Become a Teacher in Missouri
If you're thinking about teaching in Missouri, here are a few basic facts about the school system and the teaching profession:
- Missouri serves about 920,000 students and employs about 68,000 teachers
- The Missouri public school system includes 523 districts and 32 charter schools
- Missouri teachers earned an average annual salary of $45,317 in 2009-10 (National Education Association)
Future Missouri Teachers
Job prospects are excellent for future teachers in Missouri. Elementary and secondary school teachers both made the list of the 20 fastest-growing occupations for 2009-2011, and elementary school teachers are also expected to have the most job openings due to growth over the next ten years.* To become a teacher in Missouri, you'll need to finish a bachelor's degree, a state-approved teacher preparation program, and get a passing grade on any required Praxis examinations.Current Missouri Teachers and School Administrators
Teaching in Missouri begins with obtaining an initial teaching certificate. Once you've gotten your initial certification, you might consider a transition certificate to work in school administration, or work on getting your Career Continuous license, which is a permanent certification. (8) Career Continuous certification generally requires ongoing professional development, such as additional coursework in education.Missouri Teachers in Demand
If you want to become a teacher in Missouri but hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than education, Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is willing to help you along the way. Through the Alternative or Innovative Licensure route, you may be granted a provisional teaching certification while you complete your teacher training program.Ready to become a teacher in Missouri? Research Missouri teacher salaries and look through the great accredited teacher training programs below to find the one that's right for you.
Sources:
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, unless otherwise indicated
* Missouri Department of Economic Development
Find Campus Locations in Missouri and Online Schools Accepting Students from Missouri
Online
Grand Canyon University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- B.S. in Early Childhood (Online)
- B.S. in Elementary Education - Math (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- B.S. in Elementary Education - Science (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major) (Online)
- B.S. in Secondary Education - Business Education (Online)
- B.S. in Secondary Education - English (Online)
- B.S. in Secondary Education - Math (Online)
- M.A. in Teaching - Professional Learning Communities (Online)
- M.A. in Teaching - Teacher Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Reading - Elementary Education (Online)
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Reading - Secondary Education (Online)
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Technology (Does not lead to teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Education Administration (Online)
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Special Education (Online)
- M.Ed. in Special Education - Certified Special Educators (Online)
- M.Ed. in Special Education with Credential (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
- M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Online)
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Christian Ministry (Online)
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership (Online)
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - K-12 Leadership (Online)
- B.A. in Christian Studies (Online)
- B.A. in Christian Studies - Biblical Studies (Online)
- B.A. in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Online)
- M.A. in Christian Studies - Christian Leadership (Online)
- M.A. in Christian Studies - Pastoral Ministry (Online)
- M.A. in Christian Studies - Urban Ministry (Online)
- M.A. in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Online)
Keiser University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Education Specialist in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
- Master of Science in Education (Online)
- Master of Science in Education - Teaching & Learning (Online)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Online)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
- Education Specialist in Educational Leadership (Online)
- Graduate Certificate in Career College Administration (Online)
- Joint Master of Science in Education and Master of Business Administration (Online)
- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Learning (Online)
- Master of Science in Education - College Administration (Online)
- Master of Science in Education - Leadership (Online)
- Master of Science in Education - Online Teaching and Learning (Online)
- Associate of Arts in General Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Online)
University of Southern California - Rossier School of Education
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching - Gifted Education Certificate (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching - TESOL (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching w/ Teaching Credential (Online)
- Master of Education in Advanced Instruction (Online)
- Master's of Education - Gifted Education Certificate (Online)
Capella University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership and Administration (Online)
- PhD in Leadership for Higher Education (Online)
- Master of Science in Child & Adolescent Development (Online)
- EdD in Educational Leadership & Management (Online)
- EdD in Reading and Literacy (Online)
- EdS in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- EdS in Leadership in Educational Administration (Online)
- Master of Science in Adult Education (Online)
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
- Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Master of Science in Instructional Design for Online Learning (Online)
- Master of Science in K-12 Studies in Education (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
- Master of Science in Leadership in Educational Administration (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
- Master of Science in Reading and Literacy (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
- Master of Science in Training and Performance Improvement (Online)
- PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- PhD in Instructional Design for Online Learning (Online)
- PhD in K-12 Studies in Education (Online)
- PhD in Leadership in Educational Administration (Online)
- PhD in Management Education (Online)
- PhD in Postsecondary and Adult Education (Online)
- PhD in Professional Studies in Education (Online)
- PhD in Special Education Leadership (Online)
- PhD in Training and Performance Improvement (Online)
- PhD in Information Technology Education (Online)
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Graduate Certificate - Child & Adolescent Psychology (Online-Blended)
