Teaching Education Degrees in Minnesota

A Minnesota teacher must have a bachelor's degree, complete both a teacher preparation program, pass the MTLE assessments, pass a criminal background check and complete an approved human relations program.

Minnesota has several colleges that offer appropriate teacher preparation programs and teaching programs at several degree levels. Here is an overview of what this state has to offer for teachers.

The advantages of obtaining additional certifications along with a teaching license are better employment opportunities and higher wage potential. The combination of schools making cutbacks and the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has made earning graduate degrees and as many certifications as possible almost a necessity.

• 12 teaching programs in Minnesota accredited by CAEP
• Consider an Online Bachelors, as there are 0 CAEP-accredited Bachelor's degrees
• 6 CAEP-accredited Master's degrees in Minnesota

Prospective Minnesota teachers complete a Bachelor's degree as well as a state-approved educator preparation program from a university or college to become certified. They also complete the National Evaluation Series Essential Academic Skills Test, the state's series of pedagogy and content assessments for educators, and the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination.

Requirements to Teach in Minnesota

The Department of Education requires candidates to take a human relations course from an approved Minnesota university or college. Professionals having a Bachelor's degree but not having completed the traditional teacher preparation are possibly eligible for Minnesota alternative teacher certification.

Minnesota's educator licensure is a tiered system. Traditionally prepared teachers typically start on Tier 2. It requires completion of the teacher preparation program and a Bachelor's degree. Tier 3 teachers meet the Tier 2 requirements, pass the state's pedagogy and content tests, and meet experience requirements. Tier 4 is the highest tier. It requires the same Tier 3 accomplishments and three years of teaching experience. The most recent teaching evaluation must be positive.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

Minnesota provides a range of financial opportunities for resident students. The state legislature understands how an educated populace contributes to a thriving economy. Loan forgiveness programs, grants, and scholarships have been developed to help students achieve college ambitions.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the financial aid program through the interactive website - Get Ready for College. Students fill out and submit the FAFSAbefore beginning a search for financial aid. Minnesota offers

• General scholarships and grants
• Aid for students that have special circumstances
• Specialized studies scholarships and grants

An example includes the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program that assists teachers who instruct in areas of Minnesota experiencing a teacher shortage. It encourages teachers to teach in these areas.
There are also federal grants for those aspiring to teach.

The TEACH Grant is a grant offered by the federal government to students who plan to teach students from low-income families. In exchange for the grant, students agree to teach full-time in a private or public school that services low-income families for a minimum of four out of eight academic years.

Requirements to Qualify for In-State Tuition

Minnesota state regulations are generalized as being medium to difficult in obtaining in-state tuition. Individual universities vary in the difficulty of their rules. All universities require moving to Minnesota and doing something of importance other than going to school.

Most schools require living in the state for a minimum of one year before applying for in-state status. Working full-time and attending school no more than part-time helps in establishing residency. The student typically needs to provide at least 50% of his or her support.

Minnesota is a Midwest Student Exchange Program member having limited regional agreements of reciprocity. Many restrictions apply. Taking specific programs are required to qualify. Each participating university can set particular requirements, such as high ACT or SAT scores, and limit their involvement.

List of the Best CAEP Accredited Teaching Degrees in Minnesota

Capella University

Minneapolis

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in Education Administration EdS and PhD (Building) ELCC
• Masters in Educational Administration MS (Building Level) ELCC
• Specialist or C.A.S. in Leadership in Educational Administration – EdS & PhD (district level) ELCC

Hamline University

Saint Paul

CAEP

• Masters in ESL TESOL

Minnesota State University-Moorhead

Moorhead

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Mankato

CAEP

• Masters in School Library and Information Studies ALA
• Doctorate in School Psychology NASP

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP

Walden University

Minneapolis

CAEP

• Masters in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 3) NAEYC
• Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration ELCC
• Specialist or C.A.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration ELCC
• Masters in Special Education ABS K-21 CEC

If you already have your Bachelor’s in Education, you may be considering a graduate degree. Keep an eye out for a Master of Arts in special education programs in Minnesota. The state has a number of MAT offerings at different universities with specific specializations, such as certifications in autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavior disorders and specific learning disabilities. Certification programs in developmental disabilities, academic and behavioral strategist, emotional/behavioral disorders and learning disabilities can also be found.

Online Teaching Degrees in Minnesota

Concordia University – St. Paul has an online associate degree program in early childhood education. While this program doesn’t offer certification, it helps prepare the student academically for a bachelor degree by getting the general education courses out of the way. CU-St. Paul also has online master degree programs in curriculum & instruction; early childhood education; educational leadership; educational specialist; educational technology; and special education.

The college also offers an online M.A.T. program that results in initial K-6 licensure.

A large variety of bachelor degree programs for teachers looking for initial licensure are available at Concordia University in St. Paul. Students can choose from majors in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education and K-12 education.

Each of these majors also offer areas of concentration and special endorsements. For instance the early childhood education offers both kindergarten and pre-primary endorsements while the elementary education major offers communication arts/literature, math, pre-primary and social studies endorsements. Minors for different grade levels in areas like social studies, mathematics, music and chemistry are also available at CU-St. Paul.

Metropolitan State University offers bachelor degree programs in early childhood education (birth-gr 3); elementary education (K-gr 6) and a secondary education program with concentrations in English, life sciences, mathematics and social studies. MSU also offers a minor in English as a Second Language.

Students looking to obtain initial licensure have 31 programs from which to choose at St. Cloud University. Bachelor degree majors include early childhood education, elementary education, special education, communication, arts & literature, social studies education and life science education. These programs also come with several concentrations.

Concordia University – ST. Paul also offers master degree programs in curriculum & instruction; early childhood education; educational leadership; educational technology; educational specialist; and special education. In addition, CU – St. Paul has a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program aimed at initial k-6 licensure.

Metropolitan State University offers a master degree program in urban education. This program, which teaches students about working with urban youth, includes courses in English learner education; curriculum, pedagogy and schooling; reading and critical literacies; special education; and secondary education teacher preparation.

St. Cloud State University offers a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction program as well as a reading teacher k-12 certificate. Courses in the certificate program can go towards the MS degree. St. Cloud also offers master degree programs in special education, higher education administration, education leadership and administration, family studies and early childhood special education.