Elementary education MEd and teaching license (Minnesota Grow Your Own Teachers pathway)
Are you interested in K-6 Elementary Education licensure?
This pathway is designed for non-licensed individuals with a bachelor's degree who would like to become Elementary Education teachers while working in schools. Our program participants include district staff, paraprofessionals, educational assistants, substitute/reserve teachers, Tier 2 teachers, and those serving with or interested in serving with Reading Corps (see Reading Corps website for specific Reading Corps eligibility).
- Two-year, 36-credit K-6 Elementary initial licensure and MEd program
- Coursework is hybrid (asynchronous, synchronous via Zoom, and in-person meetings once a month)
- Program designed to be completed while working
- Student teaching occurs in year two
Are you interested in K-12 ESL and/or World Language Licensure?
The MNGOT program also has a pathway designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree and who are interested in earning a master's degree and license in K-12 ESL and/or World Language.
Minnesota Grow Your Own Teachers Program (MNGOT)
Is the program right for you?
MNGOT is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree
- Educational assistants or paraprofessionals
- Substitute/reserve teachers who hold only a substitute teaching license
- Community members
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 teachers
- Recent college graduates
- Career changers
- Minnesota Reading Corps tutors
Program features
- Generous tuition scholarships
- A teacher community (cohort)
- Hybrid coursework; four in person Saturdays and Sundays/semester with zoom/online classes weeknights and Saturdays
- University mentoring throughout the program
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 teachers can complete the program while continuing to work
Program schedule
Year 1
Work full-time at your school, complete coursework and 100 hours of field experience. Field experience can often be completed at the school site where you are employed or serving as a tutor.
Year 2
There are three options for student teaching while completing the remaining 18 credits of coursework.
- MNGOT Reading Corps students: half day, full year of student teaching at school site
- Tier 2 teachers: job-embedded student teaching while serving as the teacher of record in an elementary classroom
- Others: Complete 16 weeks of full time student teaching in final semester
Additional program information
Tuition and financial aid information
The cost of the program is $26,400 over two years. Working is allowable during at least the first year of the program, depending on individual student teaching scenarios and district employment opportunities. Generous scholarships are available for eligible students.
Application, dates, and deadlines
- August 1, 2025: Application opens
- December 15, 2025: Priority application deadline
- April 1, 2026: Final Deadline
Please note: an interview and admission decision will occur following each application deadline. Candidates only need to participate in one application round.
Undergraduate course requirements and licensure information
MEd / Initial Licensure in K-6 Elementary Education Prerequisite Course Evaluation Review Sheet
Non-native speakers of English must meet additional University language requirements. More information is available on the Graduate School website.
Contact
Jade Beauclair Jade Beauclair
- Academic Advisor and Program Specialist, Multiple Pathways to Teaching, including: Minnesota Grow Your Own Teachers (MNGOT) and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program
- beau0273@umn.edu
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