Facts about the Teachers of Tomorrow

On July 9, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68, authorizing another form of alternative certification of teachers in Missouri. The law took effect August 28, 2025. It allows persons who hold a certificate from Teacher for Tomorrow to be eligible for a regular Missouri teaching certificate in these areas:

Elementary Education  
Biology
Chemistry
English/Language Arts  
General Science
Mathematics 
Physics
Social Science

By law, Teachers of Tomorrow certificate-holders are NOT eligible for a regular Missouri license in the areas of Early Childhood Education or Special Education.

Candidates for the Teachers of Tomorrow certificate must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet Teachers of Tomorrow requirements;
• Earn a certificate from Teachers of Tomorrow;
• Complete a Missouri fingerprint background check; and
• Verify teaching/substitute experience. See form provided by DESE.
• All Teachers of Tomorrow candidates applying for a Missouri teaching certificate must also pass the designated Praxis assessment for their area of certification.

Successful applicants will be issued an Initial Professional Certificate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Once employed, Teachers of Tomorrow certificate-holders will be subject to the same mentoring and professional development requirements that apply to all new teachers in Missouri schools.

Application Procedure

Complete the online Teachers of Tomorrow application. In order to create a certification account (online profile) you will need to follow the Educator Certification System Help Guide. Submit remaining items on the Teachers of Tomorrow checklist (located on the Teachers of Tomorrow application) in one packet to DESE-Educator Certification, P. O. Box 480, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0480.

For More Information

Visit the Teachers of Tomorrow webpage to learn more about the Teachers of Tomorrow program, examination process, and fees.