New this fall, Minnesota schools must give all kids the opportunity to learn Ethnic Studies, in accordance with a 2023 law and academic standards that became effective July 1.
Several Minnesota districts already have an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement; countless more offer courses that meet the letter of the law. But now, these rich instructional offerings will be available to every Minnesota public school student.
The catch? Minnesota has no teacher license for Ethnic Studies—and so no way to recognize the expertise this work requires, or build a pipeline of teachers ready to do it. A working group of Minnesotans, on which EE served, looked at this gap and recommended the teacher licensing board establish a distinct Ethnic Studies license. The board listened.
On September 28, the Professional Educator Standards and Licensing Board (PELSB) opened a public comment period for rules to establish a new Ethnic Studies teacher license.
EE has crafted talking points for those who wish to submit comments in support of the rules. Comments should be submitted via email to PELSB.rules@state.mn.us by 4:30pm on November 2, 2026.
How we got here
In 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed “Ethnic Studies for All,” a bill requiring schools to offer Ethnic Studies instruction to all kids. By the following winter, the state adopted new academic standards in social studies that included a strand for Ethnic Studies for the first time.
EE served as a core member of the Ethnic Studies Coalition, and advocated for both of these changes—because the students and educators we spoke to demanded them. In classrooms already engaged in Ethnic Studies, students felt more seen, celebrated, and understanding of their peers. They were honing critical thinking skills crucial both to social studies and to becoming lifelong learners.
Getting here took a lot of people. Alongside coalition partners, we testified before the legislature and an administrative law judge, hosted public events and workshop sessions, spoke to the media, and helped organize educators, students, and community members who understand the value of Ethnic Studies for all kids.
Where we go next
From here on, teachers will determine, school by school and class by class, whether “Ethnic Studies for All” becomes something real for students, or stays a line in statute.
They’re up for it—Minnesota teachers were building this work long before the law required it. Now what they need is policy that honors their expertise and grows the field of teachers who will carry it forward. A dedicated license is a key piece of that.
Submit comments via email to PELSB.rules@state.mn.us by 4:30pm on November 2, 2026.