Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Minnesota
Minnesota has introduced numerous initiatives during the past 10 years or so in early childhood education (ECE). They have such a commitment to ECE that they have created somewhat of a disconnect, and now they are working to unite all of the committees and programs in a more efficient manner so that all children, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic standing, will receive a superior start to the previous educational experience.
Recently, the Minnesota Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and the Children’s Cabinet received a $4.7 million federal grant. This money will be dedicated to determining the best ways to coordinate programs, resources, and policies throughout all departments. The intent is to create a better landscape for early learning for all children and families in Minnesota.
Minnesota Steps to Follow for Teachers
Minnesota continually has one of the best public-school systems in the US. As a result, the requirements to become even a preschool teacher may be far more demanding than other states. The state is also encouraging prospective teachers to specialize in areas where the state has a shortage, such as special education, as these jobs will be easier to obtain in the coming years. Minnesota is also working to encourage more minorities to become teachers.
Step 1. Get Your Degree
All prospective teachers must complete a variety of certificates and licenses to become a teacher in Minnesota. To become a lead teacher in a classroom for young children you will need to complete a state-approved bachelor’s degree program focused on early childhood education. You might also consider specialized certificate programs as a way to enter the field; however, you will still require a state license to teach in Minnesota for nearly all career levels. You will also be required to complete an in-depth background check to be able to work with children in any state. To become an ECE teacher or administrator, you must start with a bachelor’s degree in education, though it does not necessarily need to be early childhood education. You will also have to complete a number of programs dedicated to teacher preparation as mandated by the state. If you wish to work as an administrator, you will likely require at least a master’s degree. If you wish to work in a daycare or preschool as an assistant teacher, you will likely require an associate’s degree or some college education. Those who want to make a difference in the Head Start program only need to attain an associate’s degree.
During your ECE higher learning degree program, you will be required to complete hands-on experience in a classroom. The hours required will vary from program to program. Experience in early childhood education is highly valued for long-term employment. Many college and university students will find work experience that allows program participants to work with kids throughout their undergraduate experience to get ahead of the future competition.
In Minnesota, you must possess a specialty license to teach any subset of early childhood education. These licenses will vary, including a nursery school license, a prekindergarten license, an early childhood special education license, an early childhood education license, an elementary school license and more. Applicants can pursue different types of licenses for each sector, such as first-time full professional, limited full-time license, limited intern and two-year, short-call substitute. It is important to note that those who wish to teach kindergarten will require special endorsement licensure.
Step 2. Pass your Exams and Teacher Performance Assessments
Many states use the PRAXIS exams to assess teachers on their preparation for licensure. However, Minnesota replaced the PRAXIS tests with their own, called the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE). [Be aware that if you type this just slightly wrong you may end up looking at information for the Massachusetts tests, abbreviated as the MTEL, so careful not to get confused!]
These exams will test you on basic skills, pedagogy, and content are subjects. Tests are usually taken at a Minnesota college but there are other options so make sure to check before making an unnecessary drive.
The basic skills section has three subtests: math, reading, and writing ($25 each). The pedagogy section has two subtests: Early Childhood, I and Early Childhood, II ($35 each).
Step 3. Apply for Certification
Once you’ve finished an early childhood education program and your exams, you can submit verification to the Department of Education and apply for your teaching certification. You’ll also have to pay a fee and go through fingerprinting and a thorough background check. Once you’ve done this, you are good to go! Your new license to teach will be good for five years.
If you are applying for licensure from out-of-state, and you already have a license from your state, you may be able to receive a one-year license that will allow you to teach while you complete everything you need to bring you up to speed on the Minnesota system. This may include taking the MTLE tests or coursework, or both. If you do not already have some form of licensure, you will likely have to complete these requirements without the benefit of a preliminary, one-year license.
Step 4. License renewal
You will need to be mindful of the requirements for license renewal during the five years you have your license. If you don’t complete these requirements, you may not be able to renew. During these five years, you’ll need to complete 125 hours of professional development. These hours must be completed with activities approved by your school district. You’ll also need to pay a licensing fee for the new license ($64) and list any recent criminal offenses.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Minnesota Programs
If you wish to become an early childhood educator in Minnesota, you will require a degree from a regionally accredited or Minnesota board approved school. If you choose to pursue an online degree, make sure it is from a regionally accredited higher learning institution or you may not qualify to teach in Minnesota or in other states.
