Missouri teachers are builders of futures. They guide students in pursuing knowledge, acquiring social skills, and how to make good choices for themselves and others. People tired of meaningless jobs turn to teaching as a profession that makes a difference. As these career changers strive to be leaders in the classroom, they find their lives have become more fulfilling.

Missouri is looking for more quality educators to join the state’s many schools. The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) Educator Vacancy Report, May 2023, revealed the three biggest needs in the state are Elementary Education, Special Education, and Physical Education. 

Missouri is serious about attracting new teachers. In July 2024, the state governor signed a sweeping education bill that includes a provision that will nearly double starting teacher pay. 

Teachers of Tomorrow will walk you through how to become a teacher in Missouri in the following guide. We’ll also provide tips on where to network and how to increase your chances of getting hired for the teaching job you want. 

Teacher in the classroom

Is Teaching the Right Career for You? 

Teaching is a career that creates opportunities for the next generation. The vocation cultivates minds, builds self-worth, and inspires our youth to better themselves. It is a life-changing career that inspires and invests in our nation. 

Teachers work with many people in their community. In addition to their students, they communicate and collaborate with parents, guardians, coworkers, and local leaders. Work is not limited to the classroom. There are fundraisers, field trips, community events, sports, school board meetings, productions, concerts, staff meetings, and science fairs. 

Those who thrive as education professionals enjoy the work’s variety and diverse connections to people. It’s an energetic role with high demands, long hours, and packed schedules. It’s not a career with massive bonuses and access to the business lounge. However teaching offers stable employment, health insurance, retirement plans, and lots of vacation leave. 

Teacher salaries and benefits vary across the country. The average annual salary in Missouri is $53,354, whereas West Virginia’s is $52,870.  

State Requirements for Teaching in Missouri

Teaching requirements are not standardized across the United States. Instead, each state oversees its various pathways. Typically, there is a traditional pathway, alternative pathways, and possibly emergency hire options. 

The exact steps to becoming a teacher also depend on which grade level a candidate wants to teach: primary, secondary, or high school. Specific tests and qualifications are also needed to teach some subjects and specialty areas.  

Many teachers have used the traditional pathway to obtain their certification. Missouri’s traditional pathway requires the following steps. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a teacher in Missouri is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The requirement is necessary in all US states. 

A bachelor’s degree in education, such as elementary education, is typically advised. 

However, for teaching high school, some programs have the teaching candidate major in the subject they wish to teach, such as math, and then minor in education. Others will have a secondary education track for the subject. Speaking to an academic advisor at your learning institution will help you choose the correct courses.  

A bachelor’s degree in education provides candidates with knowledge and skills to help them succeed in a classroom. Examples of key learnings and techniques include:

Educational Psychology.

  • Culturally responsive pedagogy. 
  • How to adapt to curricular changes. 
  • Classroom management knowledge and strategies. 

Examples of bachelor’s degrees that can lead to an education career in Missouri include:

  • Early Childhood Education, BSEd
  • Elementary Education, BSEd
  • Middle School Junior High School General Science
  • Secondary Education Physics, BSE
  • Physical Education, BS

2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Missouri teaching candidates must complete an accredited teacher preparation program. Some colleges and universities incorporate this requirement into their degree program. 

Missouri has approved 42 educator preparation programs for the 2024-25 year, so candidates have a great deal of choice should they be unhappy with the one provided by their current school. 

Teacher preparation programs provide more in-depth skills and knowledge to find success in an educational career. They also have hands-on training, including fieldwork and classroom work experience. 

3. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Missouri requires student teaching experience for certification. Those on the traditional route usually do this through an unpaid internship. The state requires a minimum of two semester hours of field experience and eight semester hours of student teaching. However, those on an alternative pathway may be able to teach for pay on a provisional certificate while simultaneously gaining their student teaching hours.  

Student teaching experience is an excellent way for candidates to gain valuable feedback and advice while observing and putting their skills and knowledge into practice. It is also a great way for candidates to learn about teaching different age groups and discovering which grades they enjoy working with best. 

4. Pass Required Exams

Missouri candidates must pass various Praxis exams to obtain certification. The required test(s) depends on which grade level, subject(s), and specialty area a candidate is seeking certification. 

Note that exam requirements are often changing. It is essential to stay up-to-date with current information. For example, as of July 2024, Missouri no longer requires the MoGEA entrance exam for students to enter a teaching education program. However, some programs are keeping the requirement despite the state dropping it. 

5. Pass a Background Check

Like many US states, Missouri requires teaching candidates to have a background check as part of the certification process. The process is done through the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS). A candidate’s fingerprints are run through a portal to see if there is any criminal history. The process takes between 7 to 10 business days. 

Background checks are done to help keep students and school staff members safe. The checks are run on a state and national level, primarily looking for incidences of abuse, neglect, violence, or if the person is on the sex offenders list. 

6. Get Certified

Missouri teaching candidates should apply for their initial certification through DESE. From there, candidates can log in to the Certification Account Portal or create an account and follow the directions in the Educator Certification Help Guide. 

