{"id":46639,"date":"2024-10-06T12:49:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T17:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46639"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:23:59","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:23:59","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-missouri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-missouri\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Missouri – Step by Step Guide 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Missouri is looking for more quality educators to join the state’s many schools. The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) <\/span>Educator Vacancy Report, May 2023<\/span><\/a>, revealed the three biggest needs in the state are Elementary Education, Special Education, and Physical Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Missouri is serious about attracting new teachers. In July 2024, the state governor signed a <\/span>sweeping education bill<\/span><\/a> that includes a provision that will nearly double starting teacher pay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Teacher<\/p>\n

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teacher salaries and benefits vary across the country. The average annual salary in Missouri is <\/span>$53,354, whereas West Virginia’s is $52,870<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Requirements for Teaching in Missouri<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many teachers have used the traditional pathway to obtain their certification. Missouri’s traditional pathway requires the following steps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first step to becoming a teacher in Missouri is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The requirement is necessary in all US states.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A bachelor’s degree in education, such as elementary education, is typically advised.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n

Educational Psychology.<\/span><\/p>\n