How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Missouri 2025

Middle school teachers play a vital role in helping students build subject knowledge and social skills during a critical phase of development. If you're interested in teaching grades six through eight, you'll need to meet specific academic, testing, and certification requirements set by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Whether you want to teach math, science, language arts, or history, you'll need a teaching certificate in that subject area for grades five through nine.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a middle school teacher�from degree and testing requirements to job outlook and salary expectations. It also includes information about subject-specific licenses, financial aid for education majors, and common questions about teaching pathways.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers help students in grades six through eight build foundational knowledge in core subjects while developing critical thinking and communication skills. They plan lessons aligned with state learning standards, monitor student progress, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs. These educators also play a key role in guiding students through the emotional and social transitions that come with adolescence.

In Missouri, middle school teacher educational requirements include earning a bachelor's degree, completing an approved teacher preparation program, and passing certification exams.

Typical middle school teacher responsibilities include:

• creating lesson plans based on Missouri Learning Standards
• managing classroom behavior and maintaining a safe learning environment
• delivering instruction in subject-specific areas like math, science, or language arts
• using assessments to evaluate student performance and adjust teaching methods
• communicating regularly with parents and guardians about student progress
• participating in professional development and school-based activities
• supporting students' academic and personal development

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Missouri

To become a licensed middle school teacher in Missouri, you must meet specific academic and certification requirements. The state offers several routes to certification, but most candidates complete a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program through a college or university. You must also meet all testing and background check requirements outlined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Each of the steps below reflects the official requirements to become a middle school teacher.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree and Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

You must begin by earning a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In Missouri, most aspiring middle school teachers pursue degrees in education or a related content area like science, math, or English. These programs typically include general education coursework and subject-specific instruction tailored to middle school teaching.

In addition to completing coursework, you must graduate from a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP). This program includes pedagogical training and classroom-based field experiences. All approved programs meet Missouri's certification standards and are designed to prepare you for the realities of teaching in grades six through eight.

Step 2: Pass the Required Missouri Educator Exams

After completing your degree and teacher prep program, you'll need to pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) for middle school education. This exam evaluates your subject-matter knowledge in the area you plan to teach, such as math, English, or science.

You may also need to pass the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA), depending on your preparation program. These tests are required to ensure that all new teachers have the skills and content expertise needed for effective instruction. Test scores are submitted as part of your certification application.

Step 3: Apply for an Initial Professional Certificate

Once you've passed the required exams, you can apply for Missouri's Initial Professional Certificate (IPC). This certificate is valid for four years and allows you to begin teaching in a Missouri public school. You'll apply through the DESE Educator Certification System and must include official transcripts, test scores, and verification of program completion.

In addition to documentation, you'll need to submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check. This is a standard part of the Missouri certification process and must be completed before the IPC is issued.

Step 4: Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of the certification process. This ensures that prospective teachers meet Missouri's legal and ethical standards for working with children.

You'll register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) and schedule an appointment to submit your fingerprints. Results are sent directly to DESE, and your application cannot be processed until this step is complete.

Step 5: Begin Teaching Under the Initial Certificate

Once certified, you can begin teaching in a Missouri middle school. During the first few years, you'll work under the Initial Professional Certificate while gaining classroom experience and receiving mentorship from experienced educators.

New teachers are encouraged to participate in induction programs and professional development opportunities. These experiences not only support skill growth but also count toward requirements for upgrading your certification later.

Step 6: Upgrade to a Career or Continuous Professional Certificate

After teaching for four years under the IPC, you may be eligible to upgrade to the Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC). To qualify, you must complete 30 contact hours of professional development, receive successful annual evaluations, and participate in a district mentoring program.

This certificate remains valid as long as you continue teaching and meet Missouri's ongoing professional development and renewal requirements. Holding a CCPC reflects your continued commitment to high-quality instruction and student learning.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

Missouri requires middle school teachers to be certified in the specific subject area they plan to teach. Each certification area covers grades five through nine and includes both content-specific coursework and pedagogy training. You must also pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) for your subject to qualify for certification. Below are the steps tailored to each major teaching area.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To become a middle school math teacher in Missouri, you must earn a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in mathematics and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program should include middle-level pedagogy and math-specific instructional strategies.

You'll also need to pass the Missouri Content Assessment for Middle School Mathematics (test code 026). This exam evaluates your understanding of topics such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and instructional methods. After passing the exam and completing your preparation program, you can apply for the Middle School Mathematics certificate.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

If you want to teach science at the middle school level in Missouri, you'll need a degree that builds a strong foundation in subjects like biology, earth science, and chemistry. Your program should also focus on instructional strategies that support hands-on, inquiry-based learning for students in grades five through nine.

Certification requires passing the Middle School Science Missouri Content Assessment (test code 044), which measures your understanding of life, physical, and earth sciences, as well as scientific reasoning skills. Once you complete both the academic and testing requirements, you can move forward with applying for your teaching license.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach history at the middle school level, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes courses in U.S. history, world history, government, and social studies pedagogy. Your educator preparation program must also include clinical experiences in a middle school setting.

Certification requires passing the MoCA for Middle School Social Science (test code 043). This exam assesses your knowledge of historical thinking, geography, civics, and economics. Once passed, you can apply for the Middle School Social Science certificate.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

To become an English language arts teacher for middle school grades in Missouri, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes in-depth study of writing, reading, literature, and language structure. Your program must also include a teacher preparation component that focuses on how to support literacy development in young adolescents.