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The education department at the University of Minnesota has received recognition from a variety of sources, such as ‘A Top 10 Education School in the World’, according to a 2018 Shanghai Report. They also boast 40% of their departmental student population to be first-generation college students, and they offer over 20 education research centers to focus on a wide variety of issues, from women in sports to the mental health of children. And the early childhood education class sizes average out to about 30 people.
Degrees Offered:
Curriculum and Instruction; MS. & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; Under-grad & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Special Education and Teaching; BS., MS., Under-grad, & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
The University of Minnesota - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Teacher Education - Baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schools - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Education, Initial Teacher Preparation and Advanced Preparation Levels - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Minnesota State University Moorhead
The School of Teaching and Learning at Minnesota State University - Moorhead provides you with great opportunities, such as 100% career placement of all graduates. The early childhood education programs focus on children ages 16 months to age five. These programs take hands-on to the next level. You will gain 200 hours of experience during your degree program. They start you off in the classroom and work with teachers from the beginning so that you learn the best ways to plan, assess, adapt, and implement ideas and techniques directly into the classroom rather than just theoretical learning. They also have a student teaching abroad program for those who want an international educational experience. And each degree has a number of specializations from which to choose.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Post-grad Certification
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; Under-grad & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Reading Teacher Education; Under-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Under-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Minnesota State University Moorhead - Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at the degree levels of Master’s, Specialist, and Doctorate
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s School of Teaching and Learning - the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education at the degree levels of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level
The licensure and endorsement programs at Minnesota State University Moorhead - approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching
Education, Initial Teacher Preparation and Advanced Preparation Levels - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
St. Cloud State University
The School of Education at St. Cloud State University has been training teachers since 1869. The programs are designed to produce leaders in the field of education by revitalizing existing educational structures and confronting important issues in society and education. Program participants will learn to collaborate, be creative, and act professionally in diverse settings and circumstances. It is possible to pursue an undergraduate degree or a post baccalaureate degree from St. Cloud State University. You can also pursue numerous certifications and licensures. And 97% of graduates in 2017 received employment in their field.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Post-grad Certification
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; MS. & Post-grad Certification
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and other Physical Health Impairments; Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
St. Cloud State University - Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association
Education, Initial Teacher Preparation and Advanced Preparation Levels - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Teaching Licensure Programs - approved by Minnesota Board of Teaching
Educational Administration programs - approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators
University of Northwestern – St Paul
At the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, you can explore the world through educational and teaching opportunities. You will also have direct access to top classrooms for hands-on experience at either public or private learning institutions. Early childhood education at this school ranges from birth to grade three and the program meets the Minnesota Board of Teaching licensure requirements to become a professional teacher in Minnesota.
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Accreditation By:
The University of Northwestern - Higher Learning Commission
Teacher Education Programs - approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
The University of Northwestern - member of the American Council on Education
The University of Northwestern - member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Those that desire to display in K-12 public colleges in Minnesota need to first make teacher certification. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing along with Criteria Board (PEELSB) oversees the Minnesota educator certification procedure. The requirements are listed below to help you learn exactly how to wind up being a trainer in Minnesota. Prospective Minnesota trainers need to complete a bachelor's level as well as an educator prep work program from a college or college approved by the state.
For frequently set teachers, the licensing framework typically starts at Tier 2, which requires a bachelor's degree and also completion of an approved instructor preparation program. To relocate to Tier 3, educators should accomplish Tier 2 needs as well as full passing away rankings on the state's material along with rearing examinations plus fulfill experience demands.
In addition, institutions might also hold certification from the Council for the Qualification of Teacher Prep Work (CAEP). Although qualification from CAEP is not needed for state authorization, this qualification is viewed as a pen of high demands for a trainer prep job. To make full Minnesota trainer certification, possible educators need to complete a minimum of a bachelor's level in addition to an accepted teacher preparation job program.
