I live in MO and I have a masters & would like to teach, should I go back to school to get a certificate?

Question

I just finished my master in sociology and want to teach social sciences. I know I have to take a test, is that all I would need to do? Do I have to student teach? What would it take to transition to do it?

Answer 1

You absolutely must do the work to obtain your certificate for the state of Missouri, no question on that.  

Answer 2

Here is the document for your states certification.

It is more than tests - you need curriculum and methods courses as well as your student teaching.

http://dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/rulesregs/E...

often, these documents are hard to figure out if youve never read them before - here is your states certification faq:

http://dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/teachcer...

Short version is: you need to find a teacher credentialing program.

I did not include any information about alternative entry programs  - as you did not state which district you are interested in (usually only larger urban districts support this because of the need for teachers) but here is the job listing website::

http://www.successlink.org/jobs/

Answer 3

You could work as a substitute while you're working on your certification. A lot of places have programs where you can teach and work on your certification at the same time.