How to Become a Teacher in Missouri

According to an April 2024 NPR report, over 3,000 K-12 teaching positions remain unfilled in Missouri. This pressing need caused the state government to consider higher starting salaries and robust support services for new educators. These and other ideas may increase retention and the number of graduates from teacher-preparation programs in the state.

Earning a teaching certificate in Missouri qualifies you to help the Show-Me State’s students in this challenging time. Start your journey by researching bachelor’s degrees in education.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

You can become a teacher in Missouri by following the five steps below. Check state government websites for the latest requirements and information.

Missouri’s traditional certification route requires potential teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject. You can start your education at a two-year college before transferring to a bachelor’s-completion program at a four-year school. Missouri offers special certification pathways for graduates with degrees in STEM.

Professionals holding associate degrees may qualify for the state’s other certification route. This unique program lets you work as a teacher for two years while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

All individuals seeking teacher certification for the first time must gain student-teaching experience before earning certification through the state of Missouri. The Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators (MoSPE) ensures that you receive ample opportunities to gain essential hands-on experience in the classroom under the supervision of more senior teachers.

You’ll clock at least 75 hours of supervised student teaching in various settings to ensure you experience multiple grade levels with diverse students. Before graduating, you’ll spend at least 12 weeks working with an experienced teacher in your future certification area and grade level.

To become a teacher in Missouri, you must pass the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA). You take your first MEGA before starting a teacher-preparation program. This test assesses your reading, math, science, and writing competency.

Educators-in-training who are about to graduate take a MEGA in elementary, middle, or secondary education. Educators at all levels can add certification endorsements by passing subject-specific MEGAs, such as in English, social science, or world languages.

Check the official MEGA website for the latest test dates, fees, and requirements.

Earning a teaching certificate in Missouri requires submitting an official application to the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. You first create an account on the Certification Account Portal. Portal access lets you check whether the state received your transcripts, test scores, and background check results.

Quick links and how-to guides offer help throughout the application process. Keep your login information on hand, as you need it to renew your teaching certification.

Congratulations on earning a teaching certificate in Missouri. You maintain it through professional development (PD) credit hours. You can earn these hours in different ways, such as by completing a graduate degree or taking state-approved PD classes.

The number of PD credit hours you need depends on your certification classification. All Missouri educators with a professional certification must earn 30 PD credit hours every four years as of May 2024.

The typical Missouri educator earns well below the national average. However, living in an urban area, earning an advanced degree, and qualifying for administrative positions may significantly increase your salary potential.

The table below displays five Missouri teaching positions’ latest average salary information. Keep in mind that you may earn significantly less as a recent graduate or if you work in a rural area.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 23, 2024.