Ready to start down the pathway to
AGRICULTURAL, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES (AFNR) EDUCATION?
There are a variety of pathways to help you get there and the next step is to identify which one is right for you.
In Minnesota, we make it easy to become an agriculture teacher through a network of partners and colleges, including three initial licensure universities, transfer program colleges, and a mentoring program.
Live Your Passion
The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board governs four tiers of educator licensure as shown in the infographic on this page.
Agriculture Teacher
There are multiple paths to becoming an agriculture teacher, and you will need to determine the best program for your journey.
Path 1
Other Pathway Options
Teacher Preparation Programs
Three Minnesota universities offer bachelor's degrees and initial or additional licensure (graduate degrees) in AFNR (Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources) Education.
2-Year Transfer Pathway Programs
If you do not want to attend a four-year institution right away, there are six primary Minnesota colleges that offer transfer programs into AFNR (Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources) Education. There are other schools in the state that offer this option, these are the six that transfer well.
Alternative Pathways
Alternative pathways to teaching agriculture offer a nontraditional route to certification that may allow you to teach while you are completing the requirements.
If you have already started a career and you are ready for a change, teaching agriculture might be the right fit for you. Use the "Pathways to Teaching" tool from MNEEP and Imprintu to guide you through Minnesota's Tiered licensure system and see how your current experiences and qualifications will count toward your teaching license.
Industry Experts
(Tier 1 and Tier 2)
Industry experts are allowed to apply for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license as they are establishing themselves in education. You must have a job offer from a Minnesota public or charter school prior to applying for licensure.
Learn more about Tier 1 (one school year) and Tier 2 (two school years) licensing options on the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website.
Licensure via Portfolio
A non-traditional option for earning a teaching license is Licensure via Portfolio. This licensing process allows a teacher to submit a collection of evidence along with a narrative to describe how the teacher has the knowledge, skills and competencies required for the specific field.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements for Licensure via Portfolio on the State of Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website.
Out of Field Permission
An existing teacher may be allowed to teach outside of their licensure field and/or grade level for one academic school year if they meet certain criteria.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements for Out of Field Permission on the State of Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website.