Lots of leads will definitely complete this coursework as a component of the teacher preparation job program curriculum. The Minnesota Specialist Instructor Licensing as well as Standard Board has actually adopted the National Evaluation Collection (NES) Crucial Academic Talents Assess to measure candidates' common skills in evaluation, creating, along with maths as well as additionally carries out the Minnesota Instructor Licensure Evaluations (MTLE) to take a look at candidates' teaching skills as well as content-area understanding.
On top of that, prospects must take the MTLE internet content location test straightened to the subject place( s) and also grade degree( s) they intend to show. Like many US states, Minnesota requires all potential customers making an application for Minnesota instructor licensing to complete a federal government as well as additional state history check based upon fingerprinting. Standards on finishing the fingerprinting need are provided with the state's on the web licensing system.
The required documents are as complied with: Completed fingerprint cards for background check. Main records revealing proof of bachelor's level. Proof of program completion at an accepted teacher prep work university. Completed application for training qualification in Minnesota. Settlement of non-refundable qualification handling cost. Passing scores on the needed tests. Applications have to be submitted on the internet with the Minnesota Division of Education and also finding out on-line licensing systems.
An educator must be at least 18 years of age and also meet the credentials in subpart 2 with the following exemptions: A signed up nurse or certified beneficial nurse is certified as a teacher for children just. A signed up nurse may be used to accomplish the staff-to-child proportions for a teacher for ill care in a center certified to run a weak treatment program.
Preschools as well as likewise different other very early youth years education/child treatment centers are generally required to adhere to specific licensing guidelines and likewise plans determined by the state of procedure. These may contain team accreditations, personnel to kid percentages, emergency circumstance prepares, record keeping, and other relevant management areas. In the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Individual Providers approves all preschools/child treatment facilities to make sure that security as well as wellness and health plans are met.
On top of that, a preschool course can not go beyond 20 young people at any kind of kind of once. Grownups operating in kindergartens need to be classified as a teacher, assistant instructor, assistant, or volunteer. Educators along with assistant educators have to go to the very least 18 years of ages in addition to satisfy all instructional requirements along with experiential requirements. Called for experience can contain any kind of kind of one of 9 viable state mandated education/credential/employment background options.
All trainers as well as additionally assistants have to have at the very least a GED or high university diploma. If an instructor has a GED or diploma, she or he need to furthermore have a minimum of 24 credit rating rankings in a post-secondary institution and also 4,160 documented job hours in child care. Aides should go to least 16 years of age.
Likewise, volunteers should constantly be overseen by a trainer or assistant instructor staff member. All personnel as well as also numerous other grownups have to send a background research study prior to functioning directly with children in a preschool. The Minnesota Department of Human Solutions background research includes a criminal as well as likewise child abuse history review.
Lots of states have in fact skilled spending plan cuts, and additionally Minnesota is no exemption, with a small decline in per-student expenses. However, in December 2011, Minnesota got a $45 million honor from the Race to the Leading Early Recognizing Trouble Grant, with the function of enhancing very early childhood years education and also knowing and additionally growth opportunities for Minnesota's young children.
Executed by the MDE, the adhering to programs, consisting of Running begin in addition to Early Head Start, were established to maintain extremely early childhood education and understanding in Minnesota: The University Preparedness Program is available to all qualified public college kids aged three to preschool. This program aims to prepare young children for preschool as well as also to ensure adult participation in their child's education and also understanding.
This requires a university/college and district hallmark. Two-Year, Short-Call Replacement: For applicants with a non-education bachelor's degree. You will certainly need a statement to validate that the college district can not promptly situate qualified instructors. Candidates with a Minnesota primary (qualities one with 6) teaching permit might additionally include preschool by ending up an approved, genuine preschool approaches program together with a practicum.
Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFT) & ESPs is a union of professionals with the purpose of improving the Minneapolis college system. The Teacher's Retired life Company is a statewide pension fund for educators in Minnesota. Advantages consist of retired life, special demands as well as fatality advantages for educators as well as their family members. The Minnesota Company for the Education of Younger Kid (MNAEYC) is made up of virtually 700 specialists containing teachers, center supervisors, in addition to supporters, to call a couple of.
It is likewise connected with the National Association for the Education And Knowing of Youthful Youngsters. The Minnesota Center for Expert Development supports early childhood years in addition to school-age instructors throughout the state in preserving and also adding competency, with the objective of offering young people the most efficient education feasible. The Tiny Marvels Blog Site, attaching children with nature, is an education-based consulting business.
