Teacher Alternative Preparation Prog.

Page address: http://ed.mnsu.edu/ksp/tapp/applprocess.html

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Application Processs

Candidates entering this program must be hired as classroom teachers on a limited license, have documented permission from the State (limited license), and receive a teaching salary as they move through MN TAPP. Once candidates have been hired, their transcripts are reviewed by a content specialist to ensure that they have the appropriate content background to determine the best fit for each of them. Some candidates will be referred to other programs based on their content background.

The application process into MN TAPP has a two parts. The first part consists of documentation of a bachelor's degree in the field of certification or related field, a 3.0 GPA, three reference letters, a personal statement form, and clearance on the Minnesota criminal background check.

Successful applicants will enter part 2, the screening process and application to Professional Education. Applicants must submit a passing score on the PRAXIS I, and complete a four hour multistage "interview." This interview requires applicants to observe a pre-recorded lesson and evaluate it based on the Danielson Framework, produce a prompt-driven writing sample (e.g., a letter to parents), and participate in a taped interview. Part 2 is intended to reveal qualities such as; persistence, critical thinking and problem solving skills, ability to translate theory into practice, and effective interpersonal skills.

Note: Applicants must have a content specialty in one of the following areas: Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, Business Education, and English as a Second Language (TESL), evaluate your prior experiences (i.e., transcripts) and determine any content deficiencies in the area of licensure and teaching assignment.

Part 1: College of Graduate Studies and Research and MN TAPP

Part 1 consists of application to the College of Graduate Studies and Research and to MN TAPP.

Application to the Graduate School:

Applicants should have submitted complete files a minimum of one month before the term of anticipated entry. Applications are accepted for any term or summer session. International students should complete their files and applications three months before the term of session of anticipated admittance. Students wishing to enroll in any KSP graduate or licensure program must be admitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research and to the program. All applicants should submit the following to the College of Graduate Studies and Research:

  1. A completed Application for Graduate Study;
  2. Verification of pending baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university if undergraduate degree has not been completed;
  3. Two official transcripts listing undergraduate/graduate degree(s) to be sent directly from the degree granting institution to the College of Graduate Studies and Research (including MSU students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff);
  4. Attainment of a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your undergraduate study. If the your GPA is below 3.0, you must have obtained a minimum GRE score of 500 on one or more portions (verbal, quantitative, or analytical) of the Graduate Record Exam; and
  5. Any additional information required for international students, if appropriate.

Where the GRE is required (see number 4 above), you must request that the testing institution send the official scores directly to the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Upon receipt of these materials, the College of Graduate Studies and Research will forward the applicant's file to the Department of Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs for admission recommendation.

Information about admission to the Graduate Studies and Research may be obtained at the following web site: http://www2.mnsu.edu/graduate/ or from:

Minnesota State University, Mankato
College of Graduate Studies & Research
115 Alumni/Foundation Center, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 389-2321
Fax: (507) 389-5974
Toll Free: (800) 722-0544
Email: Inquiries from the United States grad@mnsu.edu
Email: Inquiries from overseas international students gradintl@mnsu.edu

Admissions to MN TAPP:

Applicants must submit the following directly to the Department of Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs:

  1. Verification of a position as a classroom teacher in a public school on a limited license;
  2. Verification and documented permission from the State (limited license);
  3. Three recommendation forms (available from the Department of Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs or departments' web site) focusing upon the applicant's academic potential as well as the individual's promise to become an effective professional educator (one of these recommendations must be from an undergraduate/graduate instructor or academic advisor, and it is highly recommended that one is from a current employer);
  4. A completed Personal Statement form (available from the Department of Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs or departments' web site) summarizing the applicant's experiences and professional goals;
  5. A completed Candidate Agreement form;
  6. The applicant's professional resume;
  7. Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during their undergraduate study. If the applicant's GPA is below 3.0, the applicant must take the GRE. Note: GRE scores must be received in the College of Graduate Studies and Research prior to the applicant's file being reviewed by the KSP department for departmental admission;
  8. A completed and signed plan of study. The plan of study must be signed by the content specialist; and
  9. A completed and signed Background Check Letter (Note: include check) allowing MSU to conduct a complete background check. Minnesota state law requires that all candidates applying for initial licensure in this state be fingerprinted for national background checks. There is a fee for the criminal background check.

Note: All applicants are required to meet with a content specialist to review transcript(s) and determine if any content courses are needed for licensure, and complete a plan of study. The following website: (enter department web site here) contains a complete list of the entire content specialists at Minnesota State University. With guidance from the content specialist, applicants should determine when content courses for licensure can be taken. These courses should be selected carefully with the content specialist and your advisor in the KSP department. Candidates seeking a Masters degree (MAT) must select 6 credits in the content area at the 500/600 level. Please contact the appropriate content specialist for help in reviewing your content course work.

Mailing Address:

Coordinator Graduate Teacher Licensure Program,
Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs
313 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001.
(507) 389-6116 Karla Worden: Administrative Assistant or
(507) 389-1965 Vicky Hudson: Administrative Assistant.
Phone: (507) 389-1965
Fax: (507) 389-5751
Toll Free: (800) 722-0544
Email: Inquiries daria.dona@mnsu.edu

There will be no consideration of admission until all of the above admission criteria have been met. All material must be received in the Department of Educational Studies: K-12 and Secondary Programs by the May 9th to be considered. Early application is recommended, as enrollment is limited for both programs. Applicants will be notified regarding their admission status following the receipt of all required application materials.

Part 2: Application into Professional Education

Admissions into Professional Education:

Successful applicants will enter part 2, the screening process and application to Professional Education. Applicants must submit a passing score on the PRAXIS I, and complete a four hour multistage "interview." This interview requires applicants to observe a pre-recorded lesson and evaluate it based on the Danielson Framework, produce a prompt-driven writing sample (e.g., a letter to parents), and participate in a taped interview. Part 2 is intended to reveal qualities such as; persistence, critical thinking and problem solving skills, ability to translate theory into practice, and effective interpersonal skills.

The test score along with additional information will be needed prior to acceptance into professional education. ETS will no longer provide printed copies of the PPST (i.e., Tests at a Glance) booklets. They are available online at www.ets.org/praxis under Test Preparation.

For additional information about the PPST or professional education please visit: /newweb/Advising/Praxis_PPST.html.