Becoming a school counselor in Minnesota involves navigating a structured licensing process designed to ensure that counselors are well-prepared to support students from kindergarten through grade 12. This guide provides a concise overview of the steps required to obtain or renew a school counselor license in Minnesota.
Understanding the Licensing Tiers
Minnesota's licensing system for school counselors is tiered, with each tier reflecting different levels of education, experience, and responsibility. Here's a breakdown of each tier:
Tier 1 License
Currently, a Tier 1 license for school counselors is not available in Minnesota.
Tier 2 License
A Tier 2 license is valid for two years and can be renewed up to three times. Here are the requirements:
- Hold a master's degree in counseling, OR
- Hold a bachelor's degree, provide evidence of enrollment in an accredited school counselor program, and have completed 24 semester credits in school-counseling-specific coursework or content.
If enrolled in a program, the program provider must:
- Verify completion of at least 24 semester credits in school-counseling-specific coursework or content.
- Affirm the program provider will assist the candidate in designing the learning experience.
- Affirm that the applicant is prepared for the learning experience.
- Provide supervision of the candidate.
The hiring district must:
- Request a Tier 2 license from the Board.
- Affirm that the candidate will participate in an evaluation.
If the candidate is enrolled in a school counselor program, the hiring district must also:
- Assign a Tier 3 or Tier 4 licensed school counselor to supervise the candidate.
- Affirm the position is designed as a learning experience for the candidate.
- Affirm that the candidate will not replace a Tier 3 or Tier 4 licensed school counselor.
Renewal of a Tier 2 License
For renewal, the applicant must show meaningful progress toward completion of the program and a Tier 3 license. The hiring district must verify that the applicant participated in mentorship and evaluation per the district's teacher development and evaluation process.
Tier 3 License
A Tier 3 license is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely. Requirements include:
- Hold a master's degree or equivalent in school counseling from a regionally-accredited college or university.
- Verify completion of a state-approved or CACREP-approved preparation program.
Tier 4 License
A Tier 4 license is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely. Requirements include:
- Meet all Tier 3 license requirements.
- Have three or more years of working experience as a school counselor.
Renewal of Tier 3 or Tier 4 License
For renewal, a school counselor must complete:
- 75 clock hours, including current mandatory requirements, if holding a Tier 3 license.
- 125 clock hours, including current mandatory requirements, if holding a Tier 4 license.
Permissions and Testing
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board does not authorize or issue permissions for school counselors. Additionally, school counselors are not required to pass content, pedagogy, or basic skills examinations to obtain or renew their license.
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