Can I teach in a MN public school without a teaching license?

In Minnesota, non-licensed individuals can teach in public schools under certain circumstances. Here are the most common ways to become a teacher without a teaching license:

 

1. Tiered Licensure System: Minnesota has a four-tiered licensing system. For those without a full teaching license, Tier 1 or Tier 2 licenses may be available:

 

○ Tier 1 License: This entry-level license is for individuals with relevant content expertise but without a teaching license. A school district must sponsor the application, and the candidate must have either a bachelor’s degree or specific experience or credentials for the role.

 

You may have heard the term, Community Expert. A Community Expert would fit into this category. Schools can apply for a Community Expert on behalf of someone with specialized skills or knowledge relevant to a specific teaching area. This pathway is common in areas like Career and Technical Education (CTE), where individuals may have industry experience rather than formal teaching credentials.

 

○ Tier 2 License: This requires a bachelor’s degree in the content area, enrollment in a teacher preparation program, or a combination of subject expertise and experience. It is also district-sponsored.

 

2. Short-Call Substitute Teaching: Non-licensed individuals with a bachelor’s degree can work as short-call substitutes (for up to 15 consecutive days in the same classroom) if they obtain a short-call substitute license.

 

3. Specialized Roles: Certain positions, like paraprofessionals or tutors, don't require a teaching license. These roles support licensed teachers but do not independently lead classes.

 

Minnesota also allows for Out-of-field permissions (OFP): This provision allows a licensed teacher to teach outside of their licensure field or grade level. Currently, NRHEG has licensed teachers in every classroom. We utilize the out-of-field Placement (OFP) provision in a couple of content areas. Out teachers with OFPs are fully licensed in other content areas but have the knowledge and background to teach different classes.

 

If you are interested in working as a substitute or full-time teacher and meet the qualifications, please contact me for more information.