Teacher Education Licensure

Enrollment in a MSUM teacher licensure program means candidates meet specific state requirements to apply for a Minnesota teaching license at graduation.

How do I apply for a MN Educator's Tier 3 license?

How do I apply for a Tier 4 Licensure?

Use these MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board or MN Department of Education websites for information on licensing and testing:

Candidate Responsibilities

Please use the following guidelines below to track your progress. You can also use the printable PDF version of the Candidate Responsibilities.

Responsibility One: Complete Coursework for Admission into SARTE

The following coursework needs to be complete for admission into SARTE with at minimum a 2.75 GPA for Elementary Inclusive Education or Early Childhood Education or 2.5 GPA for any secondary or K-12 content area (Social Studies, Communication/Arts Literature, Music, PE, etc.):

  • Complete ED 205 with a C or better
  • Complete ED 294 with a C or better
Responsibility Two: SARTE Application

Apply for official program admittance through the Selection and Retention into Teacher Education process

  • SARTE application must be completed with your advisor prior to 300-400 level education courses
  • SARTE information
Responsibility Three: Complete Requirements

Complete all course requirements for graduation and licensure

  • Meet with advisor each semester to review current program requirements and DARS accuracy.
  • Review DARS routinely to assure your curriculum plan addresses all requirements
  • Apply for student teaching. This application is required early in the semester before you plan to student teach. Please refer to information about student teaching on the Field Experience page.
  • Apply for graduation in semester prior to student teaching
Responsibility Four: Curriculum Worksheet for Licensure
  • Complete Curriculum Worksheet for licensure early in the semester you are graduating
    • The Curriculum Worksheet can be accessed in TK20 under the "Applications" tab. Please make sure to choose the correct curriculum worksheet.
      • If you are Elementary/Early Childhood, choose the Elementary/Early Childhood Curriculum Worksheet.
      • If you are Secondary/K-12 (Math, Science, Physical Education, Art, etc.) choose the Secondary/K-12 Curriculum Worksheet.
      • If you are a graduate student adding on a license, choose the Additional Licensure Curriculum Worksheet.
    tk20-curriculum-worksheet-screenshot.jpg
  • Submit the following with your completed curriculum worksheet:
    • Upload DARS and attach to your curriculum worksheet.
    • Email your advisor or program coordinator to let them know your curriculum worksheet with attached DARS is ready for approval.
  • Email Diane Copple, coppled@mnstate.edu, to let her know your curriculum worksheet has been submitted.
Responsibility Five: Apply for MN Teaching License
  • Upon successful completion of MSUM requirements an application for MN Teaching License can be filed at the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website. Apply no earlier than 5 days prior to graduation.
  • Attain fingerprint card from Diane Copple, Lommen 214A and take to MSUM Public Safety Office (or any law enforcement office) for fingerprinting. You may have completed this step during edTPA workshop day.
  • Submit MN License application and completed Finger Print Card to Diane Copple, Lommen 214A. Licensure packet will be signed by Dr. Keri DeSutter, MSUM Licensure Officer or Diane Copple, MSUM Certifying Officer (this occurs once the degree is noted on the transcript).
  • Initial applications will be sent to PELSB after verification and signature. Add on applications will be returned to you for final submission.
Responsibility Six: MTLE Tests (optional)

MTLE tests are no longer required for individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program and are seeking MN licensure. In some instances, licensure tests will still be required, such as seeking licensure in a state other than Minnesota.

Candidates are encouraged to consider taking the MTLE tests if they will be licensing in another state.

Licensing Forms

MSUM Licensing Contact

Diane Copple, Administrative Assistant, Licensing
School of Teaching & Learning | 214A Lommen Hall
MN State University Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S. | Moorhead, MN 56563
218.477.2013

Appeal to Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)

All persons denied issuance or renewal of licenses granted by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, and all Minnesota teacher-preparing institutions denied program or institutional approval, and all persons licensed by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board whose appeals are denied by the local committee for continuing education/relicensures, are hereby entitled to a hearing pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, on such denial and to a final decision by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. A person or an institution entitled to a hearing under the provisions of this part shall file a written request for such hearing with the executive secretary of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board within 30 days from the date of the denial. Failure to file a written request for a hearing within 30 days constitutes a waiver of the individual's right to a hearing.