Facts about the ABCTE Certification Process
On May 1, 2008, Governor Matt Blunt signed Senate Bill 1066, authorizing another form of alternative certification of teachers in Missouri. The law took effect August 28, 2008. It allows persons who hold a certificate from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) to be eligible for a regular Missouri teaching certificate in these areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English/Language Arts
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- U.S./World History
By law, ABCTE certificate-holders are NOT eligible for a regular Missouri license in the areas of early childhood education, elementary education or special education.
Candidates for the ABCTE-based certificate must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree and meet ABCTE requirements;
- Earn a certificate from ABCTE;
- Complete a Missouri Background Check; and
- Verify teaching/substitute experience (60 classroom hours). See form provided by DESE.
Successful applicants will be issued an Initial Professional Certificate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Once employed, ABCTE certificate-holders will be subject to the same mentoring and professional development requirements that apply to all new teachers in Missouri schools.
Application Procedure
Application forms for the ABCTE-based certificate are available through the online Certification system.
For More Information
Visit www.ABCTE.org to learn more about the ABCTE program, examination process, and fees.
The Educator Certification System located within DESE Web Applications provides users with access to each of the following:
- Apply for a certificate
- Print out a certificate
- View a certificate or pending application
- View Praxis scores
- Check fingerprint/background status
Educator Certification System Help Guide
