Minnesota · Career guide
How to become a Substitute Teacher in Minnesota
Substitute teachers fill in for absent classroom teachers on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. The role has the lowest barrier to entry of any teaching position in most states — many require only a high-school diploma + background check + state-issued substitute permit. Pay is typically per-diem ($110-$200/day depending on the state and district), making it a flexible path into the profession.
No substitute 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
- 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.
- 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
Substitute permits are state-issued and have minimal educational requirements. Long-term substitutes (30+ days in one assignment) sometimes need additional approval.
- 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) →
- Job-search in Minnesota. We'll track substitute 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.