How To Become a High School Teacher in Missouri 2025

Teaching high school in Missouri gives you the chance to support students as they prepare for life after graduation. To get there, you'll need to follow the state's process for becoming certified, which includes meeting high school teacher educational requirements like earning a degree, completing classroom training, and passing exams.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become a high school teacher, whether you're beginning your college journey or making a mid-career shift into education.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

High school teachers in Missouri play a key role in shaping students' academic growth during their final years of K-12 education. They usually focus on a single subject, such as English, biology, or U.S. history, and guide students through coursework that meets Missouri's academic standards. Their goal is to prepare learners for graduation and help them take the next step toward college or a career.

Beyond delivering lessons, high school teachers manage day-to-day classroom activities, assess student progress, and support overall school operations. They work closely with families, school staff, and counselors to create a learning environment where students can thrive.

High school teacher responsibilities include the following:

• develop daily, weekly, and long-term instructional plans
• create assignments, projects, and exams to assess learning
• offer support for students with different learning needs
• supervise classroom conduct and maintain a safe environment
• track student performance and maintain accurate records
• align teaching materials with Missouri Learning Standards
• participate in staff development and training sessions
• build communication with families, counselors, and school leaders

How To Become a High School Teacher in Missouri

To teach at the high school level in Missouri, you must meet the certification requirements set by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). These requirements ensure that all teachers have the academic background, training, and classroom experience needed to lead instruction in grades nine through 12.

Missouri offers several pathways to licensure, including traditional four-year degree programs and alternative certification options for those entering the field after completing a degree in another subject. Keep reading to learn how you can get started

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

First, you should decide which subject to teach in high school you want to pursue. Once you know what you'd like to teach, you can earn your bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

You might choose a broader educational route, such as secondary education, or majoring in a specific subject area, like biology, English, or history. These degree programs include general education coursework, subject-specific content, and introductory education classes that lay the groundwork for teacher licensure.

If your degree is not in education, you can still meet Missouri's certification requirements by enrolling in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. This route is common for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject and want to transition into the classroom.

Step 2: Complete a Missouri-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

In addition to your degree, you must complete a teacher preparation program approved by the Missouri DESE. These programs include both academic coursework and practical training in the classroom. You'll take courses in topics such as teaching strategies, adolescent development, assessment design, and classroom technology.

A key part of this step is completing a supervised student teaching experience, where you'll work full-time in a Missouri classroom under the guidance of a certified teacher. Teacher preparation programs may be part of a bachelor's degree, a post-baccalaureate option, or even a master's program. Missouri also accepts preparation programs completed in other states, provided they meet equivalent standards.

Step 3: Pass the Required Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA)

To move forward with certification, you'll need to pass the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA). This testing system includes multiple exams depending on your subject area and academic background. Most high school teacher candidates take the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) in their specific teaching subject. Some preparation programs may also require the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA), which evaluates general academic skills.

These exams measure whether you have the subject knowledge and instructional readiness required for the classroom. Your teacher preparation program will help you determine which tests are required and may offer resources to help you prepare.

Step 4: Apply for an Initial Professional Certificate

Once you've finished your degree, completed your preparation program, and passed your exams, you're ready to apply for certification. New teachers in Missouri begin with an Initial Professional Certificate. You'll submit your application through the DESE certification portal and provide all required documentation, including transcripts, test results, program verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.

This license is valid for four years and allows you to teach in public schools across the state. During this time, you'll be expected to complete mentoring and professional development. Once the four-year period is complete and requirements are met, you can apply to upgrade your license to a Career Certificate, which is renewable every four years.

Step 5: Explore Alternative Routes to Licensure

Missouri also offers several nontraditional certification pathways for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program. One of the most well-known is the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), a self-paced online program designed for subject matter experts who want to teach.

Other options include temporary authorization programs, which allow you to teach while completing your certification coursework, and post-baccalaureate university programs. These alternative routes can be a good fit for mid-career professionals or individuals who want to enter the classroom quickly while still working toward full certification. Each route has its own eligibility criteria and timelines, but all lead to full certification upon successful completion.

