Program Information
PELSB is seeking candidates for two Heritage Language Portfolio Cohorts: one for Tier 1 and 2 teachers (Initial Licensure) and another for Tier 3 and 4 teachers (Additional Licensure). Space in these cohorts is limited.
Under the guidance of a PELSB specialist, each cohort of teachers will pursue their World Languages and Cultures teaching license by working alongside one another as they assemble their unique portfolios. Completed portfolios will be re viewed by independent experts who will determine if a candidate is recommended for a license to teach their heritage language and culture in schools.
Cohort Benefits:
- No cost to participate
- Receive dedicated guidance and support in the portfolio process
- Collaborate with other heritage language and culture teachers in Minnesota
- Special workshops and trainings
- Access to expert language teacher mentors ("Success Navigators")
- Portfolio fee waivers
Licensure via Portfolio programs:
- Are one way to earn or add a teaching license
- Include a digital "portfolio" that is assembled online
- Require candidates to meet the same teacher standards as a traditional Teacher Preparation program in creative, non-traditional ways
- Utilize independent portfolio reviewers who determine whether a candidate is recommended for licensure
Licensure via Portfolio programs are not:
- A university-style teacher preparation program
- A guaranteed path to licensure
- A pre-determined curriculum taught in a format of courses for credit
Initial Licensure Cohort is for:
- Teachers who have Tier 1 or Tier 2 licenses
- Teachers who reached their Tier 3 license via the "Tier 2 to Tier 3 Pathway"
Additional Licensure Cohort is for:
- Teachers who have Tier 3 or Tier 4 licenses
Understanding the Commitment:
The time and effort required to compile a portfolio is considerable. Successful portfolios demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the State of Minnesota requires to obtain a teaching license. Candidates can expect a rigorous process.
Initial Licensure Candidates:
Initial licensure candidates hold a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license and must complete two separate portfolios:
- One portfolio demonstrating you meet the April 2023 Standards of Effective Practice (general pedagogy standards)
- One portfolio demonstrating you meet the expedited World Languages and Cultures Standards
Additional Licensure Candidates:
Additional licensure candidates already hold a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license. They must complete:
- One portfolio demonstrating you meet the expedited World Languages and Cultures Standards.
Participants in Heritage Language Cohorts will be expected to:
- Attend regular virtual meetings over a period of 18 months
- Collaborate online with other cohort members, while also working independently on their own portfolios
- Attend virtual and in-person workshops and trainings
- Engage with Success Navigators
- Apply their learning in their current classrooms
- Check-in regularly with the Heritage Language Pathways Specialist
- *If you do not meet attendance and participation requirements, you may forfeit the cohort benefits, including portfolio fee waivers, language proficiency testing fee waivers, and substitute teacher coverage.
