Understanding the Missouri Teacher Certification Process

Start the journey to become certified to teach in Missouri with a flexible, affordable program that fits your schedule. Train online, receive personalized advisor support, and gain the real classroom experience you need to become a certified educator in Missouri. 

The Steps to a Missouri Certification

Everyone starts with the same core path, though your timeline will depend on your prior experience, exam schedule, and how you choose your coursework pace.

Apply Online for FREE

Start by completing your free online application.

Enroll in Program

Choose between the program path that best fits your goals.

Complete Training

Complete key coursework, pass required exams, and required student contact hours.

Begin Teaching

Congrats! After you finish your coursework, exams, and classroom experience, you will be eligible to teach!

Apply Now

Approved Certification Areas

Missouri Teachers of Tomorrow currently certifies candidates in the following subjects: 

  • Elementary Education (1-6)
  • Biology (9–12)
  • Earth Science (5-9, 9–12)
  • Chemistry (9–12)
  • English/Language Arts (5–9, 9–12)
  • General Science (5–9)
  • Mathematics (5–9, 9–12)
  • Physics (9–12)
  • Social Science (5–9, 9–12)

A Closer Look at the Program

Start by completing your free online application. Choose between our Essential or Advanced pathway to find the plan that best fits your goals.

ESSENTIAL

Core training, best suited for substitutes, paraprofessionals, and others already in the classroom:

  • Coursework: 60-80 hours
  • 5 core topics
  • 1-2 projects
  • Professional Knowledge Exam Prep
  • Content Exam Prep
  • Methods Course

ADVANCED

Ideal if you’re moving into teaching from another career and want extra preparation:

  • Coursework: up to 140 hours
  • 6 core topics
  • 3-4 projects
  • Professional Knowledge Exam Prep
  • Content Exam Prep
  • Methods Course
  • Additional certification support
  • Field Coaching: 1-3

 

 

What Documents Do I Need for Admission?

Missouri Teachers of Tomorrow currently certifies candidates in the following subjects:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required.
  • Undergraduate Transcripts: Official transcripts are required to verify your degree.

Ready. Set. Apply.

What Happens When I Am Accepted?

After acceptance, you’ll officially enroll in the program and gain access to your online coursework. You’ll work with a Program Advisor who provides routine check-ins to help you stay on track. Your advisor will also connect you to self-service resources, including our Knowledge Base and online chat.

Apply now for free

What Should I Expect Once
I Am In The Program?

While in the program, you will complete online coursework, work to pass required exams, and get contact hours in a real classroom.

Coursework Requirements

Complete online, on-demand classroom readiness training.

  • Essential Program: 60-80 coursework hours
  • Advanced Program: up to 140 coursework hours

Exam Requirements

Pass required exams for your certification area(s)

  • Praxis Content Exam (required for all areas)
  • Foundations of Reading Exam (for elementary candidates)

Learn more about exam registration through the Missouri Content Assessments site.

Field Experience

Complete classroom experience (required contact hours) through substitute teaching, paraprofessional work, or similar roles.

  • Elementary: 90 hours total
  • Non-Elementary: 60 hours total

If you’re enrolled in the Advanced Program, you’ll also receive Field Supervision support

What Type of License Will I Receive?

Once you’ve completed our program, you’ll be eligible to teach under Missouri’s Initial Professional Classification (IPC) license. You will then work directly with your school district and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to advance from your IPC license to a Career Continuous Professional Classification (CCPC) license.

Let the journey begin

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