Ashford University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - English (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - English Language Learner Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - History (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Library Science and Media (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Assessment & Measurement (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Child Development (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Culturally Responsive Education (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Curriculum & Instruction (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Distance Learning (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Educational Technology Leadership (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - English Language Learner (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Family and Community Services (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Higher Education (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Library and Media (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Mathematics Instruction (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Reading Literacy (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Special Education (Non-Licensure) (Online)
- Master of Arts - Education - Teacher Leader (Online)
- Master of Arts - Teaching & Learning with Technology (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Child Development (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education - Infant and Toddler Care (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration - Infant and Toddler Care (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Health Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Instructional Design (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Elementary Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - Education Studies (Online)
- Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Military Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - English/Language Arts (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - History (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Liberal Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - English/Language Arts (Online)
- Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - History (Online)
Kaplan University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Higher Education - Educational Assessment and Evaluation (Online)
- BSPY - Child Development (Online)
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development (Online)
- Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies (Online)
- MSE - Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Higher Ed (Online)
- MSE - Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Organizations (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12) (Online)
- Master of Science in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12) (Online)
- Master of Science in Higher Education - College Administration and Leadership (Online)
- Master of Science in Higher Education - College Teaching and Learning (Online)
- Master of Science in Higher Education - Online College Teaching (Online)
- Master of Science in Higher Education - Student Affairs (Online)
Walden University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Adult Learning (Online)
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Studies (Online)
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Education (Online)
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education (Online)
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) (Online)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (Course-based) (Online)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (KAM-based) (Online)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (Mixed-Model) (Online)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Child Development (Online)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Educational Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Studies (Online)
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.)
- Teacher Preparation Program with Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)
Pacific Oaks College
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (online)
Colorado Technical University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Associate of Science in General Studies (Online)
American InterContinental University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- MEd - Adult Education and Training (Online)
- MEd - Classroom Integration of Technology (Online)
- MEd - Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- MEd - Educational Assessment and Evaluation (Online)
- MEd - Instructional Design (Online)
- MEd - Leadership of Educational Organizations (Online)
California Lutheran University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership (Online)
University of Phoenix
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Continuing Education for Educators
Western Governors University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) (Online)
- B.A. Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
- B.A. Science (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
- B.A. Science (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
- B.A. Science (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
- B.A. Science (5-12 Physics) (Online)
- B.A. Science (5-9) (Online)
- B.A. Special Education (Online)
- Endorsement Prep Program in ELL (PK-12) (Online)
- Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership (Online)
- M.A. English Language Learning (PK-12) (Online)
- M.A. Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) (Online)
- M.A. Science Education (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
- M.A. Science Education (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
- M.A. Science Education (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
- M.A. Science Education (5-12 Physics) (Online)
- M.A. Science Education (5-9) (Online)
- M.A. Teaching (K-8)
- M.A. Teaching --Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
- M.A. Teaching --Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
- M.A. Teaching --Social Science (5-12) (Online)
- M.Ed. Instructional Design (Online)
- M.Ed. Learning and Technology (Online)
- M.S. Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- M.S. Educational Leadership (Online)
- M.S. Special Education (K-12) (Online)
- Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
- Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
- Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Social Science (5-12) (Online)
- Post-bacc Teacher Prep Prgm (K-8) (online)
Northeastern University - College of Professional Studies
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development (Online)
Full Sail University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Education Media Design and Technology (Online)
Concordia University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- M.Ed in Career and Technical Education (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Adolescent Literacy (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (CTE) (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - ECE (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - ESOL (K-Adult) (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - English Language Development (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Environmental Education (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Equity, Ethics, and Justice
