How To Become a Teacher in Missouri 2025

<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>The type of teacher you want to become will likely affect the education program you complete in college. For example, if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you'll most likely earn a different degree than a special education teacher position. </p><p>Let's look at the requirements for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>Elementary school teachers work with young children in first through fifth grade. They commonly major in elementary education, complete student teaching experiences in elementary schools, and complete certification exams directly related to elementary-level subject matter and classroom management. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>Middle school teachers generally work with students in sixth through eighth grades. Common middle school teacher educational requirements include majoring in middle school education or the specific subject you hope to teach (e.g., mathematics or science); completing student teaching experiences in a middle school; and completing middle grades certification exams. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>High school teachers are tasked with preparing students in ninth through twelfth grade for college and career training. High school teacher educational requirements typically include majoring in secondary education or a specific subject area, working high school teaching positions during student teaching, and seeking high school-level credentialing when pursuing your teaching license. </p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Once you've decided what type of teacher you hope to become, it's time to think about what type of major to pursue. This will likely be influenced by your desired career path. For example, if you're hoping to teach elementary students, you'll likely major in elementary education — but if you want to teach high school language arts, you may choose to major in either secondary education or English. </p><p>If you're not sure which subject or grade level you want to teach, or if you want to be able to teach multiple grades or subjects, you can pursue a more generalized teaching or education degree. This will enable you to gain experience working with different age groups and will prepare you to pursue teaching certification at various levels. </p><p>Regardless of the specific major you choose, it's highly recommended that you complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This type of teaching program helps aspiring teachers prepare for Missouri's certification and licensing process while also building student teaching experiences directly into the program. </p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>All teachers in Missouri must hold a bachelor's degree. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, there are alternative routes to becoming a teacher that involve completing a short-term teacher certification program to prepare for licensure. However, if you're just starting out in college, completing your education degree while working through an approved teacher education program provides the most direct route to your teaching career. </p><p>Your teacher preparation program will incorporate student teaching hours into your bachelor's degree program. All prospective teachers in Missouri will complete at least 30 observation hours, along with 45 hours of supervised classroom instruction. </p><p>Learners will also complete coursework relative to teaching. Common education courses may cover topics such as classroom management, teaching theories, and content area instruction. </p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>Getting a master's degree isn't required to teach in the state of Missouri. That said, there are various benefits to earning an advanced degree, such as the potential for higher pay and qualifying for more desirable positions. </p><p>Earning a master's degree can help individuals with an unrelated bachelor's degree transition into a career in teaching. It can also help those with a bachelor's degree in education transition to a different educational field or gain advanced knowledge in a particular specialization. </p><p>What's more, getting a master's degree can make you a more desirable candidate whether you're pursuing a particular position within your school district or looking to work in a private school. Having a master's degree may also make it easier to pursue advanced teaching credentials. </p><h3 id="section---Step5PassMissouriTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Missouri Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>All new teachers in Missouri begin their careers by pursuing the Initial Professional Certificate (IPC) in teaching. To qualify for this certification, candidates who have successfully completed a teacher preparation program must pass a series of exams known as the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA). </p><p>You will take different exams depending on the grade levels and subject areas in which you're hoping to earn educator certification. Some of the exams you may have to take include the Missouri General Education Assessment and the Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment. </p><p>Once you've passed your exams, you'll need to submit a background check and complete an application for state licensure. As part of the application, you'll submit your official transcripts and a letter of recommendation from your teacher preparation program. </p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>Once you've been granted your Initial Professional Certificate, you can begin looking for your first teaching job. You may want to consider applying with your local school district or any district where you completed student teaching experiences. </p><p>You can also look for jobs at public and private schools throughout your state by searching for openings directly through their websites or by attending hiring events. You can also look for out-of-state options, but keep in mind that you may need to complete additional training or certification requirements to meet teaching standards in other states. </p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>As noted above, certain teaching positions may require specific types of degrees. For example, someone planning to work in special education will likely need a degree in special education. Someone planning to teach high school algebra may want to major in secondary education or mathematics. </p><p>When considering which type of degree to pursue, think about the age group or subjects you're most interested in teaching. If you're not sure, choosing a general teaching or education degree can help you narrow down your interests and identify your target group. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInMissouri">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Missouri</h2><p>If you still have questions about what it takes to start a teaching career in Missouri, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions you may be asking. </p><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInMissouri">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Missouri?</h3><p>Most prospective teachers in Missouri major in an education field and complete a teacher education program approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. That said, it's possible to begin teaching in Missouri with any bachelor's degree. The only stipulation to this is that if your degree is in a non-education field, you may need to complete additional education requirements by enrolling in a master's degree or alternative certification program. </p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>All schools in Missouri must adhere to state laws and regulations set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. That said, both public and private schools may have additional regulations and requirements. </p><p>School districts determine these regulations for public schools, while private schools determine their own standards. With this in mind, there may be some differing requirements not only between public and private schools but between public schools belonging to different school districts. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeAnElementarySchoolTeacherInMissouri">How Do I Become an Elementary School Teacher in Missouri?</h3><p>To become an elementary school teacher, you will follow the basic step-by-step process outlined in this article. You may want to consider completing an elementary education degree, and you will be encouraged to complete student teaching obligations at elementary schools. You will need to pass certification exams specifically relevant to becoming an elementary school teacher in Missouri. </p><h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInMissouri">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Missouri?</h3><p>It's possible to become a substitute teacher in Missouri right away as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field, you can become a certified teacher after completing a short-term certification course and fulfilling all requirements, potentially beginning your career in as little as one year. Finally, those following the traditional path of earning a bachelor's degree in education can typically meet all education and certification requirements within four to five years. </p><h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareer">Start Your Teaching Career</h2><p>If you're ready to help address the teacher shortage by becoming a teacher in Missouri, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges or universities to learn more about their educator preparation programs and choose the best option for you.</p>