Education Degree Programs in Missouri

Aspiring high school teachers in Missouri can choose from several affordable, accredited public universities that offer degree programs aligned with state licensure requirements. Below are five institutions offering secondary education programs with strong reputations for teacher training.

Missouri State University

Missouri State University (MSU) offers a comprehensive teacher preparation pathway through its Bachelor of Science (BS) in secondary education. Students select from a wide range of teaching concentrations, such as English, chemistry, mathematics, or social studies, while also taking classes in instructional methods, educational foundations, and content-specific pedagogy.

The BS program includes multiple field experiences that begin early and build toward a full-time student teaching placement in a Missouri high school. Students receive close support from faculty advisors and mentor teachers, as well as access to workshops and resources to prepare for the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA). MSU's strong partnerships with public school districts across the region help students find placements that align with their career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,828 (in-state); $20,460 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) prepares future secondary educators through its Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in secondary education, which focuses on developing teaching expertise across academic subjects. Students choose a content area such as physics, English, or history and take courses in adolescent learning, lesson planning, and classroom technology.

During the final semester of your teaching degree, you'll engage in full-time student teaching at a partnering high school. The College of Education provides tailored licensure advising, access to test preparation for the Missouri Content Assessments (MoCA), and a career services center to support job placement after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,910 (in-state); $17,820 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) trains aspiring high school teachers through its BSE in secondary education, which offers concentrations in areas such as biology, mathematics, English, and social studies. Students complete a blend of subject-area and education-focused coursework, including classes in educational psychology, instructional planning, and diversity in education.

The program includes progressively intensive school-based field experiences that culminate in a semester of student teaching. You'll be paired with experienced teachers in local high schools and receive coaching from university faculty throughout the process. SEMO also offers flexible graduate and online options for students who wish to advance their careers with a master's degree in education or pursue additional certification areas.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University supports future educators through its BSE in secondary education, which prepares students to teach in grades nine through 12. Students complete general education coursework, content-area classes, and teacher preparation courses that focus on instructional design, student assessment, and professional ethics.

Field-based learning is embedded throughout the program. Students begin with guided classroom observation and progress to practicum experiences before completing a full-time student teaching semester. Northwest also offers academic advising, resume-building workshops, and certification exam preparation services to help students meet licensure requirements and transition into Missouri classrooms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,795.50 (in-state); $22,522.50 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) offers a focused and hands-on teacher training program through its BSE in secondary education. Students choose a subject concentration and take coursework in learning theory, inclusive instruction, and educational technology.

The program features a year-long clinical experience that begins with practicum placement and leads to a full semester of student teaching. MSSU supports students with one-on-one advising, study tools for the Missouri Content Assessments, and early exposure to classroom settings through school partnerships. Graduates are prepared to apply for Initial Certification and begin teaching in Missouri high schools.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,120 (in-state); $16,240 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Missouri?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average high school teacher salary in Missouri is $58,250 per year. This figure represents teachers across a range of experience levels and districts. Starting salaries tend to be lower, but educators can expect increases over time based on years of service, additional credentials, and collective bargaining agreements.

Pay can also vary significantly depending on where you teach. Educators working in larger school districts such as St. Louis or Kansas City may earn higher wages than those in smaller or rural communities. Teachers in high-need subject areas like mathematics, science, or special education may also qualify for additional pay incentives or stipends.

Beyond base salary, most full-time public school teachers in Missouri receive a benefits package that may include:

• state retirement through the Public School Retirement System of Missouri
• health, dental, and vision insurance options
• paid sick leave and personal days
• access to professional development funding
• stipends for extracurricular duties such as coaching or advising clubs

These benefits contribute significantly to overall compensation and can help support long-term career stability in education.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Missouri

The demand for qualified high school teachers in Missouri is expected to remain steady in the coming years, particularly in areas where staffing shortages persist. Nationwide, the BLS estimates a 4% increase in high school teaching positions between 2022 and 2032. Missouri is anticipated to follow a similar pattern, with consistent job openings driven by teacher retirements, student enrollment changes, and staffing gaps in certain regions.

