INFORMATION FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSE-ONLY,
NONTRADITIONAL, AND TRANSFER STUDENTS 
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA , MORRIS

I am an undergraduate student who is seeking an initial teaching license. What do I need in order to be eligible to apply for a Minnesota teaching license and to fulfill UMM's program requirements?

•  A four year college degree

•  An academic major

•  Coursework that fulfills the content area licensure standards (check pp. 98-100 of the UMM catalog—these courses may vary slightly from what is required for the major)

•  Education prerequisite courses: Ed 2101 and 2111 (Foundations and Issues in Education); Psy 1061 (Development of the Child and Adolescent); Psy 1081 (Drugs and Human Behavior); Spch 1052 (Public Speaking) is required for student teaching

•  Program application/admission materials (available from the UMM Education office; apply one year before you enter the program)

•  A state-approved teacher education program (UMM's is one year, full-time)

•  State-mandated, standardized tests: PRAXIS I (General skills) and PRAXIS II (Pedagogy, Learning and Teaching test and content area test). PRAXIS I must be taken before entering the program (contact the Education office for details) and PRAXIS II will be taken while in the program

What should I do if I already have a four-year degree and want to get a teaching license?

We first need to determine if you have met the requirements listed above. To do this, we need to look at your transcripts. Send unofficial copies of your transcripts to Michelle Page, Secondary Education Coordinator, 200D Education Building, 600 E 4 th Street , Morris MN 56267 for a preliminary review. The preliminary review will give you a general idea of the courses you might have to take to get a license. If you decide you want to complete your license requirements at UMM, apply to the university via the admissions office. After you are accepted to UMM a full and official transcript review will be conducted that will give you the final list of courses that you will need to complete. In most cases, the applicant needs to complete content area courses and/or education prerequisites and will need to enter the education program one semester to two years after beginning coursework. If your transcript evaluation tells you that you only have a few courses to take (3-4), check with the Education office immediately regarding program application. If your transcript review indicates that you will need many courses (8+) simply remember to apply to the program the fall of the year prior to actually entering the program. If you are unsure whether you should apply or not, contact the Education office for assistance.

What is the process if I am a practicing teacher and looking to expand my license from a grade 7-12 to a grade 5-12 in the same field?

The state law requires that in such a case you will need to take a middle level methods course. UMM regularly offers this course during the summertime. Please contact Gwen Rudney, the course instructor. If you are a Communication Arts and Literature licensee, you may be required to take additional coursework to meet the new state requirements in speech. Send transcripts to Michelle Page, 200D Education Building, 600 E 4 th Street , Morris MN 56267 for review. You also need to contact the UMM admissions office regarding special or expedited university admission.

What do I need to do if I am a licensed teacher and I'd like to add a field to my license?

You will need to take the necessary content area courses (send transcripts for review to Michelle Page, 200D Education Building, 600 E 4 th Street , Morris MN 56267). In addition you may need to complete a methods course in that new field. Finally, the state of Minnesota will require you to take the PRAXIS II exam in that field.