MN Teacher License Renewal: Everything You Need to Know

If you are an educator in Minnesota, you probably know that a teacher license is essential for your career. Just like any professional license, a teacher license requires renewal after a certain period. MN Teacher License Renewal is something that every teacher in the state of Minnesota must do to keep their teaching career on track.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about MN teacher license renewal. We will cover the requirements, application process, and answer some common questions related to the topic.

What Is Minnesota Teacher License Renewal?

Minnesota Teacher License Renewal is a mandatory process that every educator in the state needs to go through to maintain their teaching license. The renewal period for a Minnesota teaching license may vary depending on various factors such as the type of license and the length of validity.

It’s essential to note that failure to renew your teaching license can lead to serious consequences such as loss of employment, fines or even suspension from practice.

Who Needs To Renew Their Teaching License?

All educators in Minnesota with valid teaching licenses need to renew their licenses periodically based on their licensure status. Whether it’s a provisional, standard or master’s level licence, all teachers have to renew their licences once they expire.

As an educator in Minnesota, it’s important always to check your renewal dates and follow up accordingly.

When Should I Renew My Teaching License?

The timeline for renewing your teaching licence may vary depending on your current licensure status. However, generally speaking, most educators should begin preparing for renewal two years before their current licence expires.

For instance, if you’re holding a 5-year standard licence that was issued on July 1st of 2016 and due for expiration on June 30th 2021; then you should plan for re-application by July 1st of the year preceding expiry (July 1st, 2019).

Requirements for MN Teacher License Renewal

To renew your Minnesota teaching license, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the main requirements that every educator in the state of Minnesota must fulfill:

• Completion of Continuing Education Units (CEUs): All educators in Minnesota must have completed either 125 clock hours or 125 continuing education units during their past licensing period.
• Completion of Relicensure Competencies: Teachers will also need to complete the required competencies based on their field, which include technology integration, multicultural education and positive behavior interventions and support among others.
• Background Check Clearance: Every educator should also pass a background check within five years before the date of renewal application.

It’s important to note that different types of teacher licenses may require additional documentation such as Professional Development Plans (PDPs) for specific areas, university transcripts, student growth outcomes data or special endorsements.

How to Apply for MN Teacher License Renewal

The process of applying for MN teacher license renewal is straightforward, especially if you’ve had experience with the previous applications. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you apply for your teaching licence renewal.

Step One: Review Your Current Status

You should begin by reviewing your current status and identifying any missing courses or other requirements necessary for renewing your license. You can review this information through the Minnesota Department of Education website or by contacting them directly.

Step Two: Complete Required Courses and Credits

Next, ensure that you have fulfilled all requirements including CEUs competency areas’ credits, PD plan documents and work experience hours. The state requires these documents as evidence that you’ve maintained professional growth since your previous license period.

Step Three: Submit Your Application

After completing all necessary steps towards fulfilling your requirements, then it’s time to submit your application. The application forms can be accessed from the Minnesota Department of Education website or picked up from various local offices in Minnesota.

When filling the application form, make sure you provide accurate and factual information about your personal details, licensure status, and completed requirements. The application fee will vary depending on the type of license you are seeking renewal.

Step Four: Await for Your Renewal Approval

The Minnesota Department of Education will review your application after submission. They may ask to provide additional information or documentation if necessary.

Once your documentation is complete and verified, then you’ll receive confirmation of your renewed teacher’s license via email or mail. Remember to verify that all details in the new license document match up before discarding the expired one.

FAQ About MN Teacher License Renewal

Here are some frequently asked questions about MN Teacher License Renewal:

Q. How Do I find out when my teaching license expires?

A. You can check your current license expiry status by logging into MDE’s Educator Licensing Online system with your active user account.

Q. Can I renew my Minnesota Teacher License without completing required courses?

A. No; completion of required courses or credits is mandatory for any Minnesota teacher’s licence renewal process.

Q. How long does it take for a Minnesota teaching license to be renewed?

A. It takes approximately 2-3 weeks for a Minnesota teaching licence renewal process to be completed from the time you submit your application.

Q. Can I teach with an expired Minnesota teaching licence?

A. No; it’s illegal to practice as a teacher with an expired license in Minnesota unless granted a provisional permit by MDE under exceptional circumstances.

Conclusion

Renewal of MN Teacher license is an essential aspect of every teacher’s career growth and development in Minnesota state. We hope this guide has answered all questions related to this topic and provided clear guidance on how educators can apply and fulfill their requirements during the renewal process.

Remember that failure to renew your licence can have serious consequences such as loss of employment, fines or suspension from practice. It’s important to prioritize your renewal process and ensure that you meet all required obligations on time.