State Teacher Certification

DESE Online Profile & Applications

All candidates seeking initial state certification or provisional certification must complete an online profile and application on the DESE website.

Legal Name Change on DESE Profile

To change your name with DESE, you will need to complete this form and include a photocopy of documentation that supports the name change (driver’s license, marriage license, etc.). Mail the completed form and documentation to:
DESE
ATTN: Educator Certification
PO Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Initial State Certification

Please contact the School of Education and Child Development at (417) 873-7271 for questions regarding state certification. Please refer to the DESE website for more information.

Praxis

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) uses the Praxis exam through ETS for certification. Candidates must take the Praxis exam in their content area in order to be certified.

DESE Praxis Guide: dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/praxis-guide-epps

PRAXIS Exams: praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/missouri-tests.html

Additional Areas of Certification

Individuals who hold a current Missouri teacher certificate may acquire certification in additional areas by successfully completing the appropriate Praxis Assessment designated for the additional area of certification.

General State Certification Requirements

Completion of an approved program of study
2.75 overall GPA (for all post-secondary institutions)
3.0 Content GPA
Passing Praxis score in appropriate area
Valid fingerprint clearance

Certification Verification for Other States

If verification of Drury’s recommendation for initial state certification is needed for licensure in a state other that Missouri, please mail the verification forms and a stamped/addressed envelope to the Coordinator of Teacher Certification. Information can be mailed to:

Drury University
Lay Hall
900 North Benton
Springfield, MO 65802

Drury University offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate educator preparation programs that lead to professional educator certification in the State of Missouri. All educator certification programs are approved by the Missouri State Board of Education and meet the state’s standards for educator preparation.

Because educator licensure and certification requirements vary by state and territory, completion of a Missouri-approved educator preparation program does not automatically qualify graduates for certification in another state. Many states participate in reciprocity agreements that make transferring a teaching credential relatively straightforward, although additional coursework, examinations, or other requirements may apply.

Students who plan to seek educator certification or licensure outside of Missouri are encouraged to contact the University’s Certification Officer early in their program to discuss the requirements of the state or territory in which they intend to practice. Please note that states use different terminology, with some referring to licensure and others to certification, and requirements are subject to change.

Because state requirements may change without notice, prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to review the official educator licensure website for the state or territory in which they plan to seek employment. For assistance interpreting state requirements or planning for certification in another state, please contact the University’s Certification Officer.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Substitute Certification

In order to apply for a substitute certificate in Missouri, follow the procedure on the DESE website.

Provisional & Alternative State Certification

This route to certification only applies to students who are within 12 credit hours of completing an approved program of study leading to initial state certification and who have a confirmed offer of employment by a school district to teach in the appropriate content area. Students admitted to the DATSE program may also qualify. Please contact the School of Education and Child Development at (417) 873-7271 to discuss this option.

Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC)
The TAC is an alternative route to certification provided by DESE. The TAC is not a Drury program, but the School of Education and Child Development provides the courses required by DESE to meet the competencies for mild/moderate cross-categorical special education (K-12), middle school (5-9), secondary (9-12), and K-12 certification areas. The TAC does not apply to elementary education (1-6). Please refer to the DESE website for more information.

The required courses through Drury for special education and middle school, secondary, and K-12 are linked below.

If you are interested in taking courses to meet the DESE TAC competencies linked above please contact the School of Education and Child Development at (417) 873-7271 to seek enrollment approval.

Teacher Certification Grade Requirements

Admission to Teacher Education

Two writing composition courses and one communication course, completed with grades of C or higher
All foundations courses completed or in process with a B or higher
- EDUC 200
- EDUC 208 (must be Satisfactory)
- EDUC 205
- EDUC 207
- EDUC 212/213 (must be Satisfactory)
- EDUC 302

DESE Certification Requirements

All education courses completed with a grade of B or better (Satisfactory for any S/U courses)
Professional (all education courses) GPA of at least 3.0
For middle school and secondary candidates, content GPA of at least 3.0

For graduate candidates:

Overall GPA of at least 3.0

Graduate Student Grade Requirements

Students with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00 are automatically placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation are subject to possible dismissal from the graduate program.

Graduate students are expected to do work of high caliber and standards. Receiving a grade below a “B-” requires the student to meet with the graduate program director and discuss academic performance. Any student receiving two grades below a “B-” will be dismissed from the program.

Graduate students also seeking state teacher certification must meet the grade criteria listed under Certification Grade Requirements above.

For questions regarding certification requirements or admission to teacher education, contact Natalie Precise at nprecise@drury.edu or (417) 873-7874.