Become a Teacher in Missouri

Get the information you need to make a difference in your community.

• Missouri Teacher Certification - Program Information
  
  
• Step-by-step instructions - Missouri Teacher Certification, Certification Renewal and much more

Missouri is a diverse state that offers a rich Civil War history, breathtaking rural scenery and even a burgeoning wine country. Missouri is also home to an optimistic job outlook, with elementary and secondary schools projected to be the top growth industry between 2008 and 2018.* What does that mean for you as a prospective educator? It means that now is a great time to 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)

Find the education degree you need to enter this exciting field and have a positive impact on the children of Missouri.

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