Step 1: Apply to Bemidji State University
- Complete BSU’s online graduate application
- Select “Earn Graduate Certificate” as your educational intent
- Select “FasTrack PostBac, GC” from the program menu
- Select your concentration(s) and submit the application.
- Note: If you have previously applied to FasTrack, you may not need to reapply. Contact the School of Graduate Studies for information about completing the Graduate Reactivation Form.
- Note: 2.5 college GPA or higher is required for acceptance to FasTrack.
Step 2: Complete the virtual FasTrack Student Orientation
- During the application process, we will enroll you in the Fastrack Student Orientation.
- All students must complete this no-cost, no-credit prerequisite orientation course before enrolling in other FasTrack courses. The orientation course is offered all semesters and takes about 30 days to complete. Students may join the course throughout the year, up until about a month before the end of the semester.
- During FasTrack Student Orientation, students participate in an orientation to the program and work with an advisor to review their previous transcripts to determine which content courses in their desired license area are eligible to transfer and create an academic plan.
Step 3: Submit Your Essay
- While completing the orientation course, submit a 500-word essay titled “Why Teach?” in APA format with the proper citation of at least one source.
- Submit your essay to an assignment folder located within the orientation course.
Step 4: After completing the FasTrack New Student Orientation Course
- Submit any remaining application materials.
- Register in the upcoming fall or spring semester for your first semester coursework: ED 5100-95 Foundations of Education and ED 6107-95 Advanced Educational Psychology.
- Select your mentor carefully and ensure they meet all requirements.
- Read and share Mentor Responsibilities.
- Complete the FasTrack Mentor Application and email to FasTrack.
Step 5: Secure a practicing teacher mentor
- Select your mentor carefully and ensure they meet all requirements.
- Read and share Mentor Responsibilities.
- Complete the FasTrack Mentor Application and email to FasTrack.
Step 6: Provide evidence of student liability insurance before you attend F2F
- Each academic year taking courses, all current FasTrack students must obtain student liability insurance.
- Students may purchase student liability insurance from Education Minnesota. As a requirement to begin FasTrack, you need to purchase student liability insurance before stepping into the classroom for your classroom experience. It is your responsibility to renew your student insurance every August at the start of the academic year.
- Purchase liability insurance from Education Minnesota
- BEFORE ATTENDING your first face-to-face session: Please send verification that you purchased Student Liability Insurance to our program manager at fastrack@bemidjistate.edu prior to attending the first Face2Face start-up/orientation. If you do not purchase and retain Student Liability Insurance from Education Minnesota you will not be able to participate and continue in FasTrack courses and activities.
Step 7: Start Teaching
Students may apply for teaching jobs when enrolled in FasTrack. Any school that hires you is responsible for applying for the teacher candidate’s Tier 1 or Tier 2 license.
If hired, your appointment can serve as your student teaching experience if your desired license area aligns with the subjects and grade levels being taught in the classroom setting. You will still need a university supervisor and a cooperating teacher, and you will need to complete all student teaching competencies as required by the MN Board of Teaching.