PST)

Where will summer pre-service training (PST) take place?

We are excited to share that we are partnering with Wayzata Public Schools as our host site for PST this summer! Teach Minnesota fellows will teach Camp Explore’s morning academic classes and will be supported by TNTP coaches and instructors. Camp Explore engages students in learning with a focus on play, creativity, and innovation. Through math play, thematic reading, arts, technology and adventure students will develop their academic goals.

What are the dates for pre-service training?

We are updating our calendar from last year and will publish the final dates here as soon as they are available. You should plan to be busy from mid-June through August.

Where will I live during pre-service training?

Pre-service training will take place at our partner school, Wayzata Public Schools, and Fellows will need to live within a reasonable commute of the district.

What financial options are available to help me get through the unpaid summer training?

For legal reasons, Teach MN cannot offer financial advice. We recommend talking to other Fellows to see how they are preparing for the summer.

How will I know if I am on-track to complete PST?

You will receive constant feedback and observations throughout PST. You will be well aware of your status throughout training.

What if I realize this is not a good fit after starting?

Teach Minnesota is committed to helping Fellows find a career they enjoy. If you decide to withdraw before the end of the summer training, you will not be charged tuition for training in a career you have decided not to pursue.

Can I change my subject area?

You may request a subject area change by contacting Teach Minnesota before PST begins. Our team will review partner school needs to determine if we can grant your request.

HIRING

Can I apply for positions at schools outside of Teach MN's partner schools?

No. Our partner schools have been identified based on need and mutual consent. You should focus your job search in the schools identified as partner schools. If you are currently employed in the Twin Cities and would like your school to be a partner school, please connect Teach MN staff with your principal or HR leader.

Do I get to choose where I teach?

While it is our goal to accommodate your teaching preferences, all Teaching Fellow candidates should be prepared to teach where they are most needed. Fellows have the opportunity to focus their independent job search on their personal school preferences. However, available vacancies may be limited and Fellows will ultimately secure positions where they are needed the most and where there are available teaching positions.

Will there be other Fellows teaching at my school?

While it is possible that there will be other Fellows teaching at your school, it is not guaranteed.

Can I apply for positions teaching electives?

Fellows are only able to apply for any positions they will be recommended for licensure in - either elementary education or special education.

When do I start teaching?

All Fellows will teach a summer school classroom. Fellows who successfully complete Pre-Service Training and secure full-time positions will officially start teaching at the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. Most schools in Minnesota start the academic year in late August or early September.

Can I accept a part-time, interim or long-term sub position?

No. You are required to be the teacher of record as part of the Teach Minnesota program and to meet state licensure requirements. Part-time, interim and long-term sub positions will not meet the requirements.

TNTP ACADEMY (SCHOOL YEAR COURSEWORK)

What does TNTP Academy look like?

Coursework is synchronous and asynchronous, but some courses will be in person in the evening and on occasional weekends. You will have a schedule in advance of PST. TNTP Academy will require 6-8 hours per week throughout the year.

What support do I receive throughout the school year?

You will receive instruction and coaching from your Effectiveness Coach. You will also have the ability to meet with Teach MN staff as needed throughout the year.

LICENSURE

What type of license will I have after PST?

After successful completion of PST, you will be recommended for your Tier 2 teaching license.

What is the process to apply for my Tier 2 teaching license?

Check out the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board Website for detailed information about licensure applications. You will apply for your Tier 2 license in conjunction with your hiring district.

After I complete the full program (1 year for Elementary, 2 years for Special Education), what type of license will I have?

After successful completion of the program and passing the necessary state exams, you may apply for your Tier 3 license.

What is the cost to apply for my licensure?

• Initial application and fingerprint card processing fee is $90.25. Renewals are $57.

• Cost of exams will vary based on subject and grade level. Costs vary from $35 - $54

When should I take the required state exams to apply for my Tier 3 license?

You should take the tests the final semester of Teach MN in the late Spring. You may register at https://www.mtle.nesinc.com/

FINANCIAL

What is tuition for Teach Minnesota?

Elementary Education is $7,000 which can be paid all at once or over 12 months beginning in October.

Special Education is $8,500 over 20 months beginning in October.

Payment plans change if you resign or are let go while teaching.

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Teach MN does not currently partner with any organizations offering financial aid.

What are the full costs associated with being a Teach MN Fellow?

There are costs associated with the Enrollment period, living and working during the unpaid summer for Pre-Service Training, and the Licensing process.

All Enrollment costs can be found on the Enrollment Checklist here, and can vary based on content area.

The costs for Pre-Service Training include:

• Purchasing and (if necessary) servicing a laptop during training

• Daily meals, including lunch, during training

• Housing and other living expenses. There is public transportation in the Twin Cities, though we strongly encourage you to look for a colleague on the Facebook Group to carpool with given the long days during training.

• CPR class ($20)

• Any supplies you envision needing for your summer school classroom.

Full information on licensing costs coming soon.