Educator Licensure

By Michael Foster
Minnesota Department of Education Instructional Specialist

Any person seeking to teach in a Minnesota public school must obtain a Minnesota teaching and/or administrative license. This would also include those in related service fields, such as school nurses, school social workers, school psychologists and school counselors.

The licensure information is public information. Parents may view their child's teacher or school administrator's license information on the Department of Education website. The license would validate the grade level, licensure field/s and year of expiration.

The Board of Teaching, created in 1973, includes 11 members appointed by the Governor. They are represented by six classroom teachers, one higher education faculty member, one school administrator and three members of the public, two of whom must have spent some time on a local school board. The board determines the standards and practices that will serve the state's teachers and teacher preparation institutions.

The Minnesota Board of School Administrators created by the Legislature in 2001 includes 10 board members appointed by the governor. The board determines the standards and practices that will serve the state's school administrators and preparation programs.

Minnesota Educator License Look-up

Parents may use license look-up to access current information regarding the online education license information for teachers and administrators in Minnesota. You can use the license look-up to:

• Verify that a license application has been received by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• Provide proof of a current license and licensure fields.
• Print a copy of the license information.

You may enter either the six-digit file folder number that appears on the license or the first and last name of the licensee.

View an Individual Educators License

"Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirements-Minnesota State Plan

The Minnesota State Plan for Federal "Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirements is the official guidance document for teachers and schools. All department guidance related to "highly qualified" teacher requirements will be based on this plan in order to assure clear communication. Under the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), teachers of core academic subjects must meet certain requirements to demonstrate federal "highly qualified" status. This plan provides guidance now in effect for all Minnesota public school teachers.

See if your child's teacher has met the requirements to become highly qualified.

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