For those who are interested in becoming a preschool teacher in Minnesota, it is important to have a degree or certification. In fact, if you are considering becoming a teacher in Minnesota, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree. You must also pass a written exam in order to become a certified educator, and you must complete the training programs necessary to become licensed by the state to teach preschoolers.
The average starting salary for a preschool teacher in Minnesota is around $52,000 a year. In general most teachers in Minnesota earn between $25 and $30 an hour. If you have experience teaching preschoolers, you can increase your pay by taking an advanced placement course, or AP courses, which can be a valuable asset to your resume.
One way to obtain a degree or certificate for preschool teacher in Minnesota would be to take part in an approved educational internship program. This is very common in states such as Minnesota, where many of the schools are located and the work is fairly similar. During the internship, a teacher gets hands-on experience working with children. Many of these programs are offered by private companies, but you may also find some schools participating in such programs.
Another way to obtain a degree or certification for preschool teacher in Minnesota would be to complete an accredited bachelor's degree program. A bachelor's degree can be taken online and usually takes three years to complete. Some bachelor's programs allow students to earn a Master's degree and even a PhD after completing the program. Some employers prefer to hire graduates of bachelor's degree programs because they recognize the degree shows dedication and leadership ability, which is very important when it comes to teaching children.
An additional option to obtain a degree or certification for a preschool teacher in Minnesota would be to attend a four-year college or university. You should do all the research necessary to determine which institution has an accredited education program. You should also investigate how long it will take you to finish the degree program before you decide whether you want to attend. It is also helpful to have some background information about any particular college that you are considering attending, because this can help you find the right program and the right college to attend.
Once you have completed the education requirements, you should look for institutions that offer an additional degree or certification for preschool teachers in Minnesota. These additional degrees could include a master's or a PhD. for higher level education, or advanced studies.
You might choose to earn a Master's degree in teaching or psychology. If you want to teach elementary school, you may opt to earn a Master's degree in teaching science. An advanced Master's degree in teaching could open up a variety of career opportunities for you such as teaching science in kindergarten or elementary science.
These additional degrees are available for nearly every area of teaching. They include a Bachelor of Education, which is for teachers who wish to teach preschool and kindergarten. An Advanced Education degree will give you the knowledge you need to teach science, math, history or geography. If you want to teach sixth grade and/or high school, consider getting an Associate of Science degree in early childhood education.
Once you have the additional education or certification you desire, you may want to enroll in a teaching internship in Minnesota. Teaching jobs are available all over the state and if you work with children younger than the age of five years old, you may want to consider teaching elementary school, which is the youngest age group in Minnesota schools. However, most teachers start out in elementary school teaching preschoolers. After you have gained your teaching certificate, you may consider teaching kindergarten, preschool or first grade.
Many states in the U.S. require that teachers hold certain licensing and education prior to employment as a teacher. For example, teacher licensing requires a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent. before you may apply to teach in Minnesota, so you will want to complete your education and licensing requirements prior to making a decision on where you would like to work.
As you can see, there are many avenues to obtain a degree or certification in teaching in Minnesota and become a teacher. By taking the time to search for the best school and program for your education and training, you will be able to teach for the rest of your life in a wonderful setting where you love to spend your days and evenings.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Continuing education and specializations are highly valued in the Minnesota education system. STEM teachers and special education teachers continue to be some of the most in-demand careers in the education sector throughout the state. It is also important to note that Minnesota fully supports career development. Many programs are funded by state and federal grants to improve the quality of education provided in Minnesota. Though it has been noted that ECE professionals in rural areas have a greater challenge to reach these government-funded training and development programs than those who live in cities. It is also possible to pursue additional specialization and skill-based certifications online or at a nearby college or university.
Early Childhood Education Teaching Salaries in Minnesota
Each early childhood education position will vary based on a number of elements, such as years of experience, education qualifications, type of employer, and location. If you live and work in a metro area, you are likely to make more money than someone teaching at a rural school. Also, keep in mind that the number of teachers during the past six years, throughout the state of Minnesota, has increased by nearly 6% and is expected to grow by 6% again by 2026.