You'll need to pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) for Middle School English Language Arts (test code 023) to demonstrate your understanding of communication skills, reading analysis, and language use. After completing both the academic and testing steps, you can apply for certification in middle school language arts.

Education Degree Programs in Missouri

Missouri offers several educator preparation programs that lead to middle school teacher certification. These programs include content-specific coursework, field experiences, and licensure support aligned with state certification requirements.

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in middle school education, designed to prepare students for certification in grades five through nine. Students choose from four concentration areas: language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. Each track includes courses in adolescent development, instructional strategies, and subject-specific teaching methods.

The program includes clinical placements throughout the Springfield area, beginning with early field experiences and culminating in student teaching. Required courses vary by subject area but may include Middle School Philosophy and Organization, Content Area Literacy, and discipline-specific pedagogy. Graduates meet Missouri certification requirements for their chosen subject area.

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

2. University of Central Missouri

Students interested in teaching grades five through nine can pursue a Bachelor of Science in education in middle school education at the University of Central Missouri. The program offers four concentration areas: mathematics, science, social studies, and English. Each pathway integrates core education courses with specialized content-area training to prepare students for subject-specific certification.

Throughout the program, students engage in multiple field experiences in local schools, including a semester of student teaching. Coursework emphasizes instructional planning, classroom management, and strategies for supporting adolescent learners. Graduates meet Missouri certification requirements for middle school subject areas.

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

3. Southeast Missouri State University

Future educators can earn a Bachelor of Science in education in middle school education at Southeast Missouri State University with certification in grades five through nine. Students choose from four subject concentrations: language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. The program includes foundational education courses, content-area instruction, and classroom-based field experiences.

Hands-on learning is integrated throughout, beginning with introductory teaching labs and culminating in a full semester of student teaching. Coursework covers adolescent development, curriculum design, and assessment practices specific to middle grades. Graduates are prepared for initial Missouri teaching certification in their selected subject area.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,194 (in-state); $10,194 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Missouri�St. Louis

The University of Missouri�St. Louis (UMSL) offers multiple pathways for aspiring middle school teachers, including a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a middle school emphasis and an alternative certification option. The bachelor's program prepares students for certification in grades five through nine with subject-area concentrations in language arts, math, science, or social studies.

Students complete general education and professional education coursework alongside clinical experiences in diverse school settings. For career changers or degree-holders, UMSL's alternative certification route provides a graduate-level pathway to earn teaching credentials while working in the classroom. Both options lead to initial teacher certification in Missouri.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,870 (in-state); $39,510 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in education in middle school education for students seeking certification in grades five through nine. The program allows students to specialize in language arts, mathematics, science, or social science. Coursework integrates teaching methods, adolescent development, and content-specific instruction designed for middle-level learners.

In addition to traditional undergraduate pathways, Northwest also offers an alternative certification program for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. This route enables candidates to work in Missouri schools while completing licensure requirements. Both options include extensive field experiences and lead to initial certification in the selected subject area.

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

Middle School Teacher Salary in Missouri

The average middle school teacher salary in Missouri is $60,500 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure reflects the mean annual wage for middle school teachers, excluding special education and career/technical education roles. Salaries can vary by region, district, and years of experience.

Teachers in urban districts or those with advanced degrees may earn higher wages, while rural areas may offer lower salaries due to local funding differences. In comparison, the national average salary for middle school teachers is $62,970, placing Missouri below the national average.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Missouri

Employment of middle school teachers is expected to decline by 1% between 2023 and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this projected decrease, the demand for new teachers remains steady.

Around 41,400 job openings are projected each year nationwide due to retirements, career changes, and workforce exits. In Missouri, teacher turnover and retirements may continue to create opportunities, particularly in rural districts and subject areas with teacher shortages.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

If you're pursuing a teaching degree in Missouri, several financial aid options can help cover the cost of your education. The federal government offers need-based aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study opportunities. Many online colleges that accept financial aid allow Missouri students to use FAFSA funds toward their tuition.

State-specific aid is also available. The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development offers programs like the Access Missouri Grant, which provides need-based assistance to eligible students. Additionally, the Teach Missouri Scholarship supports students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs who plan to work in Missouri schools after graduation.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Missouri

If you're thinking about becoming a middle school teacher in Missouri, you likely have questions about timelines, degree requirements, and affordable pathways. These frequently asked questions can help you better understand what to expect as you plan your next steps.

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

It typically takes four years to become a middle school teacher in Missouri if you enroll full time in a bachelor's degree program that includes teacher certification. Additional time may be required if you pursue an alternative route after earning a degree in another field.

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

Yes, Missouri offers alternative certification routes for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. These options usually require enrollment in a state-approved certification program and passing relevant exams.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest way to become a teacher in Missouri is through the alternative certification pathway, which allows degree-holders to teach while completing coursework. These programs are typically designed to be completed in one to two years.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Missouri for Free?

You may be able to reduce or eliminate your costs through state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and teacher-focused funding programs. Some Missouri students qualify for tuition assistance through service-based programs that require teaching in high-need schools.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone does not meet Missouri's teacher certification requirements. However, it can serve as a starting point toward a bachelor's degree and eventual licensure if you transfer into an approved teacher preparation program.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Missouri

If you're ready to start your teaching journey, explore accredited middle school education programs available at colleges across Missouri on Learn.org. You can compare degree options and find the path that fits your goals.