Missouri · Career guide
How to become a Principal in Missouri
Principals manage a school's instruction, operations, staff, family engagement, and student safety. The role typically requires 3-5 years of classroom teaching, a master's degree in educational leadership, completion of a state-approved principal preparation program, and passage of a state administrator licensure exam. Salaries materially exceed classroom-teacher pay (often by 40-70%) but the hours and accountability are correspondingly higher.
No principal / school leadership positions are open in Missouri right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Missouri
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Missouri typically requires:
- Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA) — Basic skills in reading, mathematics, writing, and science
- Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) Content Exam — Content knowledge for your certification area
- MEGA Foundations of Reading (elementary) — Reading instruction competency for K–8 teachers
Principal / administrator licensure is a distinct tier with its own preparation program and exam. Some states require an internship under a sitting principal as part of certification.
- Apply for your initial license through Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) →
- Job-search in Missouri. We'll track principal / school leadership openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Missouri
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Missouri offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC): Teach while completing requirements
- Career Education Certificates for industry professionals
- Teach For America (active in Kansas City and St. Louis)
Missouri salary context
Average teacher salary in Missouri: $53,490/year (rank #44 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $32,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Missouri salary guide for the breakdown.