How to Become a High School Teacher in Missouri
Published: | by Alex Skov
Everybody remembers their favorite high school teacher. Maybe it was the chemistry teacher who inspired you to major in science, the English teacher who encouraged your love of writing, or the guidance counselor who walked you through the college application process.
Teaching high school can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding career, with the chance to make a long-term impact on students, families, and your community. If you’re considering this path in Missouri, your job prospects are strong: The U.S. Department of Labor is projecting a 3% increase in jobs for secondary school teachers in Missouri by 2032, compared to 2022. That’s an average of more than 1,400 open jobs every year.
This post will walk you through the steps you could take to earn your certification and become a high school teacher in the Show Me State.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Missouri
High school teachers in Missouri earn a certification to teach a specific subject (math, science, English, social studies, or physical education, for example) and specific grades, usually 9-12. In many ways, however, high school teachers follow the same basic steps to certification as elementary and middle school teachers.
For an overview of the process in MO, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Missouri guide. This guide explains Missouri’s certificate types, testing requirements, routes to becoming a teacher in the state, and tips on how to best transition into the teaching profession.
What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Missouri?
High school teachers in Missouri need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes 4 years to earn, and to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). They also need to pass a series of certification exams and clear a background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, even if it’s outside of education, your path to certification could be accelerated. You could earn your certification through an alternative or graduate-level EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online. It is important to note: TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Missouri (more on that below), so you would follow the state’s process for out-of-state certification.
Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Missouri
In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways
Missouri offers multiple pathways to certification, including traditional undergraduate programs in education and alternative routes for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. If you’d like to be a high school teacher in Missouri, you can choose an in-state EPP (Missouri provides a list of providers) or an out-of-state program. Those who choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program, will follow Missouri’s path for out-of-state applicants.
There are benefits of both in-state and out-of-state programs, and it really comes down to your preferences and your timeline for becoming a certified high school teacher in Missouri.
Steps to Certification in Missouri
Let’s say you choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s online TEACH-NOW program. Here’s an example of the steps you could take to earn your certification:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor’s, even in a non-education field, you can move on to step 2.
- Complete an EPP. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is 100% online and can be completed in just 9 months.
- Pass the state-mandated Praxis exams for your subject area. For example, aspiring high school math teachers might take the Mathematics Content Assessment to teach grades 9-12.
- Get an institutional recommendation form. You’ll get this from the registrar or certification officer of your EPP.
- Complete your background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- Submit your certification application through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s online system.
This is just one example of a potential path to certification through an out-of-state EPP in Missouri. For more detailed information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
Why the Out-of-State Path Might Make Sense for You
Deciding to become a high school teacher is exciting, and because Missouri offers multiple pathways to certification, you have choices on how to make your dream come true.
If one of Missouri’s in-state EPPs fits your needs, great — you can follow that route.
If an out-of-state EPP is a better match, great — that works, too.
To choose the best path for you, you can ask yourself: Do you prefer in-person or online learning? How quickly do you want to earn your certification? When do you want to start (some programs follow a traditional school calendar, while others have more regular or even monthly start dates)? Choosing an out-of-state program could open up your options.
Can You Become a High School Teacher in Missouri Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, career changers are welcome in the Show Me State. Aspiring educators with degrees in other fields have a lot to offer Missouri’s students. By sharing your experience from outside the classroom with your students, you can help prepare today’s teens for the real world.
To learn more about becoming a high school teacher in Missouri, check out our Missouri teacher certification page.
Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW is accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Once you complete the program, you have the option to add on an M.Ed. in just 3 additional months.
The application is free and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
