The Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS) provides competency-based learning for educators at all career stages. Developed through a collaborative effort involving the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, teacher associations, Missouri's Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs), school districts, and universities, MTDS is strategically aligned with the Missouri Educator Evaluation System, including the Missouri Teacher Standards, and relevant state regulations, Missouri Code of State Regulations, and ISTE Standards for Educators.
- Grow Your Own (GYO) Statewide
Missouri students need great teachers, and your role in building the next generation of educators is essential. Together, we can help shape the future of Missouri’s teaching workforce. Regional Grow Your Own networks are designed to connect district GYO program designers and facilitators through active collaborative groups, promote resource and information sharing among colleagues, and create opportunities that inspire students to pursue careers in education—all while using the Aspiring Level state competencies as a foundation.
If you are a designer or facilitator of a GYO club, chapter, or class, these sessions will allow you to connect with other leaders who work with future educators, hear from relevant guest speakers, learn about resources and opportunities to support your program, and share the exciting work happening in your group. Regional networking sessions strengthen the implementation and growth of GYO teacher recruitment programs in Missouri school districts and charter schools. These gatherings are facilitated by Sandy Humbyrd, the state MTDS GYO Coordinator, a former Ed Pathways Dual Credit Class Teacher and Ed Club Sponsor, who completed doctoral research on Missouri’s GYO programs.
- TeachNow Alternative Certification Institute
Join the TeachNow Alternative Certification Institute, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), and receive comprehensive support and preparation for your teaching career through non-traditional certification pathways.
Our institute covers essential topics, including lesson planning strategies, aligning objectives with district curriculum and Missouri Learning Standards, research-based classroom management techniques, and effective classroom practices. You'll also learn important vocabulary, acronyms, and codes of conduct that teachers are expected to know, along with other topics tailored to the group's specific needs.
Please note that this program is not a substitute for the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program, nor is it an alternative route to certification.
Register now to embark on your journey to becoming an effective educator!
- Beginning Teachers Assistance Program (BTAP) Year 1
Join the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 1 (BTAP Year 1), part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), and receive ongoing learning and support, meeting and exceeding the state's certification requirements.
This competency-based program offers networking with other new teachers and educational consultants, just-in-time learning for critical firsts, awareness of the phases of a new teacher, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of legal rights and responsibilities for educators.
The program emphasizes key MTDS Competencies such as building culturally responsive relationships, creating and managing a productive learning environment, developing research-based instruction, and engaging students in content.
- Teacher Academy
Congratulations on completing your first year of the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP)! The learning never stops, and BTAP Year 2 is here to support your continued growth. This program, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System, is open to any teacher who has completed the first year of a BTAP in Missouri and meets the state's certification requirements for the second year.
This MTDS competency-based opportunity provides on-demand learning aligned with Mike Rutherford's MTDS series, consultant support, and networking with other teachers. The program emphasizes lesson design with differentiation to meet unique student needs, planning student progress monitoring, and working in a community of practice.
Join us to continue your journey as an emerging teacher and build on the success of your first year.
- Teacher Academy Year 2: Powerful Task Design
Support your professional growth as a mid-career teacher with Teacher Academy Year 2: Powerful Task Design, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS). This program includes a statewide event featuring national expert John Antonetti and is designed for teachers with a strong desire for continuous professional improvement. It is required that participants complete the MTDS Teacher Academy before enrolling.
This competency-based opportunity provides access to experts, a copy of John Antonetti’s book "Powerful Task Design," consultant support, and networking with other teachers.
Teacher Academy Year 2 emphasizes key MTDS Competencies such as engaging in ongoing reflective practice, developing research-based instruction, and understanding and promoting the profession.
Join us to enhance your teaching skills and connect with a community of dedicated educators.
- Mastering Foundations of Mentoring
Support your growth as a mentor teacher with Mastering: Foundations of Mentoring, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS). This program provides the guidance and tools teachers need to successfully embrace their responsibilities as mentors.
This competency-based program offers comprehensive support for mentor teachers, including coaching, observation, and feedback training. Participants receive consultant guidance, regional networking opportunities, and practical strategies to enhance classroom practice. The program also meets the state mentor training requirement outlined in the Missouri Mentor Guidelines and incorporates Mike Rutherford’s 7 Tools to promote non-evaluative, constructive feedback from mentors to teachers.
Mastering: Foundations of Mentoring emphasizes key MTDS Competencies such as managing a classroom, being a professional, designing instruction, and reflecting on practice.
Join us to enhance your mentoring skills and support the next generation of teachers.