Minnesota · Career guide

How to become a Math Teacher in Minnesota

Math teachers design and deliver instruction in numeracy, algebra, geometry, statistics, and (at the high-school level) calculus. The role is consistently in shortage nationwide — states almost universally cite secondary math as a high-need certification area, which means signing bonuses, loan-forgiveness eligibility, and faster hiring decisions for credentialed candidates.

No math teaching positions are open in Minnesota right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Minnesota

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree for tier 2+; field experience required. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Minnesota typically requires:
    • Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) Basic Skills — Reading, writing, and mathematics
    • MTLE Pedagogy Assessment — Teaching knowledge and practice
    • MTLE Content Area Subtests — Subject matter knowledge by licensure field

    Most states issue a content-area endorsement on the teaching license; you'll need to pass a content-knowledge exam (Praxis Math, state-specific equivalent, or accepted alternative) to add the endorsement.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) →
  4. Job-search in Minnesota. We'll track math teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Minnesota

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Minnesota offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Tier 1 License: For those with a degree and relevant expertise but no teaching program
  • Resident Educator Program: Alternative preparation with mentorship
  • Teach For America (active in Twin Cities metro)
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) licenses

Minnesota salary context

Average teacher salary in Minnesota: $64,818/year (rank #21 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $40,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Minnesota salary guide for the breakdown.

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