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Licensure via Portfolio

Licensure via Portfolio is a non-traditional option for earning a Tier 3 teaching license or to add additional licensure fields to an existing Tier 3 or Tier 4 teaching license. Through this process, a teacher can submit a “portfolio,” which is a collection of evidence with accompanying narratives describing how the teacher has the knowledge, skills and competencies required for a specific licensure field.

Generally, licensure via portfolio is not needed and teachers may apply for licensure now if they have one of the following:

  • Completed teacher preparation in Minnesota, another state, or another country with at least 12 weeks of student teaching aligned to the license sought 
  • Hold a professional license in another state in good standing aligned to the licensure area sought with two years of teaching experience as the teacher of record aligned to the licensure area sought 
  • Three years of experience as the teacher of record under a Tier 2 license aligned to the licensure area sought

The first step for the portfolio process is verifying eligibility to make sure that candidates aren't otherwise eligible for licensure and to confirm that candidates have prerequisite experiences and qualifications. 

  • Refer to the Licensure via Portfolio Guidelines for more information.  Once eligibility has been confirmed, additional individualized information will be provided to portfolio candidates.   
  • For eligibility information, portfolio candidates need to indicate which of the Minnesota's licensure fields they are seeking.  Note that some licenses, such as related services, may not be added via portfolio.  Some licenses may only be added as an additional license.
  • To gain a general overview of the Licensure via Portfolio Pathway and the portfolio process, this video provides helpful information from PELSB's Licensure via Portfolio and Alternative Pathways Specialists.
  • When preparing a portfolio, candidates must be mindful of the Minnesota Code of Ethics and include an Affidavit of Authenticity with their portfolio(s).
  • For information about becoming a Portfolio Reviewer, please see this document and email portfolio.pelsb@state.mn.us with any questions.

Preparation Pathway Grant

PELSB has a Preparation Pathway Grant that funds public school districts, charter school districts, education service cooperatives, and partnerships between teacher preparation providers and school districts and charter schools to support teachers holding a Tier 2 license and seeking a Tier 3 license through completion of a teacher preparation program or licensure via portfolio.
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