7. Consider Getting A Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is not required to teach in Missouri. However, a master’s degree gives educators many advantages, including: 

  • Stand out in the hiring pool when applying for top teaching positions.
  • Higher pay.
  • More career possibilities. 
  • Necessary for higher administrative roles. 

Alternative Pathway to Teaching in Missouri

Missouri has five alternative pathways for candidates who want to become teachers but do not take the traditional route. These programs are a good option for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in changing careers. 

Alternative pathways can save career changers time and money when getting certified. However, it is important to choose the pathway that works best for your situation, as they all have different requirements and steps. 

Missouri Alternative Route

Missouri Alternative Route is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher to become teachers. Candidates apply to one of Missouri’s approved Educator Preparation Programs. These two-year programs are developed for those who did not take the traditional pathway during their initial 4-year degree. 

Note that exams, background checks, student teaching, and applying for certification are a similar process to those on the traditional route.

Missouri Temporary Authorization Route

Missouri offers some teaching candidates temporary authorization if they have a bachelor’s degree in a content area, such as English or biology. 

In addition, candidate must agree to:

  • Take self-directed courses to meet competencies, a minimum of 24 college credits. 
  • Teach for two years. 
  • Mentored by the school district. 
  • Pass required exams. 
  • Work 1 year on a renewable certificate while taking 9 semester hours of college credit. 

Candidates receive an initial certificate to teach once all requirements are met. 

Missouri Out-of-State Certified Route

Teachers from other US states can apply for Missouri certification through the DESE. Which certification an out-of-state teacher qualifies for depends on their years of teaching experience. 

Missouri American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Route

Missouri offers an online, self-pacing alternative pathway through the American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). 

Steps of the ABCTE route include:

  1. Have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 
  2. Complete the ABCTE route. 
  3. Pass the required exams. 
  4. Complete 60 hours working with children in grades 6-12 OR 90 hours for elementary.
  5. Apply for certification through DESE. 

Candidates can complete the working with children hours by:

  • Substitute teaching in an accredited school with a minimum of 30 consecutive hours in the same classroom. 
  • Substitute teaching in a public school classroom, with a minimum of 45 hours as the lead instructor.
  • Work as a paraprofessional in an accredited school. A minimum of 30 consecutive hours in the same classroom. 

Missouri Doctoral Route

The Missouri Doctoral Route allows PhD degree holders to teach secondary level in the subject area of their degree, such as mathematics or chemistry. To take this route, a candidate must already have a PhD in a subject area taught at secondary school and pass the currently required exams. 

Note that those who pursue the doctoral route can renew an initial certificate as often as required but may not progress to a career certificate. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

The goal of being a teacher is to teach. Once all certification requirements are met, the final hurdle to completing that dream is getting hired as a teacher. We’ve assembled some of our top tips to help make that process go a little smoother.

Polish Your CV

Everyone wants to look their best during the first introductions. In the world of education, that initial “hello” is usually done through a CV. So, make sure yours is in the best shape possible. 

Helpful hints for creating a polished CV include:

  • Research modern teaching CV formats, layouts, and information included. You can do this online and by reaching out to people in your network. 
  • Ask a friend, mentor, business leader, or someone with an HR background to look over your CV and provide valuable feedback. 
  • Edit and proofread. If you know anyone with an eagle eye for typos, ask for help (and maybe buy them some chocolate). 

Once you have it looking professionally perfect, save it as a template. Use it as a base to tailor it for each job application so it addresses the exact role being advertised. 

Lastly, read it out loud before sending it. Any time you modify a document, a typo can sneak in. The best way to find the error in a CV you’ve read a thousand times before is to reduce your reading pace and use your mouth and ears. 

Once you’re satisfied, submit it. (Good luck!) 

Upgrade Your Skill Set

Stand out from other teaching applicants by upgrading your skill set. 

Excellent teaching skills the hiring schools are seeking from educators include the following:

  • Creative problem solving: The unexpected is the norm at schools. Many of them have no budget to fix them or straightforward solutions. They need individuals who can do a lot with a little and think outside the box. If you worked or volunteered for a place where a lot got done despite lack of funds or unexpected challenges, then you’ve developed skills schools need. 
  • Communication: Teachers must be excellent communicators. The vital skill is used to teach lessons, keep in touch with caregivers, and collaborate with colleagues. However, the skill can be upgraded through other activities and jobs, including fundraising, working in sales, experience in public relations, social media managers, and many volunteer roles. 
  • Diplomacy: Teachers have to be tactful while working with the public. Parents, guardians, local leaders, school boards, and colleagues all have strong opinions, and they often don’t agree. To smoothly navigate all the strong personalities requires tact and emotional maturity. It is a skill that can be developed in many places, including being a barista, food server, receptionist, or library volunteer. 
  • Cooperation: Teachers might appear to work on their own, but that is far from the truth. They collaborate with many people to do their jobs successfully, including colleagues, caregivers, experts in different fields, and community members. The skill can be developed through many avenues, including other types of employment, community projects, and faith-based work.  
  • Patience: Teaching requires meeting people where they are, even if that means repeating instructions for the fourth time. The skill is also necessary when dealing with adults who forget to sign forms, neglect to reply to an email or ask a question you just answered. The skill can be improved in many ways, including experience as a parent, camp counselor, working in the airline industry, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen.  

