How To Become a Teacher Online in Missouri

If you live in Missouri and want to become a teacher, you may wonder about the steps you should take to get there. If you're looking for a flexible program, you might wonder if it's possible to become a teacher online.

To become a school teacher in Missouri, you must complete an education or teaching degree program or a related bachelor's degree. You'll also need to obtain student teaching experience, pass an exam, a background check, and obtain a state license. Many of these steps can be completed online.

Read on for more information about becoming a teacher.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Missouri

As you work toward becoming a teacher online, you'll need to meet all requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Follow the steps below.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

Before you decide what type of degree to pursue, think about the type of teacher you would like to become and whether you want to teach at a public or private school. Maybe you want to become a preschool or kindergarten teacher in Missouri or maybe you'd prefer to become a high school teacher. Do you want to work in early childhood education, special education, or adult education? Do you want to teach a specific subject area like English, math, or science?

Knowing your preferred area of focus may impact the specific degree you pursue and the type of teaching license you'll need to obtain. The sooner you can narrow down your focus on your path to becoming a teacher, the better.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

After determining your area of focus, it's time to pick your bachelor's degree. The most direct route to becoming a teacher is to complete a state-approved educator preparation program at a college or university in Missouri. Many of these schools offer online teaching degrees.

That said, there are various alternative routes to becoming a teacher in Missouri. You can pursue a teaching certification with a bachelor's degree in any field. Students attending Missouri schools can choose from various online degree programs. Consider your career goals and interests and choose an online degree that best reflects your pursuits.

3. Participate in a Teacher Preparation Program

If you choose a bachelor's degree in a field unrelated to teaching, you will still need to complete an educator preparation program to obtain a Missouri teacher certification. However, since you already have a bachelor's degree, you can complete the necessary education by enrolling in an approved post-baccalaureate certificate program.

These short-term training programs are available at schools throughout the state, and some can be completed online. Before enrolling in one of these programs, speak with an academic advisor to ensure they will provide the necessary courses to help you meet certification requirements.

4. Complete Required Teaching Hours

As part of your educator preparation program, you're required to complete a student teaching experience. This opportunity, similar to an internship, will help you gain real-world experience in the classroom, putting the skills you learn into practice.

Students must complete 30 hours of observation in a classroom setting followed by 45 hours of hands-on instruction experience. They typically complete these hours in their preferred content area at their local school district or in the district where they hope to find employment after graduation.

5. Pass Missouri Required Teaching Tests

As of 2024, the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessment (MEGA) exams are no longer administered; however, aspiring teachers in Missouri must pass other exams, which are available online through Praxis.

These exams test competencies in specific levels of teaching. Some tests available include early childhood, elementary education, secondary education, advanced licensure, K-12 education, and temporary authorization. Choose the test that best aligns with your career goals.

6. Pass a Background Check

All aspiring Missouri teachers must pass a background check before obtaining certification. Candidates should pre-register online for their background check through the State Highway Patrol's Missouri Automated Criminal History Site.

Candidates are fingerprinted as part of the background check process. Once your criminal history has been analyzed and you have passed the background check, you can obtain certification to teach in Missouri.

7. Obtain Teaching Certification

Missouri teachers typically apply for an Initial Professional Certificate (IPC). Other teaching certificates in the state include the Temporary Authorization Certificate and the Provisional Certificate.

Once your application has been processed and approved, you can begin to apply for teaching jobs in Missouri.

Online Bachelor's Programs for Aspiring Teachers in Missouri

An online teaching degree can teach you the skills you need to complete a Missouri teaching certification program and pursue licensure. Some top online degrees to consider include the following.

Missouri State University � BS in Psychology

Missouri State University, located in Springfield, offers a variety of online degree programs at an affordable price. One of the degrees available is an online Bachelor of Science in psychology. The coursework in this program prepares students for a teaching career by helping them learn about the various thought processes and mental challenges affecting school-aged children.

University of Central Missouri � BS in Educational Studies and Training

The University of Central Missouri is located in Warrensburg. Among the school's online degree offerings is a Bachelor of Science in educational studies and training. This DESE-recognized teacher preparation program provides the training you need to become a certified teacher at an elementary school, middle school, or high school in Missouri.

University of Missouri-Columbia � Bachelor of Educational Studies

The University of Missouri-Columbia is the largest school in Missouri. It offers many online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Educational Studies. Students can pursue this DESE-approved program, or choose one of two concentrations: educational leadership or educational games and simulation design.

How Long Are Teaching Certifications Valid in Missouri?

Initial Professional Certificates and Initial Career Education Certificates are valid for four years from the date they are issued. Educators must pursue 30 or 90 hours of professional development, respectively, to upgrade their teacher certifications.

Career Continuous Professional Certificates and Continuous Career Education Certificates are valid for 99 years. With this in mind, you won't need to renew your teaching certifications once you have obtained these credentials.

How Do I Renew a Teaching Certification in Missouri?

To upgrade from one type of certification to the next level, you must gain four years of teaching experience, complete two years in a school district-provided mentoring program, and complete the necessary contact hours of professional development. If you have met all these requirements, you can upgrade your certification online through the DESE website.

Once you have upgraded, you must obtain 15 hours of professional development annually to maintain your certification. You become exempt from this requirement once you have 10 years of teaching experience, advanced education such as a master's degree, or a national teaching certification.