Reading Specialist in Missouri: Certification & Requirements
Missouri teachers can pursue additional certification as reading specialists. The process to become certified will be illustrated for interested teachers.
Missouri Reading Specialist Career Information
The state of Missouri offers a Special Reading Teacher Certification for K-12 as an add-on credential for current teachers. These certified teachers work with students who have reading issues as either a literacy coach or a Title I teacher. They can choose from two certification routes and will need two years of relevant work experience.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required </td><td> Master's degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in reading and two years of teaching experience</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exam Requirements</td><td>Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment (MoPTA), Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA), Missouri Educator Profile (MEP), and Missouri Content Assessment for desired area of certification</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification Renewal Period</td><td> 4 years for initial certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td>CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> 30 hours</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary for Teachers in Missouri (2018)*</td><td>$49,860 (Elementary School Teachers)<br/>$55,070 (Middle School Teachers)<br/>$54,280 (Secondary School Teachers)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook for Teachers in Missouri (2016-2026)**</td><td>5.3% (Elementary School Teachers)<br/>5.6% (Middle School Teachers)<br/>5.3% (Secondary School Teachers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Missouri Economic Research and Information Center</i>
</p><h3 id="section---SpecialReadingTeacherEligibilityRequirements">Special Reading Teacher Eligibility Requirements</h3><p>Individuals desiring a Special Reading Teacher certification must first earn their initial teaching certificate in the state of Missouri. This requires earning a bachelor's degree through an approved teacher training program. Some training programs require individuals to complete the Missouri Educator Profile (MEP). This profile analyzes candidates' strengths and weaknesses and provides opportunities for development. Individuals will complete a student teaching assignment during their training in an approved program.
</p><p>Individuals will need to create an account on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) website and submit an application for an initial teaching certificate. The process also includes passing a criminal background check through the FBI.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>Teaching candidates in Missouri will need to pass several exams in order to become certified as teachers. The first exam is the Missouri General Education Assessment, known as MoGEA, and is required for acceptance into a teacher training program. The MoGEA tests candidates' knowledge in writing, math, science, social science, and English language arts. Teaching candidates must also pass a content assessment exam for their desired grade or subject level.
</p><p>The final test is the Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment (MoPTA). During their student teaching experience, prospective teachers submit written commentary along with materials like student work and lessons to demonstrate their teaching abilities.
</p><h3 id="section---SpecialReadingTeacherCertificationProcess">Special Reading Teacher Certification Process</h3><p>After earning an initial teaching certificate, candidates can then begin working on meeting the requirements for the Special Reading Teacher certification. They will need at least two years of relevant work experience in order to qualify for the certification. Teachers in Missouri have two options for completing the education required for the Special Reading Teacher certification.
</p><ul><li>Master's Degree Program: The first option is to enroll in a master's degree program, such as a Master of Science in Education - Literacy, that can prepare graduates for certification as Special Reading Teachers.
</li><li>Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program: The second certification option is to enroll in a post-baccalaureate certificate program. This option would be suitable for teachers who desire the Special Reading Teacher certification but do not want to pursue a master's degree during the certification process.
</li></ul><p>Either certification option provides teachers with the training necessary to work with students who struggle with reading. Teachers receive training in areas such as working with special needs students, various assessment techniques, effective teaching methods, and literacy.</p>