At the November PELSB Board Meeting, the Board adopted two new resolutions aimed at strengthening Minnesota’s educator workforce. The first resolution expands Tier 2 eligibility requirements for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher candidates enrolled in teacher preparation programs. The second waives clock hour limits for cooperating teachers who host teacher candidates, further supporting meaningful clinical experiences.

More information about each resolution, and what these changes mean, can be found below.

In collaboration with Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation partners, the PELSB Board has approved a resolution expanding Tier 2 eligibility requirements for candidates enrolled in a PELSB-approved CTE teacher preparation program. Previously, candidates using the CTE bachelor’s degree exemption were required to demonstrate that they met the exemption for each individual CTE licensure area they sought.

Using the new resolution, CTE candidates who are enrolled in a PELSB-approved program for more than one CTE licensure area and are applying for Tier 2 licensure may now demonstrate the bachelor’s degree exemption once, at program entry, in a single CTE licensure field, rather than separately for each area. At program completion, candidates must still demonstrate the bachelor’s degree exemption for every CTE licensure area in order to be recommended for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license.

This change provides greater flexibility for school districts hiring Tier 2 CTE teachers and offers candidates a clearer, more accessible pathway to pursuing multiple CTE licensure fields by reducing initial eligibility barriers.

Under a new resolution, cooperating teachers who host teacher candidates for clinical experiences may receive up to 24 clock hours per semester, with no limitation on the number of clock hours they can earn. This change represents a significant shift from the previous limit, where cooperating teachers could accumulate no more than 30 clock hours in a five-year renewal period for hosting teacher candidates. By removing this cap, the Board aims to better recognize the time, mentorship, and professional expertise cooperating teachers contribute to preparing future educators; particularly those serving in journeyworker or mentor teacher roles.

While this resolution increases the number of clock hours teachers may earn through hosting teacher candidates, all other renewal requirements remain unchanged. Teachers must still fulfill all mandatory components for renewal, and local relicensure committees retain the authority to review and approve clock hour submissions at their discretion.

This change is effective immediately. Cooperating teachers hosting teacher candidates should work with appropriate teacher preparation program to obtain the clock hours earned. Teachers should also consult their local relicensure committee for guidance and final approval of the clock hours.

Teachers issued a Tier 3 license on or after July 1, 2023 must complete the 75 clock hour and mandatory requirements as part of their application to move from a Tier 3 to Tier 4 license in the year of expiration. 

Individuals who received their Tier 3 license prior to July 1, 2023 are exempt from needing this requirement. 

Teachers needing to meet the clock hour requirement should submit their clock hours to their local continuing education committee for approval prior to applying for a Tier 4 license with PELSB. Additionally, teachers must verify three years of teaching experience to qualify to move to a Tier 4 license.