K-12 ESL Licensure via Portfolio
We offer an additional practical pathway for teachers with extensive experience supporting multilingual learners to earn a K-12 ESL license.
Licensure via Portfolio is an alternative pathway for educators in Minnesota to earn a teaching license or add an additional licensure field. It is intended for educators who already have experience and expertise in the area for which they are seeking licensure. The process involves collecting and submitting artifacts from university coursework, professional learning, and classroom practice to demonstrate mastery of the required Minnesota standards.
While the portfolio process can be completed independently, many candidates benefit from structured support. Project Momentum offers specialized coaching for educators pursuing a K–12 ESL additional license via portfolio, providing guidance, resources, feedback, and step-by-step support throughout the process. Coaching includes individualized support, clear timelines, accountability, and feedback on portfolio components, and may also include access to discounted coursework opportunities for eligible candidates.
Is licensure via portfolio the right path for you? Find out more or request more information.
License Information
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Prior to beginning the licensure via portfolio process, Minnesota’s Professional Educator Licensing & Standards Board (PELSB) requires all prospective candidates for licensure via portfolio to meet specific requirements. Please review those requirements here.
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PELSB charges $300 for the first portfolio submission and $200 for a subsequent review if needed. Southeast Service Cooperative may have scholarship funding available to cover submission costs for candidates with demonstrated need.
Participant Testimonials
Project Momentum support for this is TREMENDOUS. Without them, I would not have even thought of tackling this myself.
— License via Portfolio Candidate
[T]he outline provided by Project Momentum was very helpful and did an incredible job of breaking down each standard and what potential evidence could be.
— License via Portfolio Candidate
Project Momentum’s support was outstanding—they offered real conversations, guidance, and practical help interpreting requirements.
— License via Portfolio Candidate
