Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Missouri limits the usage and providers of its alternate routes.
Missouri's alternate routes can only be used for certification to teach certain grade levels and subject areas. The Temporary Authorization Certificate cannot be used for elementary education grades 1-6, early childhood, birth-grade 3 or early childhood special education certification.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) candidates may only teach in the areas of English, biology, chemistry, general science, mathematics, physics and U.S/world history.
With the exception of ABCTE, Missouri only allows institutions of higher education having state-approved conventional professional education programs to offer alternate route programs. Coursework requirements are set out only in credit hours, effectively precluding non-higher education providers. Further, accreditation for innovative and alternative professional education programs is evaluated on the same standards as traditional institutions.
Broaden alternate route usage.
Missouri should reconsider grade-level and subject-area restrictions on its alternate route. Alternate routes should not be programs of last resort for hard-to-staff subjects, grade levels or geographic areas but rather a way to expand the teacher pipeline throughout the state.
Expand the diversity of alternate route providers.
Missouri is commended for supporting licensure through completion of the ABCTE program. The state should continue to consider policies that encourage additional providers, such as school districts and other nonprofit organizations, to operate programs.
Missouri recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state asserted that alternative routes to certification are permissible in Missouri as one way to earn a teachers certificate in a high-need content area and/or geographic area and that a school district and/or other nonprofit organization may present an educator preparation program for approval.