2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Missouri
Everything you need to know to earn a Missouri teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Missouri
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Missouri requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)Basic skills in reading, mathematics, writing, and science
- Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) Content ExamContent knowledge for your certification area
- MEGA Foundations of Reading (elementary)Reading instruction competency for K–8 teachers
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Initial Professional Certificate (valid 4 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Career Continuous Professional Certificate (5 years, renewable with PD hours) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Missouri
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC): Teach while completing requirements
- Career Education Certificates for industry professionals
- Teach For America (active in Kansas City and St. Louis)
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Missouri participates in the NASDTEC compact. Missouri MEGA exams are generally still required even with reciprocity.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Missouri?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Missouri teachers start around $32,000 and average $53,490 per year statewide.
Missouri Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Missouri — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Missouri DESE. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Missouri
- How do I become a teacher in Missouri?
- Missouri certification is administered by Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA), Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) Content Exam, MEGA Foundations of Reading (elementary)), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; 2–3 years with TAC while teaching.
- What exams are required to teach in Missouri?
- Missouri requires the following exams: 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). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Missouri teaching license valid?
- The initial Initial Professional Certificate is valid for 4 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Career Continuous Professional Certificate which is valid for 5 years, renewable with PD hours.
- Can I teach in Missouri with a license from another state?
- Missouri participates in the NASDTEC compact. Missouri MEGA exams are generally still required even with reciprocity.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Missouri?
- Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC): Teach while completing requirements; Career Education Certificates for industry professionals; Teach For America (active in Kansas City and St. Louis)