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Colleges and Schools>The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership>Accreditation and Licensure>Teacher Licensure FAQs

Teacher Licensure FAQs


For NCATE accreditation information, see Educational Accreditation FAQs.

If you do not already have a teaching license:

I want to become a teacher. Can Walden University help me?
Yes. Walden University is approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching to offer teacher preparation programs that lead to initial Minnesota licensure in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3); Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K–12); and Special Education, Learning Disabilities (K–12). These programs are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree.

Does Walden University offer teacher preparation in fields other than early childhood education and special education, such as elementary education?
Not at this time. However, Walden University's current teacher preparation program in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3) includes preschool through grade three, which allows a program completer to teach in a public school setting up through third grade in states that offer a license or certificate with grade- and age-level comparability to Minnesota's.

Is Walden University’s teacher preparation program a state-approved program?
Yes. Walden University’s teacher preparation program is approved by the State of Minnesota’s Board of Teaching, which is part of the Minnesota Department of Education.

At the end of Walden’s teacher preparation program, will I be a licensed teacher in Minnesota?
No. The Minnesota Board of Teaching, not Walden University, grants licenses. However, by completing a Walden teacher preparation program, you will have met the educational requirements for the license. You’ll then need to pass all of the required PRAXIS tests, clear a background check, and apply to the Minnesota Board of Teaching. They will make the final determination and grant you your teaching license.

What is the process for a teacher candidate to receive a teaching license in Minnesota?
First, please note that the Minnesota Board of Teaching grants teaching licenses, not Walden University. However, candidates for teacher licensure must successfully complete one of Walden University’s state-approved teacher preparation programs.

Before Walden can recommend a candidate for licensure to the Minnesota Board of Teaching, the candidate must also:

Where should I go to find out more information about getting a Minnesota teaching license?
The Minnesota Department of Education, Educator Licensing Web site is a great resource.

What is covered on the PRAXIS tests? Can I look at a sample test so that I can see if I will pass it?
Specific information about what is covered on the PRAXIS tests is available on the PRAXIS Web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Free documents, called “Test at a Glance” are available for all content and professional learning and teaching tests. This includes sample questions as well. You can also purchase test guides and actual tests that have been administered in the past.

Will I be working in classrooms during the teacher preparation program?
Yes. Throughout Walden’s teacher preparation programs, you will spend approximately 5 hours per course in classrooms completing field experiences (one hour a week during the course’s duration). During this time, you’ll be completing activities and assignments, including observing, interviewing, interacting with children, and creating and teaching lessons. Then, at the end of the program, you’ll spend 14 weeks, full-time, in demonstration teaching (also known as student teaching) split into two experiences at different age-levels. During each experience, you’ll take over all responsibilities for the classroom and implement what you’ve learned during the program.

Will I earn a degree with the teacher preparation program?
The post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program does not lead to a degree unless you enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) option as well. In this regard, Walden’s program is like post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs at other institutions.

If you do not already have a teaching license and live in a state other than Minnesota:

What if I don’t want to obtain a Minnesota license because I live in a different state? Can I obtain a license in my home state by completing Walden’s teacher preparation program?
In most cases, yes. If you are seeking a comparable teaching license (i.e., early childhood education or special education) in a state other than Minnesota, Walden’s enrollment advisors can provide you with guidelines and other information about licensure. It remains your responsibility to understand and comply with the out-of-state licensure requirements for the state in which you seek to be licensed, as requirements vary state by state. Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of any program or coursework will permit you to obtain state certification or licensure in your state.

In all states, there are policies regarding out-of-state procedures that must be followed when someone is eligible for or has received licensure through an out-of-state institution with a state-approved program, such as the Minnesota Board of Teaching-approved programs at Walden University. Some states require that you actually obtain the out-of-state license first; other states do not require the actual license, just completion of a state-approved program.

For more information, please contact a Walden University enrollment advisor who can provide information on licensing requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand and comply with the most up-to-date licensing information for your state.

If I live in a state other than Minnesota and want to obtain a teaching license from my home state, do I first have to obtain the Minnesota license?
It depends upon your home state. In all states there are policies regarding out-of-state procedures that must be followed when someone is eligible for or has received licensure through an out-of-state institution with a state-approved program, such as the Minnesota Board of Teaching-approved programs at Walden University. Some states require that you actually obtain the out-of-state license first; other states do not require the actual license, just completion of a state-approved program.

For more information, please contact a Walden University enrollment advisor who can provide information on licensing requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand and comply with the most up-to-date out-of-state licensing information for your state.

Are Walden University’s teacher preparation programs approved in any other state besides Minnesota?
No. Our programs are Minnesota-approved programs. Just like majority of other teacher preparation programs throughout the United States, our programs are approved only in their home state. Since Walden University is based in Minnesota, it is only approved by Minnesota.

Do I need to actually go to Minnesota to take the PRAXIS tests?
No. You can take the PRAXIS tests at any official testing site. The PRAXIS I is also available online. When you register for the tests, be sure to select Walden University from the list so that your scores can be sent to Walden

What is covered on the PRAXIS tests? Can I look at a sample test so that I can see if I will pass it?
Specific information about what is covered on the Praxis tests is available on the PRAXIS Web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Free documents, called “Test at a Glance” are available for all content and professional learning and teaching tests. This includes sample questions as well. You can also purchase test guides and actual tests that have been administered in the past.

Will I be working in classrooms during my teacher preparation program?
Yes. Throughout Walden’s teacher preparation programs, you will spend approximately 5 hours per course in classrooms completing field experiences (one hour a week during the course’s duration). During this time, you’ll be completing activities and assignments, including observing, interviewing, interacting with children, and creating and teaching lessons. Then, at the end of the program, you’ll spend 14 weeks, full-time, in demonstration teaching (also known as student teaching) split into two experiences at different age-levels. During each experience, you’ll take over all responsibilities for the classroom and implement what you’ve learned during the program.

Will I earn a degree with the teacher preparation program?
The post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program does not lead to a degree unless you enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) option as well. In this regard, Walden’s program is like post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs at other institutions.

If you already have a teaching license:

Can Walden’s other graduate courses and programs be used for the renewal of an already-existing teacher license or certificate?
It depends on the state and sometimes on the school district. In most states, graduate coursework that could lead to a master’s degree or the master’s degree itself suffices for “lane changes” on the salary scale and for licensure renewal or upgrading. Typically the coursework or degree must be earned at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, which Walden is. Check with your state and your district to ensure you know their specific requirements.

Does Walden’s M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership lead to certification as a principal?
Walden University does not offer a state-approved program in educational leadership that is recognized for K–12 school administrator licensure/certification in Minnesota (Walden’s home state) or any other state, except in Texas through a partnership with the Harris County Department of Education known as the Future Texas Administrators Program. With the exception of this Texas collaborative, Walden University makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of the Walden M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership, or coursework for graduate credit within this program, will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure as a principal, assistant principal, or any other type of K–12 administrator.
 
Do either Walden’s M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy or a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics lead to an endorsement, or add-on certificate, for already-certified teachers?
No. Neither specialization leads to endorsements or add-on certificates for teachers.

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