Alternative Paths to Earn a Teaching License
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer a growing number of flexible ways to become a licensed Minnesota teacher. An alternative path may be right for you if you have non-teaching baccalaureate degree. Other alternative paths can make it possible to become licensed even though you can't come to the university's campus.
Other flexible ways to become a teacher
Alternative paths offer features such as:
- On-line learning or a blend of online courses and face-to-face classes
- Learning while you gain teaching experience, including programs that allow you to earn a license while you are employed in the classroom
- Learning with a group of students who attend classes during weekends or evenings so that you can keep your existing job while becoming qualified as a teacher
Here's what's available now. More are coming!
| Sponsor | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bemidji State University | DLiTE Program | With prerequisite college education, candidates can earn an elementary school teaching license through on-line instruction and an assigned teacher mentor |
| Bemidji State University | Fastrack | For people with an undergraduate major in their intended teaching field. Other work to earn licensure is completed online. |
| Bemidji State University | Add-on chemistry license | Online and summer program enables currently licensed science teachers to add a license in teaching chemistry |
| Bemidji State University | Add-on physics license | Online and summer program enables currently licensed science or math teachers to add a license in teaching physics |
| Bemidji State University | Accelerated licensure program in science | Blended program for teachers seeking to add a 5-8 science license |
| Bemidji State University | Online licensure program in special education | On-line program for licensed teachers leading to licensure in Learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders |
| Metropolitan State University | Post Baccalaureate Process | For people committed to teaching in an urban setting who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Middle School Communication Arts/Literature Online Licensure | Online licensure program in middle school communication arts and literature. |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | The Minnesota Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (MN TAPP) | New program allows teachers in shortage fields who are teaching on limited licenses to earn full licensure while remaining employed. |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Online Library Media Information Program | Online licensure program in school library media |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Online Reading Specialist Licensure |
Online add-on licensure program in reading |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Online EBD | For employed teachers who want to add an EBD license |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Special Education Post - Baccalaureate | For college graduates with a non-teaching B.S. or B.A. degree seeking to become licensed in emotional behavioral disorders or learning disabilities |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Special Education Licensure - 2+2 Programs in the Twin Cities | Partnerships with Twin Cities two-year colleges |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Special Education Coursework Online | Online courses allow currently licensed special education teachers to add licensure fields |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Math and Science Licensure Programs | College graduates with math or science backgrounds can become licensed teachers through online courses and tailored offerings |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | Early Childhood Education - Off-campus | Partnerships with community and technical colleges |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | Off-Campus/Learning Community-Special Education Licensure | Collaborative study and online components lead to special education licensure |
| St. Cloud State University | Undergraduate - Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Special Education Licensure Option |
Paraprofessionals can keep working while earning a bachelor's degree and licensure in teaching learning disabled students. |
| St. Cloud State University | Graduate - Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Special Education Licensure Option | Working paraprofessionals complete licensure in teaching learning disabled students. |
| St. Cloud State University | Teacher Preparation Partnership | Classes are held in the North Branch Area Schools so that teaching assistants and people with non-teaching bachelor's degrees can earn teaching licenses |
| Winona State University | Business Education Licensure | On-line and transfer arrangements make it possible to complete a license in business education throughout the state |
| Winona State University | Post-Baccalaureate Secondary License | College graduates qualify for licensure through internships in Winona or Rochester public schools. |