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Methods & Curriculum (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Reading (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Science (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Teacher Leadership (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - The Inclusive Classroom (SPED) (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - eLearning/Technology Education (Online)
- M.Ed in Educational Leadership (Online)
- M.Ed in Special Education - Early Childhood/Elementary Education (Online)
- M.Ed in Special Education - Middle Level/High School Education (Online)
- BS in Career and Technical Education (Online)
- BS in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5 Years) (Online)
- Ed.D in Educational Administration (Online)
- Ed.D in Teacher Leadership (Online)
University of San Diego
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- M.Ed in 21st Century Literacies (Online)
- M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
- M.Ed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) (Online)
- M.Ed in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Inclusive Education (Online)
Saint Joseph's University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Professional and Liberal Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Science in Professional and Liberal Studies w/ an Autism Studies Concentration (Online)
- Certificate of Proficiency in Autism Studies (Online)
- Graduate Certificate Instructional Technology Specialist (Online)
- MS Organization Development & Leadership - Adult Learning & Training Concentration (Online)
- MS in Education of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing w/PA Hearing Impaired K-12 (Online)
- Master of Science in Instructional Technology (Online)
- Master of Science in Instructional Technology Specialist (Online)
- Master of Science in Secondary Education with OATCERT Certification (Online)
- Master of Science in Special Education (Online)
- Master of Science in Special Education (with Wilson Reading Certification) (Online)
- Master of Science in Special Education with Autism spectrum Disorders' Endorsement (Online)
- Online Accelerated Teacher Certification (Online)
- Pennsylvania Hearing Impaired K-12 Certification (Online)
- Special Education Certification (Online)
Keller Graduate School of Management
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology (Online)
- Master's in Educational Technology (Online)
University of the Southwest
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- MSEd - Curriculum and Instruction
- MSEd - Early Childhood
- MSEd - Education Administration
- MSEd - Special Education
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: TESOL
Argosy University Online
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- EdD in Higher and Postsecondary Education (Online)
- EdD in Organizational Leadership (Online)
- EdD in Pastoral Community Counseling (Online)
- EdD in Teaching & Learning (Online)
- Master of Arts in Education - Adult Education and Training (Online)
DeVry University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Certificate - Education Leadership (Online)
- Certificate - Educational Technology Leadership (Online)
- Graduate Certificate - Curriculum Leadership (Online)
- Master's - Education (Online)
Queens University of Charlotte
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (Online)
Purdue University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology (Online)
Lewis University
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education - Student Services (Online)
University of Southern California
Campuses: Online
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Management in Library and Information Science - Academic Librarianship (Online)
- Master of Management in Library and Information Science - Digital Librarianship (Online)
- Master of Management in Library and Information Science - Urban Public Librarianship (Online)
Missouri
University of Phoenix
Campuses: Downtown St. Louis Learning Center, St. Louis, Kansas City
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
Strayer University
Campuses: Brentwood, Kansas City
Degrees Offered:
- MEd - Adult Education and Development
- Bachelor's - Economics
- MEd - Teacher Leadership
- MEd - Instructional Technology
- MEd - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
DeVry University
Campuses: Saint Louis, Kansas City
Degrees Offered:
- Master's - Education
- Certificate - Educational Technology Leadership
- Certificate - Education Leadership
- Graduate Certificate - Curriculum Leadership
Steps to Become a Teacher in Missouri
Missouri Teaching Salaries
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Missouri Teaching Jobs
Elementary Teacher Education
Secondary Teacher Education
Special Education
Technology Education
Reading Specialist
Guidance Counselor
School Administration
"I decided to go to graduate school and earn my Master of Arts in Education because I am inspired by new knowledge. I feel in order to perform my job to the best of my ability, I need to keep up with current practices and trends in the field of education."
- Sara Marvez
-- 6th grade science teacher
"Gaining my Master's degree has earned me respect from administrators and colleagues. Also, my salary has benefited greatly. The cost of graduate school was paid off in only a couple years."
- Thomas Bjornson
-- high school English teacher
"Postgraduate study was a personal goal of mine, and completing my Master's degree has given me a great sense of personal satisfaction. It has also increased my efficiency in the classroom and my marketability in the job market."
- Janet O'Reilly
-- 8th grade social studies teacher
"I found my online courses efficient and friendly. I had a desire to go to graduate school, but I didn't want to go through the nonsense of another undergraduate degree, bumping shoulders with students a third my age who have very little understanding of real life or the benefits of real knowledge. A friend recommended online education and I haven't looked back since.
At the age of 53, I love my job more than ever. I get so much satisfaction knowing that many of my students respect me for what I do as a teacher.
I am able to face any sort of situation that arises in my classroom with complete confidence."
- Jonathan Lloyd
-- high school chemistry teacher
Average Beginning Teacher Salary: $31,753 Average Teacher Salary: $47,602 Average Administrator Salary: $77,740 Elementary School Principals: $82,414 Middle School Principals: $87,866 High School Principals: $92,965
On average, teachers with masters degrees will earn $8,000 to $10,000 more each year than those with only a bachelors degree.
Consequently, in order to attain a position as an administrator, a masters, PhD or Ed D. is required.
On average, Administrators will earn around $30,000 more each year than their hard working, teacher cohorts!
* BLS Statistics