How to Get Your Missouri Teacher Certification
Earning your Missouri teacher certification is an important step toward a rewarding career in education. With a strong commitment to student success and a diverse population of learners, Missouri provides a dynamic and supportive environment for teachers.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teacher certification in Missouri, from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required exams and applying for your credential.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) manages educator certification for the state and provides a variety of resources for aspiring and current teachers. The department offers comprehensive information on certification requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities throughout the Show Me State.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Missouri
Missouri offers several pathways to the classroom, designed to accommodate different backgrounds and career histories. These are the most common:
Traditional Route
If you are a high school graduate and know you want to become a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education that includes a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
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Alternative Route
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can start teaching while you complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP) requirements.
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Out-of-State Pathway
Teachers who are already certified in another state can apply for Missouri certification through the out-of-state pathway, which recognizes their existing credentials.
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For more information on certification routes, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification webpage.
Benefits of Earning Your Missouri Teacher Certification
Low Cost of Living
Missouri ranks as the no. 17 state for cost of living, according to U.S. News & World Report. This means that your teaching salary will go further in the Show Me State than in most other states, especially once you are certified.
Strong Teacher Support
Missouri is committed to supporting new teachers through required mentoring programs. These resources help ensure you have the guidance and support you need during your first years in the classroom.
Diverse Student Population
Missouri’s K-12 student population is diverse, providing teachers with rewarding opportunities to engage with students from various cultural backgrounds and help them develop lifelong skills.
Career Growth Opportunities
With nearly 5,000 annual openings for teachers, Missouri offers plenty of employment opportunities. The state also provides clear pathways for career advancement and professional development.
Certification Types in Missouri
Missouri offers multiple certification types to support teachers in different situations and at different stages of their careers.
Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC)
The Temporary Authorization Certificate enables those with a bachelor’s degree in a specific content area (outside of education) to start teaching in their field while completing the necessary coursework to transition to an Initial Professional Certificate (IPC). It is valid for 1 year and may be renewed for an additional year if at least 9 semester hours of coursework toward a professional certificate are earned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in the subject area you’ll be teaching
- Employment in a Missouri school
- Fingerprint and background checks
Provisional Certificate
The Provisional Certificate is valid for 2 years and is not renewable. It is exclusively for individuals enrolled in in-state preparation programs and allows them to teach while completing certification requirements.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Be within 12 hours of completing your EPP
- Possess a full-time teaching position in your subject area with a Missouri school district
- Passing scores on the required Praxis exams
- Fingerprint and background checks
Initial Certificate
The Initial Professional Certificate (IPC) and Initial Career Education Certificate (ICEC) are valid for 4 years. These are Missouri’s entry level credentials for fully certified teachers.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed EPP
- Passing scores on all required Praxis exams
- Completion of clinical learning (student teaching) experience
- Fingerprint and background checks
Career Certificate
The Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC) and Continuous Career Education Certificate (CCEC) are valid for 99 years and represent permanent teaching certification in Missouri.
Requirements:
- 4 years of approved teaching experience in Missouri
- Participation in a district-provided mentoring program for 2 years
- Completion of required professional development hours
- Participation in a beginning teacher assistance program
- Successful participation in annual Performance Based Teacher Evaluations
- Development and implementation of a professional development plan
For comprehensive information on certification types and requirements, visit the Missouri DESE Certification page.
Missouri Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Missouri teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:
- Complete an EPP, such as TEACH-NOW
- Pass the state-mandated Praxis exams
- Get an institutional recommendation form
from their EPP’s registrar or certification officer - Complete a background check through the
Missouri State Highway Patrol - Submit all required application materials to the
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE)
Testing Requirements
Educators in Missouri must pass Praxis exams based on their grade level and the subject area they wish to teach. These assessments measure content knowledge and instructional competency to ensure educators meet Missouri’s certification standards.
For more information, visit the Praxis Test Requirements for Missouri Teacher Certification webpage.
Education Requirements
Missouri requires teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which is fully online.
Missouri Teacher Certification Application Process
Once you’ve fulfilled the necessary requirements for teacher certification in Missouri, you can apply online through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) portal. This process involves submitting documents such as official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, completion of background checks, and payment of the application fee. Some of these items may need to be submitted via physical mail. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the DESE website.
Missouri Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Missouri. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 9-month, 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you can apply for Missouri educator certification through using the out-of-state pathway.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Missouri provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Show-Me State.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Missouri provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Show Me State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Missouri. We have answers.
How do I become a Missouri teacher?
Missouri offers multiple pathways to educator certification, including the traditional route for college graduates who major in education and an alternative route for those transitioning from other careers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject. For comprehensive information on certification routes and requirements, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching certification in Missouri?
Educators from other states can earn Missouri teacher certification through a route specifically designed for out-of-state teachers. This pathway — often called reciprocity — recognizes existing credentials from other states and allows qualified educators to apply for Missouri teacher certification. You’ll need to submit an application packet including your out-of-state certification documentation and transcripts as well as pass a background check. For detailed information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) out-of-state information webpage.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Missouri?
Yes, in most cases, you need a valid Missouri teacher certification to teach in public schools. The state offers a structured system with multiple types of certifications for individuals with different experience levels. For comprehensive information on certificate types, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website.
What are the requirements for Missouri teacher certification?
The specific requirements for educator certification in Missouri vary depending on the certification type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach. In general, Missouri teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), fulfill a clinical learning (student teaching) experience, pass all required Praxis exams, clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks, and submit all required application materials to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
How do I maintain my Missouri teaching certification?
Specific renewal requirements in Missouri vary depending on the certification type. Temporary Authorization Certificates are valid for 1 year and may be renewed for 1 additional year if at least 9 semester hours of coursework toward a professional certificate are earned. Provisional Certificates are valid for 2 years and are not renewable. Initial certificates are valid for 4 years and require completion of specific requirements to upgrade to a career certificate, which is valid for 99 years.
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Missouri?
The timeline to become a certified teacher in Missouri can vary depending on your educational background and the specific pathway you choose. The traditional route typically takes 4 years, including time to complete a bachelor’s degree and student teaching. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, alternative certification programs like Moreland’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you become a certified teacher in Missouri in as little as 9 months.
How much do Missouri teachers make?
Missouri teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association (NEA), the average annual salary for a Missouri teacher is $55,132, and the average starting salary is $38,871. Those with advanced degrees may earn higher salaries.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Missouri?
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the best resource to learn more about educator certification, endorsements, and pathways to teaching in The Show Me State. You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246 — we’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.