Lori Meadows
There are several routes to becoming a certified teacher in Missouri, and it is not a requirement to have a bachelor's degree in education. A bachelor's degree in any subject is sufficient, provided that the candidate completes a state-approved teacher-education program, passes the designated assessment tests, and obtains a recommendation for certification from the designated official for teacher education at the college or university. Student teaching is a mandatory component of the traditional route to teacher certification in Missouri, and it is required for all individuals seeking teacher certification for the first time. However, it is not explicitly mentioned whether Missouri universities accept experience as student teaching credit.
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What You'll Learn
Bachelor's degree requirements
To obtain a bachelor's degree in education in Missouri, individuals must complete a four-year program at an accredited college or university that includes student teaching experience and meets the state's certification requirements. Missouri requires individuals to complete an accredited teacher preparation program to obtain their bachelor's degree. This program can be incorporated into the degree or completed separately.
The traditional route to certification in Missouri involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in any subject, completing student teaching, passing designated assessment tests, and earning an Initial Certificate. This certificate is valid for four years and requires two years of mentoring and participation in annual evaluations. Individuals must also pass the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) before starting a teacher-preparation program to assess their competency in reading, math, science, and writing.
Missouri offers alternative routes to certification for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a specific content area, such as mathematics or English. These routes include the Temporary Authorization route and the American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) route. The Temporary Authorization route allows individuals to teach for a minimum of two years while being mentored by the school district and completing the required coursework and examinations. The ABCTE route is an online, self-paced program that leads to certification in specific subject areas.
In addition to the standard certification requirements, Missouri educators must earn 30 PD credit hours every four years to maintain their professional certification. The state also offers special certification pathways for graduates with degrees in STEM and associate degrees, allowing them to work as teachers while completing their bachelor's degree. Overall, Missouri provides multiple pathways for individuals to obtain a bachelor's degree in education and become certified teachers in the state.
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Student teaching experience
Missouri has various routes to teacher certification, and the requirements for student teaching experience vary depending on the route taken and the institution offering the program. Here is a detailed overview of the student teaching experience requirements for teacher certification in Missouri:
Traditional Route:
The traditional route to teacher certification in Missouri typically involves completing a four-year college-recommended course of study. This can be done through a four-year institution or by starting at a two-year community college and then transferring to a bachelor's-completion program. As part of this route, individuals must complete student teaching assignments and pass designated assessment tests to earn an Initial Certificate. The Initial Certificate is valid for four years and requires mentorship, participation in an annual Performance-Based Teacher Evaluation (PBTE), and involvement in a novice teacher assistance program.
Alternative Route:
The alternative route is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a career in education. They return to a college of education for an alternative certification program, which may include student teaching experiences in the form of supervised teaching or clinical practice.
Temporary Authorization Route:
The Temporary Authorization route is for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a specific content area, such as mathematics or English. This route requires a minimum of 24 college credits, teaching for two years, mentorship by the school district, and passing exit examinations. Individuals work under a renewable one-year certificate, which requires nine semester hours of college credit each year for renewal.
Doctoral Route:
The Doctoral route is for individuals with a PhD in a secondary certification content area, such as mathematics or biology. While this route does not lead to a career certificate, it allows individuals to obtain an initial certificate by passing the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessment for grades 7-12.
Special Certification Pathways:
Missouri offers special certification pathways for graduates with degrees in STEM fields. Professionals with associate degrees may qualify for a unique program that allows them to work as teachers for two years while completing their bachelor's degree. These programs ensure individuals gain student-teaching experience before earning their certification.
Substitute Teacher Certification:
Missouri also offers substitute teaching options. A Content Substitute Certificate allows individuals to teach in a K-12 classroom with at least 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited college or university. A Career Technical Substitute Certificate, on the other hand, is awarded based on occupational experience and training in a specific field. This certificate requires a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or equivalent occupational experience in the subject area.
Continuous Professional Development:
Missouri educators with professional certification must stay up to date with their professional development. They are required to earn 30 PD credit hours every four years as of May 2024. Additionally, teachers seeking salary advancement can choose from various graduate-level, continuing education courses offered in partnership with accredited universities.
While the specific requirements for student teaching experience may vary among Missouri universities, it is clear that gaining practical experience in the classroom is a crucial component of teacher certification in the state. Individuals interested in pursuing a teaching career in Missouri should refer to the latest information provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and their chosen institution to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements for certification.
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Certification types
Missouri offers several pathways to obtain a teaching certificate, depending on an individual's current level of education and experience. Here are the different types of certification routes available:
Traditional Route
The traditional route to teacher certification in Missouri involves completing a four-year, college-recommended course of study. This can be done through a four-year institution or by starting in a two-year community college teacher education program. Individuals must then complete student teaching, pass designated assessment tests, and graduate with a bachelor's degree in education. Upon completion, individuals are issued an Initial Certificate.
Alternative Route
The alternative route is for individuals who have already completed the traditional route towards certification but are unable to pass the final designated assessment test. This option includes a superintendent's recommendation for initial certification.
