Program Overview
University of Missouri-St. Louis: Teach in 12 Program
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers the Teach in 12 program, a path to teacher certification for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Teach in 12 program, candidates must have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for undergraduate work and 3.0 for graduate work. Additionally, all eligible candidates must have a passing score on the state-required exam in their area of study, which includes:
- Elementary education grades 1-6
- Art education grades K-12
- Music education grades K-12
- High school subject areas (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, social studies, English, Spanish, or French)
Earning a Master's Degree with Certification
In addition to earning teacher certification, candidates can also earn a Master of Education (MEd) through the program. The master's degree requires an additional three or four courses, depending on the certification area.
Application Process
Before applying, prospective students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to gain detailed information on the program. The application process involves submitting transcripts, including past coursework, but does not require the GRE or GMAT.
Required Tests
All candidates seeking educator certification in Missouri are required to achieve a passing score on the appropriate Missouri Praxis Exam before starting the Teach in 12 program.
Career Preparation
The Teach in 12 program prepares educators for a variety of careers in education, including teaching in K-12 settings, youth-serving organizations, museums, zoos, gardens, nature centers, after-school programs, tutoring/mentoring programs, businesses, and legislative offices.
Course Format
Most Teach in 12 teacher certification courses are offered online, while practicum and agency field experiences take place on-site at partner schools and agencies.
Student Teaching Practicum
Educator candidates complete two on-site practicum experiences within Studio Schools, which include public, private, and charter schools throughout the St. Louis region. Candidates are immersed in schools where they are regarded as full members of the staff and receive support and supervision from clinical educators.
Studio Schools
Studio schools are partner schools that use the Studio School Model for clinical practice. This model utilizes a "differentiated staffing" plan, where teams of candidates, clinical educators, teachers, and administrators collaborate to explore, envision, and enact innovative solutions that deepen learning and raise K-12 student achievement.
Assignment to Studio Schools
The Office of Clinical Experience assigns candidates to studio schools based on a survey of preferences and available site openings. In most instances, candidates complete both practicum experiences at the same studio school.
Field Experience in Community Agencies
UMSL collaborates with community agency partners to introduce candidates to a variety of options for careers in education. Candidates work with youth-serving agencies to support them in non-traditional settings and gain valuable practical knowledge by applying university course content to interactions with learners in agencies. All teacher candidates must complete 20 hours of field experience in a community agency.
Accreditation
The College of Education programs at the University of Missouri-St. Louis are accredited by CACREP, Counseling; NASP, School Psychology; and AAQEP Teacher Education.