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Verified by MN Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Minnesota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is responsible for (1) developing the teacher??s code of ethics

    • (2) adopting rules to license public school teachers
    • (3) adopting rules for and approving teacher preparation programs
    • (4) issuing or denying license applications (5) suspending, revoking, or denying a license based on qualifying grounds
    • and (6) verification of district and charter school licensure compliance.
  3. 3

    Apply for a License.

  4. 4

    The Tiered Licensure Structure Infographic gives a general overview of the requirements for each tier license level.

  5. 5

    Each tiered application provides.

  6. 6

    Fingerprint cards.

  7. 7

    Apply for a Substitute Teaching License.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Education • MDE

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,320 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #21 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is responsible for (1) developing the teacher??s code of ethics; (2) adop...; Each tiered application provides.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Education~MDE and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $63,320, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Minnesota earn 1% above the national median of $63,000. Minnesota ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$63,320

Hourly estimate

$30.44
1% above national median

Difference: +$320

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,190
  • P2525th percentile$49,840
  • P50Median$63,320
  • P7575th percentile$77,880
  • P9090th percentile$90,940

State vs National Median

State: $63,320
National: $63,000

Total employment: 3,850 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#21 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$63,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$59,860Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,350Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$50,380Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$57,820Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Minnesota Department of Education • MDE

1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN, 55113

Phone: 6515828200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76,540Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$84,310Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$83,360Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$75,750Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Minnesota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Minnesota is $63,320. Salaries range from $47,190 (10th percentile) to $90,940 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Minnesota earn 1% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $63,320.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 3,850 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Education / MDE. Review agency details at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/index.html.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Minnesota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.