Want to become a teacher in the great state of Missouri? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Missouri.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Missouri also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Additionally, Missouri has particular course requirements depending on the grade level and content area. Visit the Missouri Certification Requirements Index or contact the Department of Education if you have additional questions

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of approved teacher education programs can be found at the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as in your subject area. Missouri requires that potential teachers pass the College Basic Academic Subjects Examination (CBASE) to gain admission to a teacher preparation program.  It also involves a series of exams called Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments, which includes several exams. See details of each required test on the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments website.

Beginning educators in Missouri receive an Initial Professional Certificate that is good for 4 years. Educators who have met the requirements for full licensure (which include two years of mentoring) are issued a permanent Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC) and a Continuous Career Education Certificate (CCEC) which is good for 99 years as long as performance evaluations are satisfactory and professional development requirements are met. Find out more about earning your Missouri teaching credential on the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education website.

Step 3: Submit a Missouri Teaching Credential Application

Ready to apply for Missouri teaching certification? If so, you can apply online. It may take MDE up to six weeks to process your application. You may check the status of your application online.