Missouri Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject and wish to transition to teaching, Missouri alternative teacher certification may be a good fit for you. Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional certification pathways in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) offers several alternative pathways for prospective educators, which are outlined below.
Table of Contents
- Missouri Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
The minimum educational requirement to pursue an alternative route to teacher certification in Missouri is a bachelor’s degree. Missouri alternative pathways typically allow candidates to teach in a classroom while taking courses in a teacher preparation program to earn initial licensure. These preparation programs may lead either to a graduate certificate or a master’s degree. Candidates will also typically need to pass the state’s teacher licensure exams.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Missouri
Missouri has approved multiple pathways for alternative teacher licensure to attract qualified professionals to the classroom. Note that all routes leading to certification in academic subjects require candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and most candidates will be required to complete a formal, state-approved teacher preparation program.
Alternative Route
The Alternative Route allows a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in a core content area to apply for a Provisional Teaching Certificate. Under the Provisional Certificate, the candidate must complete around 30 semester hours of coursework in a teacher preparation program while teaching in a classroom setting. When the alternative certification program is completed and the candidate has taken the required Missouri educator exams, the college will recommend the candidate for an Initial Professional Certificate (IPC). Candidates should consult the directory of approved educator preparation providers to see available programs.
American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Route
The DESE also recognizes American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) programs as a pathway to licensure. For this pathway, candidates must complete an ABCTE program of study and pass the corresponding ABCTE exam. Note that this pathway is only available for select grade levels and subject areas. Those seeking certification by this route must also complete an initial classroom placement as a substitute teacher or teaching paraprofessional before qualifying for an IPC. Candidates may teach under the IPC for up to four years while meeting the Career Continuous Professional Certificate (CCPC) requirements.
Career Education Temporary Authorization Certificate (CTAC)
Prospective educators in career and technical education subjects may apply for the Career Education Temporary Authorization Certificate (CTAC). Candidates must be employed by a school district or career center with a state-approved career technical education program and hold at least a high school diploma with 6,000 clock hours of closely related occupational experience within the last 10 years. Only 5,000 hours of experience are required for those with an associate degree and 4,000 hours for those with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates will take prescribed coursework, teach for at least two years, and be mentored by the employing school district. The CTAC is good for one year and requires six semester hours of college credit each year for renewal. Candidates who complete these requirements may advance to a standard Initial Career Education Certificate (ICEC).
Doctoral Route: Doctoral Degree in a Content Area
Holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree qualifies Missouri candidates for an IPC if they pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 7-12 Exam. Teachers following the doctoral route may not advance to the CCPC but can renew their IPC indefinitely.
Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC) Route
Another route to alternative teacher certification in Missouri is the Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC). Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in the subject area to be taught or have completed at least 24 semester hours in the content area. Candidates must also verify contracted employment with a Missouri school. This certificate is not available for elementary or early childhood teachers or for K-12 endorsements in blind/partially sighted, deaf/ hearing impaired, or counselor education. The TAC is valid for one year and may be renewed for an additional year if at least nine semester hours of college credits are earned. Individuals must complete educational requirements, teach for two years, complete a mentorship program, and pass exit examinations to upgrade to an IPC.
Testing Requirements for Missouri Alternative Certification
To become a certified teacher in Missouri, candidates must take the Praxis Subject Test for their subject area. Some programs may require a general skills test for admission. You can read more about testing requirements on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis website.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Teachers with valid out-of-state teaching certificates and approved teaching experience may qualify for certification through reciprocity in Missouri. The Missouri teaching certificate issued will depend on the candidate’s experience. Candidates must also complete the state’s criminal background check. For additional information, see our teaching certificate reciprocity guide.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Missouri
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the DESE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University* | AAQEP | Alternative, Master’s | 6 | — | — | $18,711 |
| Columbia College* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $25,954 |
| Culver-Stockton College | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $21,389 |
| Drury University* | CAEP | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 52 | 11 | 100% | $19,190 |
| Hannibal-LaGrange University* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 24 | 5 | N.Av. | $21,025 |
| Lindenwood University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $18,054 |
| Maryville University | AAQEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $28,087 |
| Missouri State University* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 126 | 21 | 100% | $16,804 |
| Missouri Western State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $10,440 |
| Northwest Missouri State University* | AAQEP | Alternative, Master’s | 34 | 13 | 92% | $13,375 |
| Rockhurst University* | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $21,518 |
| Saint Louis University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 15 | 4 | N.Av. | $27,872 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | AAQEP, CAEP | Master’s | 13 | 3 | N.Av. | $13,815 |
| Southwest Baptist University | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $18,202 |
| University of Central Missouri | CAEP | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 150 | 36 | 94% | $13,394 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $16,930 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $16,016 |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis* | AAQEP | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 265 | 124 | 99% | $10,039 |
| Washington University in St. Louis* | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $27,233 |
| William Jewell College | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $23,039 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Missouri
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Missouri. The following schools reported 90% pass rates or above for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Drury University (Alternative, Master’s; 100%)
- Missouri State University (Alternative, Master’s; 100%)
- University of Missouri-St. Louis (Alternative, Master’s; 99%)
- University of Central Missouri (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s; 94%)
- Northwest Missouri State University (Alternative, Master’s; 92%)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Missouri based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Avila University (12 months)
- Culver-Stockton College (12 months)
- Northwest Missouri State University (12 months)
- University of Central Missouri (12 months)
- University of Missouri-St. Louis (12 months)
- William Jewell College (12 months)
- Washington University in St. Louis (16 months)
Additional Resources
- American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Missouri: Overview of options and requirements for ABCTE’s classroom-based alternative route certification pathway in Missouri.
- Missouri DESE Guidelines for Career Education Teachers: Provides information on how to become certified in career and technical education in Missouri.
- Missouri DESE Routes to Certification: Detailed guidelines and requirements for the typical routes to certification offered in Missouri.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Missouri Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Missouri State Department of Education: https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/