Missouri Initial Teacher Certification:
The following are two separate routes and associated steps to earn your Initial Missouri Teaching Certification. Click here to skip down to the Alternative Route to Certification.
- Route 1: Missouri's Traditional Route to Certification
- Step 1:You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Missouri Teacher Preparation Programs.
Or request information from the accredited universities below: -
Step 2:You will need to pass the following examinations:
-
The Praxis I Test of Basic Skills or the CAAP Exam
-
The Praxis II Principles of Learning Test and a Specialty Area Test related to your subject area.
-
-
Step 3:Typically, an advisor from your Teacher Preparation Institute will assist you with downloading and completing your application for the Initial Missouri Teaching Certification.
However, if you are inclined to take matters into your own hands, download the Application for Missouri Licensure -
Step 4:Request Original Transcripts for all college credits you have received.
Your transcripts must show you as having a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or greater from a 4.0 scale in order to qualify for a Missouri Initial Teaching License. -
Step 5:You will need to submit your fingerprints and a initiate a background check before you will be considered for Missouri's Initial Teaching Certificate.
You will need to schedule an appointment with Identix by calling (866) 522-7067 and use the Missouri Applicant Fingerprint Services (MOAPPS).
Follow the instructions on this web page.
There will be a fee of $50.95. Call (573) 522-8315 for more information. -
Step 6:Your application will need to bare your teacher prep. institute's seal before being sent to the Missouri Department of Education.
Therefore, you will need to sign the application, make sure transcripts, fees and Praxis exam scores are all in the possession of the certification officer at your university before the application is sent. -
Step 7:Sit Back and Relax!
For certification applicants who have completed formal teacher education training, the proper Missouri Certification type to be applied for will be the Initial Missouri Teacher Licensure.
Follow the following steps to apply for your Initial MO Teaching License:
Follow the following steps to apply for your Initial MO Teaching License:
Send materials to this address:
Missouri Department of Education
Educator Certification
Post Office Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
For further questions, Call a Missouri Teacher Licensure Representative at (573) 751-4212
Educator Certification
Post Office Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
For further questions, Call a Missouri Teacher Licensure Representative at (573) 751-4212
- Route 2: Missouri Alternative Certification
-
You must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree.
-
You must have a GPA no lower than a 2.5
- You will need to gain employment with a participating school district.
- Complete a Background Check by the same process as above.
-
An academic contract will need to be completed by your employing school district, the alternative certification program provider and yourself before being sent to the Missouri Department of Education.
The Missouri Alternative Certification Route allows the applicant to acquire an educator's license prior to the completion of a Teacher Education Program.
When enrolled in a Missouri Alternative Certification Program, you will be awarded a 2-year Provisional Teaching Certification.
The following are the requirements of the applicant for the Missouri alternative certification route:
When enrolled in a Missouri Alternative Certification Program, you will be awarded a 2-year Provisional Teaching Certification.
The following are the requirements of the applicant for the Missouri alternative certification route:
Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.
Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.
Search for Teacher Education
Article of the Month
First year trials...
Do you remember walking through the front doors of your school on your first day as a teacher? Well, I sure do. A few teenagers were strolling the halls, but most hadn’t arrived yet. Eager with anticipation, I hardly slept a wink... Read More...