How Can I Become a Teacher in Missouri?

Science teachers need to be certified to teach in the field of science.

Becoming a teacher generally requires a college education and some formal training that leads to teacher certification. Each state has its own requirements for teachers, although some states do have reciprocal agreements with other states that allow teachers to gain education and licensing in one and then teach in another without having to meet additional qualifications. Teachers in Missouri must meet the requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Education

In order to qualify to teach in the state of Missouri, aspiring teachers need to complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field of education. Each teaching discipline has its own specific requirements as to how many credit hours are required in order to qualify as a teacher in that field. For instance, teaching language arts at the secondary education level requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in English education as part of the undergraduate major in order to qualify applicants to teach. In short, obtaining a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited college or university with a teacher education program recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should help you meet any necessary education requirements.

Certification

All Missouri teachers need to be certified to teach in their respective fields. It is not enough to simply gain a degree in a field and begin teaching. Instead, aspiring teachers need to pass two certification exams in order to be fully certified in Missouri. First, teaching candidates need to pass a subject-area examination that covers the applicant's knowledge of the field in which they plan on teaching. Secondly, applicants need to pass a principles of teaching and learning certification exam that tests education majors over the basic principles and theories of classroom management and teaching practice. Applicants for certification must maintain a 2.50 GPA on all undergraduate coursework in order to qualify to sit for a certification exam.

Background Check

Teachers in Missouri also must pass an extensive background check before they can be licensed. Applicants for certification must have their fingerprints taken so that a thorough criminal background check can be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Justice Information Services. Stations for electronic fingerprinting have been set up throughout the state to make the process fairly convenient and accessible.

Licensing

Once a teacher in Missouri is certified to teach, he obtains an initial license to teach, but his educational journey does not end there. Instead, the initial certificate is good for a total of four years from the time it is issued. From there, teachers must undergo extensive evaluation and professional development. At the end of the initial period of licensure, teachers can then obtain a permanent license from the state that is good for up to 99 years.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers -- Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary
• Certification Map: Become a Teacher in Missouri
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Educator Certification
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Classification -- Is a Broad Area of 'Like' Licenses
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Missouri Applicant Fingerprint Services (MOAPS)
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Grade Point Average Required for Certification