Tier 2
A Tier 2 license is valid for up to two school years. To qualify, a teacher must hold a bachelor’s degree, or meet BA exemptions (link to BA exemptions page) and have a job offer with a Minnesota public school. Additionally, a Tier 2 teacher must meet one of the following:
- Enrolled in a Minnesota teacher preparation program
- Hold a master's degree aligned to the content area teaching
- Completed a teacher preparation program but does not yet meet licensure requirements for Tier 3 or Tier 4
A teacher can have up to four Tier 2 licenses (initial license plus three renewals); however, more may be available based on good cause. Candidates enrolled in a teacher preparation program must demonstrate "meaningful progress" in the program to be eligible to renew.
To apply for a Tier 2 license, use the Online Licensing System to begin. If you have previously held licensure with PELSB (e.g. short call sub license), use the paper application.
Tier 2 "Pick Two Pathway" Teachers
Teachers who earned their Tier 2 license using the “Pick Two Pathway” can continue to renew their license using this pathway until June 30, 2026. After 2026, this pathway will be sunsetted and Tier 2 teachers affected will need to find alternative avenues to meet Tier 2 or Tier 3 requirements. This pathway included the following options:
- 8 upper division credits in the content area,
- field specific methods coursework,
- passing scores on the appropriate Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in content and pedagogy,
- 2 years of teaching experience in the content area
Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, PELSB is no longer able to issue initial Tier 2 licenses based on this pathway. Please contact PELSB if you have questions regarding this pathway.