Thus, even if you’ve never had a full-time teaching position, you can still build up your skillset through other opportunities. Examples include:

  • Teaching faith-based classes at your place of worship, such as Sunday school. 
  • Volunteering at a youth center. 
  • Coaching or helping with a youth sport. 
  • Working as an instructor for an activity you are qualified in, such as scuba diving, surfing, piano, ballet, hip hop, or martial arts. 
  • Assisting a local club, such as chess or robotics. 
  • Volunteering at an animal shelter. 

Begin Your Job Search

The first step toward finding a Missouri teaching job is visiting MOREAP, which has a relationship with the DESE. They post a variety of school-related positions across the state, including:

  • Classroom Teacher.
  • Substitute Teacher.
  • Principal. 
  • Athletic Director. 
  • Teacher Aide. 
  • Instructional Coach. 
  • Secretarial. 
  • Human Resources.

Other excellent job sites to find a teaching position include:

Lastly, contact schools where you’d love to teach. If they do not have any current job openings, ask to leave your CV on file so you can be contacted should a position become available. 

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Professional organizations and networking are a boon to any career, including educators. They offer support, friendship, and advocacy. Teachers can use these groups to learn about exciting career opportunities, changing regulations, and professional development events. 

A small selection of Missouri’s professional organizations and networks for teachers includes:

Ace Your Job Interview

Acing your job interview is a crucial step to securing a teaching position at a Missouri school. To help you have a successful experience, we’ve assembled some of our favorite teaching interview tips.

  • Research the school, district, and job opening. All schools are unique. Teaching kindergarten in one Missouri district can be a dramatically different experience than working in another. Class sizes, educational philosophy, textbooks and resources, and responsibilities are all slightly different. Find out as much as you can about the school and position. The research will demonstrate to your potential employers that you cared enough to invest time learning about them. It will also allow you to ask relevant questions. Lastly, it helps you determine if the school is a good fit for you. 
  • Dress professionally. Yes, some modern schools allow teachers to wear jeans to school. There are districts that have no problem with staff wearing leggings under a long tunic or dress. There are schools that love it when their educators wear novelty ties or socks. However, the interview is not the time for these clothing options. Wear business attire for your big day. 
  • Acknowledge and respect everyone you meet at the school. Anyone you encounter matters on interview day. Don’t dismiss the person taking notes, even if they do look twelve. Don’t underestimate the person offering you a cup of coffee before the interview has officially begun. If a cleaning staff member says hello, introduce yourself and shake their hand. The person in charge of hiring teachers at a school has respected eyes and ears throughout their district. If you want the job, you must demonstrate that you can respect and collaborate with everyone who helps make the school successful. 

Career Outlook & Salary in Missouri

Like most of the country, Missouri needs more quality educators. The teacher shortage is making it a challenge to fill current job openings. In addition, Missouri’s projected educator job growth for  2020-2030 is 6%, higher than the national average. Qualified candidates who can help will find Missouri’s current job openings at MOREAP.

Teacher salaries in Missouri are also set to rise thanks to the sweeping education bill. Other incentives are also being looked into, including raising school tax credits, increasing small school grants, reducing the exam hurdles for teaching candidates, and expanding scholarship opportunities to those striving to become educators. 

According to the 2023-2024 US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area Report, Missouri’s highest teacher shortage areas are:

  • Special Education, K-12
  • Early Childhood, Special Education (Pre-K – 3)
  • Biological Sciences, 9-12
  • General Science, 5-9
  • English, Language Arts, 5-9
  • Career and Technical Education, 9-12
  • Chemistry, 9-12
  • Physics, 9-12
  • History, 5-9
  • Earth and Space Science, 9-12

In addition, the DESE has expressed a need for more qualified physical education teachers. 

Become a Teacher in Missouri

Missouri is one of the most affordable places for a teacher to live in the country. According to Consumer Affairs, it is ranked as the 7th most affordable state in the nation and ranks 8th for housing. 

The state is also beloved for its friendliness and thriving arts and music scene, and the people take pride in their BBQ and grilling skills. It is true the landlocked state is not a surfer’s paradise. But for those who love forests and lakes, they’ll take pleasure in the hiking trails, campgrounds, and prime fishing spots.  

Thus, Missouri is an excellent place for teachers who yearn for a healthy work-life balance. There is a great sense of community, and educators play a valuable role in it. 

Contact Teachers of Tomorrow now If you are excited about the prospect of being a teacher in Missouri. As the nation’s largest alternative certification provider, we are always happy to help you jump-start your life-changing journey.