MDE Teacher Certification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Minnesota licensing tier is designed for candidates who have completed an approved teacher preparation program but have not yet met all requirements for a standard license?
- Tier 1
- Tier 2 (Correct answer)
- Tier 3
- Tier 4
Correct answer: Tier 2
Tier 2 is a limited license for candidates who have completed a preparation program but still have outstanding requirements such as passing licensure exams.
Question 2: Under Minnesota rules, how long is a standard (Tier 4) teaching license valid before renewal is required?
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 5 years
A Tier 4 standard professional teaching license in Minnesota is valid for five years and requires renewal through continuing professional development.
Question 3: A teacher holds a valid license in Illinois and wants to teach in Minnesota without completing a full preparation program. Which process should they pursue?
- Out-of-state reciprocity application (Correct answer)
- Emergency variance
- Substitute teaching permit
- Paraprofessional waiver
Correct answer: Out-of-state reciprocity application
Minnesota participates in interstate reciprocity agreements that allow out-of-state licensed teachers to obtain a comparable Minnesota license.
Question 4: Which Minnesota statute primarily governs the licensure of K-12 teachers in the state?
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 120A
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 122A (Correct answer)
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 125A
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 127A
Correct answer: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 122A
Chapter 122A of Minnesota Statutes covers teachers and other educators, including licensure standards and requirements.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the Minnesota MTLE (Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations)?
- To evaluate classroom management skills through observation
- To assess candidate content knowledge and pedagogy for licensure (Correct answer)
- To rank candidates for hiring by school districts
- To award salary placement on the district pay scale
Correct answer: To assess candidate content knowledge and pedagogy for licensure
The MTLE tests measure whether candidates have the subject-area knowledge and pedagogical skills required to earn a Minnesota teaching license.
Question 6: A licensed Minnesota teacher fails to renew their license before it expires. Which statement best describes their situation?
- They may continue teaching for one additional year under a grace period
- They must reapply for a Tier 1 license and restart the process
- They cannot legally teach until the license is reinstated (Correct answer)
- Their license automatically renews after a 90-day lapse
Correct answer: They cannot legally teach until the license is reinstated
Teaching on an expired license in Minnesota is unlawful; the teacher must complete the renewal process before returning to the classroom.
Question 7: Which body is responsible for revoking or suspending a Minnesota teaching license for misconduct?
- The local school board
- The Minnesota Department of Education's Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) (Correct answer)
- The Minnesota State Legislature
- The teacher's union grievance committee
Correct answer: The Minnesota Department of Education's Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
PELSB holds authority over teacher licensure actions in Minnesota, including revocations and suspensions for professional misconduct.
MDE Teacher Certification 2
Which Minnesota licensing tier is designed for candidates who have completed an approved teacher preparation program but have not yet met all requirements for a standard license?