Licensure via Portfolio

Graduate & Continuing studies home | Professional Development

A two-part, self-paced program consisting of rich content, activities and supplemental materials aligned directly to K-12 teaching standards. Part One (modules 1-5) and Part Two (modules 6-10) provide students with critical knowledge and practical experience related to the essential components of highly effective teaching. The modules are self-paced and completed independently to advance professional growth.

These professional development courses are meant to complement educator’s current knowledge and expertise and support their pursuit of alternative licensure via portfolio. Completing this program does not guarantee MN licensure. The training is not affiliated with our M Ed programs. Assessments are auto-graded, and no academic support is provided.

Educators must prepare and submit materials according to PELSB’s application process. Decisions on licensure are made solely at the discretion of PELSB.

Delivery | Online Asynchronous

Cost | Modules 1-5 and 6-10 are $125 each and available to purchase separately.

Register |
Part One | Modules 1-5
Part Two | Modules 6-10

Modules

Assignments:
Each module will have reading and/or activities followed by a quiz.

Part One

Module One | Context for Learning & Code of Ethics
(Standards 4O, 4Q, 8D, 10K, 11M)

Module Two | Classroom Management
(Standards 3E, 6I, 6L, 6O, 6P, 6Q, 7C, 11A, 11I,11 J, 11K)

Module Three | Knowledge of Students
(Standards 3E, 3F, 4E, 4L, 4M, 4O, 5F, 5I, 6K, 6M, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8F, 8G,)

Module Four | Academic Language
(Standards 4L, 4M, 4O, 5E, 5F, 5I, 8B, 8C, 8E, 8F, 8G)

Module Five | Learning Environment
(Standards 4Q, 6H, 6I, 6L, 6O, 6P, 6Q, 6R, 7C, 7F)

Part Two

Module Six | Student Engagement and Standardized Testing
(Standards 3G, 5G, 6M, 6N, 8F, 8G)

Module Seven | Questioning
(Standards 3F, 3G, 4E, 4L, 5E, 5H, 7F, 7H)

Module Eight | Deepening Student Knowledge
(Standards 3G, 5H, 6I, 6P, 6R, 7G, 7J)

Module Nine | Analysis of Student Learning and Feedback
(Standards 5D, 5E, 5H, 10H)

Module Ten | Student Learning and Teaching Effectiveness
(Standards 3G, 5D, 5H, 7J, 8D, 10H)

Program Outcomes

Goal | To analyze and reflect on the planning, instruction, and assessment domains of teaching.

Outcomes | Upon completion, students will be able to:

Identify strategies to build community in the classroom and demonstrate rapport with their learners.

Write long range and short-range plans that build on students’ prior knowledge and personal and community assets.

Explain content to learners in a way that is accurate, meaningful, and relevant, builds on learners’ prior knowledge, and engages learners in critical thinking to deepen their understanding of the content.

Assess students in a variety of ways, analyze assessment data, and use the assessment data to give learners feedback and to plan next steps.

Demonstrate an ability to carry out the daily tasks of a classroom teacher.

PELSB Information

Licensure via Portfolio is a non-traditional option for earning a Minnesota teaching license. The portfolio provides an alternative process to assess the knowledge, skills and competencies of individuals seeking a license who may not have completed an approved teacher preparation program in the licensure field being sought.

Licensure via Portfolio Handout

Licensure via Portfolio Guidelines

Step 1: Eligibility Determination:

If you would like to apply for an initial Tier 3 license:

An applicant must have a minimum of a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree (or Career and Technical Education exception), and one of the following: (1) a year-long mentorship program aligned to board-adopted criteria; or (2) two years of experience teaching as the teacher of record in the licensure area sought, may be able to use the licensure via portfolio process as an alternative pathway to a Tier 3 license.
Review the Licensure Grids for Specific Standards to determine ability to demonstrate competency for all standards.
Download the Eligibility Form. Submit to the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board along with requested documentation.
After the documents are reviewed by the PELSB committee, applicants are notified if they are eligible to submit a portfolio, and if they are they will receive instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the portfolio.

After the documents are reviewed by the PELSB committee, applicants are notified if they are eligible to submit a portfolio, and if they are, they will receive instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the portfolio.

Step 2: Portfolio Evaluation:

The evaluation of your portfolio will be completed 90 days after the submission of your portfolio and review fee. Evaluation review of portfolios is performed by external content experts. Initial licensure applicants will have their Standards of Effective Practice portfolio reviewed by a panel.
The portfolio fee is $300 for the first portfolio submitted for review and a $200 fee for any portfolio submitted subsequently.
Portfolio Review Fees are non-refundable.

Step 3: Testing Requirement:

In order for the application to be complete, you must pass all required testing. Please refer to the Testing Requirements for information about the required testing.

Step 4: Final Recommendation:

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board provides recommendation for approval or denial of the submitted portfolio.

Approved: You will be recommended for licensure and may submit an application for a Minnesota Teaching License. Application fees will apply.
Not Approved: You may resubmit your portfolio one time to provide further competency in areas identified as deficient in the evaluation. Mailing expenses will be billed to the applicant.