School districts across Missouri (especially those in rural areas or low-income communities) often face challenges filling roles in core subjects like mathematics, biology, chemistry, and special education. These shortages present strong employment prospects for new teachers who are certified in these high-need areas.

Additional factors that may improve your job outlook include:

• holding dual certifications in more than one subject
• completing student teaching in high-need or rural districts
• earning a graduate degree or endorsement in a shortage area
• willingness to teach extracurricular activities or sponsor clubs
• flexibility in location, particularly outside of urban centers

Overall, Missouri continues to offer opportunities for certified high school teachers across the state, especially for those entering the profession with specialized training or a willingness to teach in high-demand content areas.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

If you're pursuing a teaching degree in Missouri, you have several options to help pay for your education. State grants, federal aid, and institutional scholarships are all available to reduce the cost of tuition and support your path to licensure.

• The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program provides need-based grants to eligible Missouri residents attending in-state colleges. Awards are based on financial need and FAFSA submission.
• The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach in high-need fields or low-income schools after graduation.
• The Bright Flight Program is a merit-based scholarship awarded to Missouri students with high ACT or SAT scores who plan to attend a Missouri college or university.

In addition to these statewide and federal options, you may also qualify for:

• institutional scholarships from Missouri universities and education departments
• work-study positions for undergraduate education majors
• loan forgiveness programs for teaching in shortage areas or underserved communities
• community foundation scholarships or district-specific funding for future teachers

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to unlocking most types of financial aid. Submitting your application early can increase your chances of receiving multiple awards.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Missouri

If you're considering a teaching career in Missouri, you likely have questions about the timeline, education requirements, and alternative pathways to licensure. The answers below provide helpful guidance for both traditional and nontraditional candidates.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in Missouri?

Most people take four to five years to meet all the requirements to teach at the high school level. This includes earning a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, completing student teaching, and passing Missouri's required certification exams.

If you're following a traditional route, you'll typically complete a degree program that includes licensure preparation. For individuals using an alternative pathway, such as the American Board or post-baccalaureate programs, the timeline may be shorter, often around one to two years, depending on your prior education and how quickly you meet program milestones.

Can You Become a Teacher in Missouri Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, Missouri offers alternative certification options for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. These include post-baccalaureate university programs or approved non-university routes such as the American Board. These programs provide the coursework and mentoring required to meet state licensure standards.

After completing the required assessments and practical experiences, candidates can earn a Missouri Initial Professional Certificate (IPC) and begin teaching in their subject area.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The quickest route depends on your background. If you're just starting college, the fastest option is a four-year bachelor's degree program that includes certification preparation and student teaching.

If you already have a degree, accelerated pathways such as the American Board program or university-led Transition to Teaching programs can allow you to become certified in about one to two years. These are ideal for career changers who want to enter the classroom quickly while receiving training on instructional strategies and classroom management.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Missouri for Free?

Several programs may help you pursue teaching without taking on significant debt. Filing the FAFSA is the first step toward qualifying for financial aid. You may be eligible for the TEACH Grant, which awards up to $4,000 annually for students who agree to teach in high-need fields or schools serving low-income communities.

Missouri residents can also apply for state-based programs such as Access Missouri and Bright Flight. Additionally, some school districts and community organizations offer financial support or tuition reimbursement to future teachers who commit to working locally after graduation.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, Missouri requires a bachelor's degree for teacher certification. However, an associate degree can serve as a helpful first step. Many students begin their education at a community college and transfer to a four-year university with an education program. Some associate degrees are designed for easy transfer into teacher preparation tracks.

While an associate alone won't qualify you to teach, it can reduce your total tuition costs and shorten the time required to complete a bachelor's degree if you plan ahead.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Missouri

Missouri offers a variety of affordable and accredited education programs to help you start your teaching career. Browse the teaching degrees featured on Learn.org to find the program that best fits your goals.