Part IV: What the new teacher licensing standards mean for parents

View as a PDF here

Gov. Tim Walz’s Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) proposed amendments to the rules governing teacher licensure in Minnesota. These changes are expected to be formally adopted later this winter or early spring and then go into effect on July 1, 2024. Unfortunately, the approved changes politicize teacher training requirements.

Parents may be wondering how these changes will impact their children’s teachers and classrooms. Here’s what you need to know.

(Are you an educator wondering how these changes will impact you? Visit here. Are you a teacher preparation provider? Visit here. Are you a school board member? Visit here.)

“I am a parent. How do these changes affect me?”

Parents will want to foster meaningful relationships with their children’s teachers and encourage them to prioritize academic excellence.

Parents should also exercise their — and their children’s — rights, including reviewing curriculum. Under Minnesota state law, a school district must have a procedure in place for a parent to review the content of the instructional materials to be provided to their child and, if the parent objects, to make reasonable arrangements for alternative instruction.

Minnesota Statute Sec. 120B.20

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Let’s stand together to encourage educators to promote our common humanity and challenge imposition of an illiberal worldview that treats students and teachers as mere representatives of their race and gender groups instead of as unique, complex individuals.

Because this is new policy, these interpretations are based on the best information we have at this time. We will continue to monitor any changes or interpretations from PESLB as they formally adopt these licensure rule changes.

Are you a parent concerned these rule changes will violate your children’s teachers’ values, religious beliefs and convictions? Please help those individuals reach out to our coalition for support using the contact information below.

Download a PDF with similar information and clickable links here.