Steps to become a teacher in Missouri

For the very special people who enjoy working with children and young adults, it is easy to become a classroom teacher for elementary school or secondary schools within the state of Missouri. After graduating high school, start by enrolling into an accredited college and achieving a 4-year BA degree in a subject that you enjoy.

1. To become a classroom teacher in the state of Missouri, start with earning a BA degree in a subject that you enjoy studying.

   Walden University Online
   Ashford University Online
   Western Governors University
   Jones International University
   DeVry University

   * There are so many accredited colleges that offer teaching degrees, and it is very important to ensure that the college you select meets your budget and convenience. So get free information from more than one college to make sure that you are making the right choice.
2. Missouri provides teaching licenses by age group that you would like to be working with. After completing your BA one option is to use the college that you are in to gain your teacher preparation study courses to present to the State of Missouri to help with getting your initial teaching certificate.
3. Missouri requires most new teachers to complete between 30 professional hours, and 60 professional hours of professional development requirements over their first 4-years. These are trainings, seminars, or studies that are normally free of charge to those employed in education at the time of attendance.
4. New teachers in Missouri will need to show passing scores on Praxis skills evaluation tests.
5. Download the Missouri Application here.
6. Request original transcripts for all college coursework
7. Missouri requires a background check and fingerprints in order to to be considered for your certificate.
8. Application packet should contain
   
   • Signed application
   • Official Transcripts.
   • Original Praxis Test Scores. (Copies will not be accepted)
   
   
   Send completed packet to:
   Missouri Department of Education
   Educator Certification
   Post Office Box 480
   Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
   For more information contact a Representative at (573) 751-4212
   

1. For people holding a BA degree who have not taken any teacher preparation courses prior to applying to the State of Missouri to become a new classroom teacher, the State of Missouri has various plans available that allow for on the job learning and teacher preparation to achieve a Missouri Alternative Teaching Certification that will then allow you to start on the licensing program at the same point as those who hold their BA plus teacher preparation trainings.
2. Missouri offers different styles programs by age-level to achieve the Missouri Alternative Teaching Certification. Check with the state to determine current program requirements for the age group that you would like to teach.

Missouri is a state that has many smaller school districts, and only a few large ones. Teachers are in high demand within many areas of the state today, so that employment opportunities are not hard to find. Missouri does an extensive background check on all people who are applying for work in their schools.