The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accredits all teacher education programs in Missouri. The Annual Performance Report (APR) contains data for every completer in all of our MAE programs to ensure we meet the state standards. In terms of clinical hours (for example), in 2018-2019 our students had more than 85,000 hours. Truman State University’s Master of Arts in Education initial certification programs meet the obligations and mandates established by the state of Missouri for teacher certification with performance assessments, content exams, GPA requirements, and certification requirements.
Revised Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators (MoSPE) Missouri Educator Preparation Governance (Effective October 30, 2020)
The MoSPE Standards provide the framework for Educator Preparation Institutions offering programs leading to a recommendation for initial Missouri educator certification. Updates to the certification matrices may be sent to DESE for review. Changes in certification requirements can be reviewed by DESE.
A teacher who holds a valid Missouri professional teaching certificate may add areas of certification by completing the required coursework or by passing the appropriate designated assessment. Certification requirements differ by program and are listed in the approved DESE certification matrices. Truman State University and especially the Department of Education, helps students plan their programs to meet certification requirements for the add-on certifications.
Truman currently has three active DESE-approved add-on certification programs (ELL/ESOL K-12, Gifted K-12, and Health K-12) and one inactive program (Special Reading K-12).
The ESOL K-12 endorsement is an add-on certification program for certified teachers and Master of Arts in Education (MAE) teacher candidates who desire to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). For students who will earn an initial certification through the MAE, the program consists of nine courses (combination of undergraduate and graduate courses) listed in the approved DESE curriculum matrix including the ESOL internship which is normally completed in conjunction with the teacher candidate’s primary internship.
Gifted K-12 certification requirements include having valid Missouri teacher certification and two years of teaching experience. The applicant must achieve a score equal to or greater than the qualifying score on the required exit assessment(s) as defined in 5 CSR 20-400.310 and 5 CSR 20-400.440, but currently, Missouri has no exit exam for gifted certification. Professional coursework for this online program includes a minimum of 25 credit hours which are listed on the approved DESE matrix.
For the Health K-12 endorsement, students must take four required health courses and nine hours of electives which overlap with the Exercise Science curriculum as approved by DESE on the matrix. If students do not complete the courses, they can still take the content test and apply for the add-on certification after the initial Physical Education K-12 certification is issued.
Applicants must meet certification requirements in effect at the time of application.
To add certification by coursework, candidates will need to submit an online “Additional” application, and copies of transcripts must be mailed if transcripts are not currently on file with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. To add certification by assessment, candidates will need to obtain Missouri’s passing score on the designated assessment. Candidates then will need to complete and submit an online “Additional” application. DESE receives all official score reports directly from the testing company.
Curriculum Matrices for Certification
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) specifies the proficiencies for certification programs to be state-approved. The matrices include two requirements for all certification programs: Professional Requirements and Field and Clinical Experiences. The matrices for K-12 and Secondary Education programs also require a third area: Content Knowledge. The matrices for Elementary and Special Education integrate Content Knowledge into the Professional Requirements. The MAE diligently works to develop and continually refine curriculum through governing bodies on-campus, which can then be examined and approved upon request by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. As of Spring 2021, the matrices are no longer reviewed by DESE but EPPs are expected to continue to meet the state certification requirements detailed on the matrices. DESE will review curriculum matrices upon request from an EPP.
Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA)
Missouri Content Area Exams (first administered on September 2, 2014) are exit assessments that must be completed by Missouri candidates for certification. Several faculty have served on committees to review the content of the exams. The exams cost approximately $73-$100 and once completers are certified in their primary area of study, they can take any exam and become certified in those areas if they meet a passing score on the exam. Truman State University receives thirteen $25 vouchers from DESE to support students who have financial need. In the summer of 2021, DESE offered additional vouchers for Truman students for a total of $1,375 (29 vouchers ranging from $25-$75).
Missouri Standards-Based Performance Assessments (MEES)
Missouri Standards-Based Performance Assessments (MEES) are designed to demonstrate performance in content, coursework, and field experiences during the candidate’ student teaching internship(s).
The Missouri Teacher Standards convey the expectations of performance for professional teachers in Missouri. The standards are based on teaching theory indicating that effective teachers are caring, reflective practitioners and life-long learners who continuously acquire new knowledge and skills and are constantly seeking to improve their teaching practice to provide high academic achievement for all students. The standards recognize that teachers continuously develop knowledge and skills. Therefore, the Missouri Teacher Standards employ a developmental sequence to define a professional continuum that illustrates how a teacher’s knowledge and skills mature and strengthen throughout the career. Teaching professionals are expected to supply good professional judgment and to use these standards to inform and improve their own practice.
Candidates must meet or exceed the minimum passing score of 42 in order to be recommended for certification. Teacher Candidates must earn a combined summative score (which includes scores from the University Supervisor and mentor teacher) of 42 points on the MEES assessment. DESE does not expect that preservice teachers will score a 4 on the MEES standards, but will exhibit the skill level of a 2 or 3. The MAE aspires to have students earn a 3.
Grade Point Average Requirements
Previously, all candidates for certification had to have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. (Removal of the cumulative overall GPA was approved by the Missouri State Board of Education effective in summer 2021.) Professional education coursework and content area coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale upon graduation of the MAE.
A GPA is computed by dividing total quality points by the total semester hours attempted. “Totals” include all coursework attempted from all colleges attended.
- A higher grade earned in the same course that was repeated at the same institution will replace the first grade in the computation.
- Credits earned with a Pass/Fail grade are not counted.
Missouri Certification Requirements
Missouri has several methods for an individual to enter the education profession with a “certificate of license to teach”. Since Truman candidates are recommended for initial certification only after completing the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) the traditional route is followed: an individual completes a four-year, college-recommended course of study, does student teaching, passes the designated assessment test, and graduates with a bachelor’s [master’s at Truman] degree in a field of education and is issued an initial certificate.
To be recommended for certification, candidates must meet all Certification Requirements:
- Successfully complete a baccalaureate degree at Truman or transfer a baccalaureate degree from another institution.
- Successfully complete academic programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels with courses to fulfill competencies for professional requirements, content knowledge, and field and clinical experiences leading to professional educator certification.
- Take Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) for the certification area and achieve a minimum score of 220.
- Complete Missouri Standards-Based Performance Assessments (MEES) during student teaching internship and earn a combined Summative Score) of 42 points assessment.
- Submit transcripts from Truman State University and all institutions from which credits were transferred to and accepted by Truman.
- Check fingerprint/background status for expiration date