The 2023 state legislature made changes for Tier 2 qualifications for licensure by removing the "pick two pathway" starting July 1. This will have a direct impact on candidates who used the "pick two pathway" to receive their licensure. 

What changes are happening with Tier 2 licensure? 

Statute removes the option of using the "pick two pathway" for new Tier 2 applicants beginning July 1, 2024. The "pick two pathway" includes:

• 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 for the 2024-2025 school year, PELSB will no longer be able to issue initial Tier 2 licenses based on this pathway.

How are current Tier 2 teachers impacted? 

Teachers who received their license based on the "pick two pathway" can continue to renew their license using this pathway until June 30, 2026. This allows Tier 2 teachers time to find alternative avenues to meet Tier 2 or Tier 3 requirements. Tier 2 teachers affected by this change will be notified by PELSB at a later date and given options on how to move forward with their teaching license. 

What options remain available for Tier 2 licensure?

Other Tier 2 eligibility options remain in effect. These include:

• Enrollment in a Minnesota state-approved teacher preparation program, or
• Holding a master's degree aligned to the licensure assignment, or
• Completion of an out-of-state teacher preparation program and do not yet meet all licensure requirements for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license

Statutory Reference

Minnesota Statute 122A.182, Subdivision 2b