How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Missouri

For many, teaching elementary school students is a passion. You get to guide young learners at the start of their educational career, teaching them how to read, follow rules and expectations, and play and cooperate with others. (Plus, your workday includes recess and story time — does it get any better than that?)

Elementary school teachers are in high demand in Missouri. The U.S. Dept. of Labor is projecting a 3% increase in jobs for elementary school teachers in MO by 2032, compared to 2022. That’s an average of more than 2,000 open jobs every year.

If your goal is to teach at the elementary level, read on to discover the steps you could take to earn your certification in the Show Me State.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Missouri

Elementary school teachers need patience, enthusiasm, and expertise across multiple subject areas. This is reflected in the certification process by the specific exams elementary teachers are required to pass.

But aside from a few small differences, elementary school teachers in Missouri follow the same basic steps to certification as other teachers in the state, including the same degree requirements. You can explore certification pathways in our Guide to Teacher Certification in Missouri. This guide breaks down certificate types, testing requirements, benefits of becoming a teacher in Missouri, and more.

What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Missouri?

Educators in Missouri need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, plus they need to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Then, they’ll complete a series of certification exams along with a background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

If you still need to earn your bachelor’s degree, that’s likely your next step, and your timeline to becoming a teacher is probably around 4 years.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree outside of elementary education, you don’t have to start over. You could complete an alternative or graduate-level EPP and earn your certification that way. For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates. It is important to note: TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Missouri, so you would follow the state’s process for out-of-state licensure.

Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Missouri

In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways

Missouri offers teachers multiple pathways to certification. There are traditional undergraduate programs in education and alternative routes for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Aspiring teachers can choose an in-state EPP (Missouri provides a list of providers) or they can choose an out-of-state program and follow Missouri’s path for out-of-state applicants.

A lot of it comes down to your personal situation, your preferences for your EPP, and your timeline for earning your certification.

Steps to Certification in Missouri  

If 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:

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. Again, this degree does not necessarily have to be in education. If you already have a bachelor’s in another field, you don’t need to redo this step.
2. Complete an EPP, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
3. Pass the state-mandated Praxis exams. For example, for a certification in elementary education, you might take the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test to teach grades 1-6.
4. Get an institutional recommendation form. You’ll get this from the registrar or certification officer of your EPP.
5. Complete your background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
6. 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  

A lot of it comes down to personal choice: Do you want to attend your EPP in-person or would you rather study online? What’s your timeline? When do you want to start your program (some EPPs follow a traditional school calendar while others have more frequent or even monthly start dates)?

For some teachers, Missouri’s in-state programs are a great fit; for others who want a broader list of options, the out-of-state route might make more sense.

Once you determine your priorities, you’ll be better equipped to find the right EPP and the right pathway for you.

Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Missouri Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes! The Show Me State welcomes career changers with degrees in other fields, and in fact, bringing experience from another profession can be a huge asset for your teaching career. Your background gives you a fresh perspective and knowledge, and you can share that with your students.

For more information about achieving your dream of becoming an elementary school teacher in Missouri, especially if you’re a career changer, check out our Missouri teacher certification page.

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Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.

From there, you have the option to add on an M.Ed. in just 3 additional months.

Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.