Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board - St Paul, Minnesota

Introduction to the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is a crucial state government office responsible for licensing educators and setting standards for Minnesota's public and nonpublic schools. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the board plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of education across the state by establishing and enforcing professional standards for educators. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the main services provided by PELSB, its location and accessibility, featured characteristics, practical information, and positive aspects highlighted in customer reviews.

Main Services

• Licensing: PELSB is committed to licensing qualified educators to teach in Minnesota's public and nonpublic schools. The board offers various licenses, including Initial, Lifelong, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) licenses, catering to educators at different stages of their careers.
• Standards Setting: PELSB establishes and enforces professional standards for Minnesota educators. These standards ensure that all educators meet the same high-quality benchmarks, fostering a consistent and excellent learning environment across the state.
• Educator Preparation Programs: The board oversees educator preparation programs offered by colleges and universities in Minnesota. PELSB ensures that these programs prepare future educators to meet the established professional standards.
• Discipline and Investigation: PELSB investigates allegations of misconduct by licensed educators and takes disciplinary action when necessary. The board aims to maintain the integrity of the educator population and protect students from harm.
• Data and Research: PELSB collects, analyzes, and reports data on educator preparation, licensing, and employment. This information helps the board, educational institutions, and policymakers make informed decisions about educator preparation and employment.

Location and Access

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is conveniently located at 1021 Bandana Blvd E, Suite 222, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States. This address is situated in the Capitol River district of St. Paul, providing easy access to the Minnesota State Capitol and other government offices.

Transportation

• Public Transportation: The board's location is served by several public transportation options. The nearest bus stops are the Bandana Ave & E 10th St stop, served by Route 67, and the Bandana Ave & E 11th St stop, served by Route 84. The Green Line light rail station at 10th Street is also within walking distance.
• Driving: The board's office is easily accessible by car via Interstates 94 and 35E, as well as Highways 52 and 61.

Parking

• On-Site Parking: A wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available on-site for visitors. This parking lot is located near the building's entrance, making it convenient for all visitors.
• Street Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby, with some spots designated for individuals with disabilities.

Featured Characteristics

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board offers several features that cater to the needs of its visitors and staff.

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The building is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and an elevator providing access to all floors. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available.
• Gender-Neutral Restroom: In addition to standard restrooms, a gender-neutral restroom is available on-site to accommodate all visitors.
• Waiting Area: A comfortable waiting area is provided for visitors, equipped with seating and reading materials related to educator licensing and standards.

Practical Information

• Office Hours: PELSB's office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, it is recommended to call ahead or check the website for any changes in hours or to schedule an appointment.
• Phone: Visitors can reach the board by phone at 6515394200.
• Website: The official website of the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is mn.gov. The website provides valuable information on licensing, standards, and resources for educators.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board has received 14 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 2.9/5. Several positive aspects have been highlighted by visitors in their reviews.

• Knowledgeable Staff: Many reviewers praised the knowledgeable and helpful staff at PELSB, who were able to provide clear guidance and assistance with licensing and other inquiries.
• Efficient Processing: Some visitors commented on the efficient processing of license applications and other requests, with quick turnaround times and minimal delays.
• Accessible Location: The convenient location of the board's office, as well as the on-site parking and wheelchair accessibility, were appreciated by several visitors.

In conclusion, the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of education in Minnesota by licensing educators and setting professional standards. With a convenient location, wheelchair accessibility, and a knowledgeable staff, PELSB caters to the needs of its visitors and fosters a positive environment for educators and students alike. By providing comprehensive information on licensing, standards, and resources, the board helps to maintain a well-prepared and dedicated educator workforce, ultimately benefiting the students of Minnesota.

👍 Reviews of Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

M B.

1/5

Very difficult to work with, but I imagine who your assigned representative is makes a huge difference. Mine seemed to relish the opportunity to drag out the process and be confrontational.

Nicole K.

1/5

Called a couple of times during their extremely limited times that their call line for licnese questions was open. Was on hold for over 10 minutes before a real person answered only to be immediately transfered to a voice mail box before I could even speak. Once again, this was during the limited hours I was told to call to get my questions about my application answered. My question is literally a yes or no question as well, not complicated at all but its like pulling teeth to get ahold of anyone. I have also emailed and received no responses. Maybe leaving a voice-mail is the magic solution but I highly doubt it. Extremely unhelpful organization.

Marcus E.

5/5

I recently went through the steps for obtaining a short-call substitute teaching license. The friendly and helpful staff made the process easy.

Ann M.

1/5

If I could give negative stars, I would. On-going issue for over a year. Received a rude note that I had used "an incredibly out of date form" that is still the first thing that comes up when I Google search to voluntarily remove one of my licenses.

Melissa B.

1/5

I thought I did a short call substitute teacher license back in 2005 and when I had them check, they said “no”. So I had to reach out and find my teacher that I worked with during student teaching (after 19 years)! and have her write a letter of recommendation, plus get my transcript and fingerprints done, and other paperwork that didn’t need to be done. I don’t remember, but I renewed my license in 2021 and the woman who put in my married name in the system spelled it wrong and that’s why no one could find me in the system!! I sent them all my paperwork to get my tier 3 license and a month later, they can’t find the paperwork!?

Basileus

1/5

Some of the least helpful people I've encountered. They seemed so put off to answer any questions which made the process more unpleasant.

Kelsie K.

1/5

Traveled all the way here to talk to someone through a doorbell (during business hours) just to be told to put all my paperwork in a drop box. Not sure why I wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone if they were open. Then a few weeks later was issued the wrong license, even though all required signed paperwork was included.

Kyle S.

4/5

Very helpful and kind on the phone. Their hours are a bit inconvenient though.