Administrative License Programs

Administrative licensure frequently asked questions

• Information on Hamline and Minnesota requirements

  What are the requirements for acceptance to the HU Administrative Licensure Program?
  There are both state-specific and University-specific requirements for acceptance into licensure programs for a Minnesota Administrative License.

  The requirements include:

  • A teaching license
  • Three years of classroom teaching experience
  • A master’s degree

  How long do I have to complete the program?
  There is no time limit for completion of an administrative license. Students typically complete the program in two years. Licensure and program requirements must be completed before state licensing requirements change.

  What are Minnesota Administrative Licensure Competencies?
  Much like student learning standards, licensure competencies outline specific skills and conceptual understandings required for state licensure. The Minnesota licensure competencies consist of sixteen competency areas for K-12 Principals and Directors of Special Education and eighteen for District Superintendents. Each competency area contains between two to 10 sub-competencies or indicators.

  There are multiple ways to develop and demonstrate administrative competencies. Demonstration of competency development occurs throughout the student experience and culminates in the development of an Exit Portfolio. A complete list of Minnesota competencies can be found in your Student Handbook.

  What is the Initial Competency Assessment?
  The Initial Competency Assessment (ICA) is a self-assessment of student learning outcomes required for administrative licensure competencies. The ICA is a guide to help students identify areas for personal growth and focus. 

• Alternative licensure

  Can I seek a Minnesota Administrative License without three years of classroom teaching experience?
  Yes. Some licensed educators do not have Minnesota classroom teaching experiences (i.e. school counselors, school social workers, school psychologist, etc.), but they can obtain administrative licenses through an alternative licensure pathway. These candidates must have a teaching license from Minnesota or another state.

  • Contact the Administrative Licensure Coordinator for specific information
  • Consult Minnesota Rule 3512 and/or the Commonly Asked Questions document (pdf) which provides additional information regarding the Rule

  If I am an administrator in another state, can I obtain a Minnesota Administrative License incorporating coursework and/or experiences from my home state?
  Minnesota administrative licensure candidates must meet state competencies and field experience requirements. Licensure courses and experiences from other states may meet Minnesota licensing obligations. These details will be different depending upon the home state’s specific licensure requirements.

  • Contact the Administrative Licensure Coordinator for specific information
  • Consult Minnesota Rule 3512 and/or the Commonly Asked Questions document (pdf) that provides additional information regarding the Rule
• Field experience

  What are the requirements for field experiences?

  All administrative licensure candidates must complete this experience during a one-year time frame.

  • K-12 principal licensure candidates must complete the 320-hour experience at three school levels: elementary, middle school, high school during a one-year time frame. The experience must include:
    • A major placement including a minimum of 200 hours at one school level
    • Two minor placements including a minimum of 40 hours at the other two levels
  • Superintendent and director of special education licensure candidates must complete the 320-hour experience at two sites during a one-year time frame. The experience must include:
    • A major placement including a minimum of 200 hours at one site
    • A minor placement including a minimum of 40 hours at another site

  When do I register for my field experience courses?
  Students must complete 10 to 12 of the 24 required core courses before registering for their field experience. Only those candidates working in a quasi-administrative role will be eligible to begin these hours after completing only 10 credits. All field experience courses for each licensure area are offered every term. Students must complete their field experience requirement within one calendar year.

  When should I find my site supervisor?
  Students are encouraged to identify site supervisors and sites for their field experience placements prior to registering for their first field experience course, Field Experience I: Plan.

  Can my field experience site supervisor be someone with whom I work?
  Yes. Students often choose to work with administrators employed by the district in which the student works or lives. Site supervisors must be licensed, practicing administrators working in the same licensure area in which the student is seeking a license.

  When do I take the other field experience classes?

  • Field experience 2: Portfolio should be registered for the term following Field Experience 1: Plan. This class will include a mid-point or formative assessment and require candidates to begin creating their Exit Portfolio.
  • Field Experience 3: Exit should be registered for in the term the field experience ends, if there is time to create an Exit Portfolio and set an Exit Interview. Otherwise, FE3 should be registered for the term after the experience was completed so the candidate has time to prepare the Exit Portfolio and schedule an Exit Interview.
• Licensure completion

  What are the Exit Interview and Portfolio requirements?
  The Exit Portfolio is presented to the student’s advisor and two licensed administrators from his/her concentration area during the Exit Interview. This process demonstrates the student’s competency in all of the Minnesota Competencies. Students begin work on their Exit Portfolios during their second field experience course and typically finish the portfolio before registering for the final field experience course.