Temporary Authorization Route
This route is for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a specific content area, such as mathematics or English. They must take self-directed courses to meet specified competencies, totalling a minimum of 24 college credits. They then teach for two years under the mentorship of the school district and must pass at least two exit examinations. Individuals on this route work with a one-year, renewable certificate, which requires nine semester hours of college credit each year for renewal. Upon completion of the requirements, they receive an initial certificate.
Out-of-State Certified Route
Individuals with a valid teaching certificate from another state can be granted a comparable certificate in Missouri. Verification of certification from the other state is required. Depending on their previous years of teaching experience, they may be qualified for an initial or career certificate.
Doctoral Route
Individuals with a PhD in a secondary certification content area, such as mathematics or biology, can obtain an initial certificate by passing the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessment for grades 7-12. Those entering via this route can renew their initial certificate as needed but are not eligible for a career certificate.
American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Route
Individuals with a bachelor's degree can complete a program of study from ABCTE and pass its specific test to be certified. Missouri accepts ABCTE certificates in specific subject areas, including middle and high school mathematics, English/language arts, biology, and elementary education.
Special Education Certification
Missouri offers Special Education Certification for individuals who want to teach students with specific needs. The certification options include Blind and Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood, Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical, and Severely Developmental Disabilities.
Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC)
The CCPC is an advanced certification that requires completing four years of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)-approved teaching experience. It also mandates participation in a district-provided mentoring program for two years and 30 contact hours of professional development.
Continuous Career Education Certificate (CCEC)
Similar to the CCPC, the CCEC requires four years of DESE-approved teaching experience and participation in a mentoring program. However, it requires 90 contact hours of professional development for an upgrade.
Please note that specific requirements and pathways may vary, and it is essential to refer to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the most up-to-date information.
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Credit hours
Missouri has several methods for an individual to enter the education profession with a "certificate of license to teach". The traditional route involves completing a four-year, college-recommended course of study, which includes student teaching and passing the designated assessment test. Individuals seeking teacher certification for the first time must gain student-teaching experience before earning certification through the state of Missouri.
Missouri State University requires students to have completed at least 45 semester hours (for secondary and middle school majors) or 30 semester hours (for early childhood, elementary, and special education majors) of university coursework. Additionally, students must have a combined GPA of 2.5 or above and have passed all sections of the Missouri State Board of Education entry examination (CBASE) with a score of 265 or higher.
To upgrade to a Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC) or Continuous Career Education Certificate (CCEC), educators must complete four years of approved teaching experience, participate in a district-provided mentoring program for two years, and complete 30 contact hours of professional development.
To maintain a CCPC, educators must complete 15 hours of professional development each year and maintain a professional development plan. They can become exempt from reporting professional development if they have ten years of experience as a certified teacher or if they earn a higher college degree.
As of May 2024, all Missouri educators with a professional certification must earn 30 PD credit hours every four years.
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Salary expectations
The route taken to obtain the teaching certification also influences salary expectations. In Missouri, individuals can pursue a traditional route, involving a four-year bachelor's degree in education, or an alternative route, where individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field undergo an alternative certification program. Those opting for the traditional route might start at a lower salary but can work their way up with experience and further education. On the other hand, the alternative route may offer a faster track to higher salaries, especially for those with prior work experience in their bachelor's degree field.
The specific teaching position and location within Missouri also impact salary expectations. High school educators in Missouri earned the highest average salary of $63,500 as of May 2023, followed by middle school teachers at $60,510. Teaching in urban areas generally commands higher salaries compared to rural areas. Additionally, certain specialised positions, such as doctoral route certifications for individuals with PhDs in secondary certification content areas, may offer higher starting salaries.
It's worth noting that Missouri has a lower cost of living than average, making it an attractive state for educators in terms of purchasing power and overall standard of living. The demand for teachers in Missouri is high, with over 3,000 K-12 teaching positions unfilled as of April 2024. This demand has led the state government to consider higher starting salaries and improved support services for new educators. Substitute teaching is also an option in Missouri, offering an average salary of $31,000 annually, and providing flexibility for those pursuing a degree in education.
In summary, salary expectations for teachers in Missouri depend on factors such as level of education, certification route, specific teaching position, location, and the current demand for educators in the state. Graduate-level credits, advanced degrees, and urban locations tend to correlate with higher salaries. Additionally, Missouri's lower cost of living enhances the overall attractiveness of teaching salaries in the state.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Missouri State University accepts experience as student-teaching credit. Students must have a minimum of two years of career education or secondary/adult subject area teaching experience.
To be eligible for student-teaching credit, students must have a valid ACT score on file and a combined GPA of 2.50 or above. They must also pass a background check and complete a student-teaching assignment.
Obtaining a Missouri teaching certificate allows individuals to work as teachers in the state and provides the opportunity to advance in their careers by earning higher salaries and qualifying for administrative positions.
Yes, Missouri offers alternative routes to certification. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in any subject can complete an alternative certification program, including student teaching and assessments, to obtain their initial teaching certificate.
