Been Waiting to Add that ABE License? Good News from Hamline!

What’s the big news?

Hamline University is pleased to announce their new credentials for the adult education workforce in Minnesota!  We are now authorized to offer both an initial Adult Basic Education (ABE) license through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Initial Licensure Degree in the School of Education, as well as the additional license for those already holding a current teaching license. These ABE credentials have been a long time coming, and we’re so glad to make them available to YOU as Minnesota’s adult educators!

What’s involved in getting the additional ABE license if you DO hold a license in another area?

Are you already working in adult education with a K-12 license but want expertise on how best to serve adult learners? The Additional ABE License is only 12 graduate credits, and it’s possible that previous coursework you have completed (including graduate credits for ATLAS professional development offerings) may count toward this total. If you already hold a K-12 teaching license, you will complete these ABE-specific courses:

What’s involved in getting the ABE license if you DON’T hold a license in another area?

The initial ABE license is 30 graduate credits, and it’s possible that previous coursework you have completed (including graduate credits for ATLAS professional development offerings) may count toward this total. The coursework involves:

As part of the MAT Degree program, you can either stop after 30 credits with your ABE license, or go on to earn a Masters with only 8 additional credits (see https://www.hamline.edu/education/licenses/ for more details).

Do you really need an ABE license if I already hold a MN teaching license?

Per Minnesota State Statute 122A.26, one must hold a valid Minnesota teaching license in order to teach in a Minnesota ABE program delivered by a school district/community education. If you don’t hold any license, the initial ABE license would fulfill these requirements.  Other entities that deliver ABE programming (e.g. community based organizations) are not subject to the requirements of 122A.26.  All ABE providers may establish criteria in addition to these state statute requirements and some providers may require ABE teachers to hold a valid ABE license.  For those holding a K-12 license, earning the 12-credit additional license provides you with expertise on working with adults in adult education systems! See this article from April 2020 for more information.

How can I get started?

You can get started at any time! All of the ABE courses are online, and most of the initial licensure courses are as well, so you can take them from anywhere in Minnesota! First, you need to apply online to the appropriate program (additional or initial licensure) through Graduate Admissions. Once admitted, your program advisor will assist you in registering for the correct courses. There are plenty of options open!

Originally published 8/10/20