Minnesota Special Education Teacher Guide

Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Minnesota: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Minnesota guide.

Special Education Teacher Salary Essentials for Minnesota Educators

Special education teacher salary in Minnesota varies significantly by degree level, district, and licensure tier, and with the state employing over 10,000 disability educators serving approximately 14% of public school students under IDEA, understanding what drives compensation is essential for anyone building a career in this field.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Minnesota

Minnesota certifies disability educators through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) under a four-tier licensure system. Tier 1 and Tier 2 licenses are entry-level, valid for one and two years respectively, and require a job offer from a Minnesota public or charter school before applying. Tier 3 and Tier 4 are the standard professional licenses, requiring completion of a PELSB-approved educator preparation program and passing scores on the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in both content and pedagogy.

Special education teachers in Minnesota must hold a license specifically aligned to their disability category. Note that as of the 2024–2025 school year, PELSB no longer issues initial Tier 2 licenses through the former “pick two pathway,” so candidates should verify current entry requirements directly with PELSB before applying.

Explore how Minnesota compares to other states: Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide

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Continuing Education & License Renewal in Minnesota

Tier 3 licenses are valid for three years; Tier 4 licenses are valid for five years. Both require 125 clock hours of approved professional development, including all mandatory training components in effect at the time of renewal, currently including cultural competency and American Indian history and culture.

Renewal is managed through each school district’s continuing education committee, which determines what activities qualify and verifies clock hours before submission to PELSB. Teachers working outside Minnesota must submit renewal materials directly to a PELSB renewal specialist.

Minnesota processes PD credit at the district level. NASET courses are eligible for submission to your district using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 as evidence of quality.

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Minnesota

Salary Overview

Understanding special education teacher salary in Minnesota means looking beyond a single average. Compensation varies substantially by degree level, grade level, district, and years of experience:

Teachers with a bachelor’s degree average approximately $50,900 annually, according to a University of Minnesota Law School educator salary study.
Teachers with a master’s degree average approximately $71,750, a difference of nearly $21,000 per year, making graduate-level education one of the highest-return investments a disability educator can make.
By grade level, BLS data shows secondary special education teachers in Minnesota earning a mean of $70,370, middle school teachers $68,030, and elementary teachers $66,250.
In the Twin Cities metro, Indeed reports a Minneapolis average of $63,850, with top earners in experienced positions reaching $80,000 or more.

Job Market

Special education is a designated shortage area in Minnesota, and the state offers the Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program, providing up to $1,000 annually (capped at $5,000 total) for disability educators serving in shortage districts.
Proposed state legislation (HF 3119/SF 3490) would establish tiered minimum base salaries of $60,000 (no master’s), $80,000 (with master’s), and $100,000 (master’s plus ten or more years of experience), signaling a meaningful shift in earning potential for credentialed educators.
Career advancement through additional certifications, such as the NASET Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE), is increasingly recognized by districts for salary placement and advancement.

IEPs in Minnesota

Minnesota follows federal IDEA requirements for all Individualized Education Programs. Disability educators have primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and monitoring each student’s IEP, including present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, specially designed instruction, related services, and documentation of the least restrictive environment.

NASET’s guide to determining measurable annual IEP goals and completed sample IEP resources are practical tools for Minnesota educators managing complex caseloads.

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Key Resources for Minnesota Special Education Teachers

State Resources:

Advance Your Career With NASET

For Minnesota disability educators, career advancement and earning potential are directly tied to credentials, continuing education, and professional standing.

The Membership gives you instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses, IEP tools, and publications — all submittable to your Minnesota district for renewal credit using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014.

The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) is the nationally recognized credential for career advancement in this field, increasingly cited by districts for salary placement decisions. Members receive 15% off all certifications.

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