Becoming an educator takes hard work and dedication, but the effort is every bit worth it when you see a child excel and move on successfully to the next grade level. Being a teacher means you have the opportunity to introduce children to new concepts and new information that will impact them for the rest of their lives. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher in Missouri, take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to get certified.
Missouri Teacher Certification Requirements
Missouri Teacher Certification Types
Missouri offers two types of teaching certifications. The Initial Certificate, valid for four years, is the first one you’ll receive if you meet the state’s teaching requirements. The Career Continuous Certification is permanent and will be issued when you meet the requirements for the Initial Certificate and maintain a professional development plan.
Missouri Teacher Education
Teachers in Missouri must hold a Bachelor’s Degree and complete a state-approved educator preparation program.
Featured Schools
Missouri Teacher Certification Exam
To be accepted into the Missouri educator preparation program, you need to pass the College Basic Academic Subjects Examination. To obtain your certification, you must pass the content area/subject area examination that applies to you.
Teacher Experience
The Missouri educator preparation program involves first a practicum in which you will observe teachers in a classroom setting and perhaps participate in classroom activities. Next, you will participate in an actual student teaching experience where you teach the grade level and content area that interests you.
Background Check
Missouri does require applicants to undergo a criminal history background check before receiving a teaching certification.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Missouri Alternative Teacher Certification: There are a variety of Missouri colleges and universities that offer alternative routes to obtaining your alternative teaching certification. The requirements vary from program to program, but all require that you have at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: After you’ve had your Initial Certificate for four years, you can either renew it or upgrade to the permanent Career Continuous Certificate.
- Missouri Substitute Teaching: If you have completed at least 60 semester hours of college coursework at an accredited four-year, junior or community college, you can apply for a substitute teaching permit.
- Reciprocity: If you’re a teacher from another state, you can obtain a teaching certification in Missouri through reciprocity if you have comparable qualifications to Missouri’s teaching requirements.
Discover teacher certification programs in Missouri that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Missouri?
Teachers in Missouri provide their students with the most relevant and current educational information that they will need to proceed to the next grade level and to continue succeeding in life. This involves creating lesson plans to teach in the classroom, working closely with other teachers and administrators for the common good of the students and engaging with parents and family.
Missouri Teacher Salary
Salaries differ for teachers depending on the location, the grade level and the content area that they teach. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides average yearly wages for teachers across Missouri. Elementary school teachers earn, on average, 53,390 per year. Middle school teachers in Missouri earn an average yearly salary of $53,240. High school teachers make an average of $47,680 per year.
Missouri Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Missouri
Teacher Certification Programs in Missouri
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!