FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2026
KANSAS CITY – Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT), the nation’s leading alternative certification program, is pleased to announce its expansion into Missouri. This expansion offers an accessible and reliable solution to address the Missouri teacher shortage while helping aspiring educators earn their full certification through flexible training, expert support, and personalized pathways.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Missouri
Like most of the nation, Missouri has struggled with the impacts of a critical and persistent teacher shortage. According to the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) 2025 survey, more than 71% of Missouri teachers have considered leaving the classroom, with “stress and chronic overwhelm” cited as a key factor.
Teachers of Tomorrow’s presence in Missouri marks a commitment to helping the state reach solutions and ensure every student has access to a high-quality teacher. Missouri is now the 10th state to provide access to this accredited program, joining Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
A Proven Pathway to the Classroom
Teachers of Tomorrow has over 20 years of experience and has helped more than 85,000 teachers become certified nationwide. Many of these graduates fill critical need areas such as STEM, Special Education, and the Arts.
“We are excited to expand into Missouri, providing a pathway to certification that both supports aspiring teachers in the most essential ways and delivers excellence in teacher preparation. No aspiring teacher should be hindered by the training process or the debt that can come along with it. ToT offers an open door, and in doing so, we’re not only helping to strengthen Missouri’s educator workforce but also ensuring students have access to highly qualified teachers.”
— Dr. Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow
Dr. Morrison leads ToT with a background as a former teacher and National Superintendent of the Year. Under his leadership, the program aims to strengthen Missouri’s educator workforce and ensure students have access to highly qualified teachers.
About Teachers of Tomorrow
Teachers of Tomorrow is the nation’s leading alternative teacher certification program. With a mission to develop high-quality educators, ToT has a network of more than 85,000 certified teachers making a lasting impact on students, classrooms, and communities. ToT is a portfolio company of The Rise Fund—a global impact investment fund focused on driving positive social and environmental change.
Learn more about Missouri certification programs at www.teachersoftomorrow.org.
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Media Contact:
Mollie Young | 716-604-5574
myoung@themach1group.com
