State hub

How to become a teacher in Missouri

Prep providers

Completers

3,493

Newly licensed

4,124

Colleges (IPEDS)

140

Credential rules change. Confirm current requirements with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Steps drawn from the state's data

Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
Apply to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for an initial credential, such as Initial Professional Classification.
Career changers can use one of 3 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.

Missouri teacher certification Alternative routes

Teacher preparation providers in Missouri

Provider	Program types	Enrollment	Completers
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)	Alternative, not IHE-based	1,193	534
Avila University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	128	30
Calvary University	Traditional	17	2
Central Methodist University	Traditional	1,064	198
College Of The Ozarks	Traditional	136	32
Columbia College	Traditional	87	20
Cottey College	Traditional	25	2
Culver-Stockton College	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	93	9
DESE Temporary Authorization	Alternative, not IHE-based	286	62
Drury University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	223	43
Evangel University	Traditional	234	51
Fontbonne University	Traditional	122	29
Hannibal-LaGrange University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	100	19
Harris Stowe State University	Traditional	122	5
Lincoln University	Traditional	225	37
Lindenwood University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	229	91
Maryville University	Traditional	69	19
Mission University	Traditional	39	4
Missouri Baptist State University	Traditional	256	70
Missouri Southern State University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	268	86
Missouri State University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	2,204	464
Missouri University of Science and Technology	Traditional	43	17
Missouri Valley College	Traditional	22	14
Missouri Western State University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	284	59
Northwest Missouri State University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	960	211
Park University	Traditional	115	26
Rockhurst University	Traditional	51	16
Southeast Missouri State University	Traditional	464	164
Southwest Baptist University	Traditional	206	49
St. Louis Teacher Residency Program	Alternative, not IHE-based	41	15
St. Louis University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	212	44
Stephens College	Traditional	29	15
The Educator Academy	Alternative, not IHE-based	46	15
Truman State University	Traditional	156	67
University of Central Missouri	Traditional	909	210
University of Missouri-Columbia	Traditional	1,200	270
University of Missouri-Kansas City	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	201	96
University of Missouri-St. Louis	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	834	188
Washington University	Traditional	53	15
Webster University	Traditional	111	34
Western Governors University - Missouri	Traditional	116	110
Westminster College	Traditional	98	20
William Jewell College	Traditional	74	13
William Woods University	Traditional	97	18

About teacher preparation in Missouri

The Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators (MoSPE) outline the expectations for programs preparing educators for certification in Missouri. In order to ensure that programs are meeting these expectations, MoSPE also creates an Annual Performance Report for Educator Preparation Programs (APR-EPP) to measure the performance of educator preparation programs(EPPs) in valid, accurate, and meaningful ways. Information provided through these reports will facilitate identification of programs in need of improvement so they can receive appropriate support and interventions. Likewise, the reports will assist in recognizing high-performing programs as models of excellence based on the same set of indicators. The APR-EPP is based on the state-approved performance standards and provides a mechanism by which to review and accredit programs in Educator Preparation.

More information about MoSPE can be found at http://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/educator-preparation/mo-standards-preparation-educators