While I don't want to discourage you from going for your
dream, you need to realize the job market right now for
teachers is HORRIBLE; especially kindergarten and elementary
teachers. They are a dime a dozen. I graduated in the fall
of 2007 and still don't have a job. It's not like I am a
horrible teacher, but there's really not much out there. Of
the people I graduate with, 5 have full time teaching jobs.
Three of those are out of state (2 in Texas and one in
California).

That being said, you will need to take a series of test
called the PRAXIS. You won't be able to just pass those and
move on just because you have your degree. Unless, of
course, your degree something you could teach at the high
school level ONLY (like Biology). But really, that is frowned
upon here. For elementary, you'll need to take classes at a
college. The one exception is what the state calls a
variance. This RARELY happens. If a city (usually a very
small town), needs a teacher and no one else qualified is
available, you can apply for the position, and the school
with apply for a variance from the state This is ONLY done
after the school has done an exhaustive search locally and
throughout the state. The state has to prove that it did do
an exhaustive search and advertised the opening on various
sites. And since there's a great surplus teachers elementary
teachers here, if they see a job, they'll take it. If you
live in the Minneapolis metro area, you can complete these
classes through Normandale Community College. I think most
of their classes are online now.

This is the link to the Minnesota Department of Education.

http://children.state.mn.us/mde/index.html

Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

> I already have my bachelor's degree. So in the state of
> Minnesota what exactly do I need to do to become a
> kindergarten teacher or elementary? I know I need to get my
> certificate and pass the tests but where can I find what
> exactly I need to do. Has anyone else done this? Also, I
> heard you can apply for teaching positions and work as long
> as you have your bachelor's degree and obtain your
> certificate within a certain period of time, is this true? I
> appreciate the help, Thanks!

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