Teach Residency Admission Checklist

Step 1: Submit initial screening survey

During screening, we will review your academic history and determine your options moving forward in the program. Screening link: http://umsl.edu/go/tir-screen

Step 2: Schedule your Praxis certification exam

Schedule your exam date via the ETS Praxis website and send your advisor the exam date.

Step 3: Study for the Praxis Exam and Pass

After your exam, wait for unofficial results and note your score. After you leave, email your advisor with your unofficial results. Once the official results are released your advisor will provide you with an eligibility letter that you can attach to your teaching applications.

Step 4: Apply to the UMSL Graduate School, Teach in Residency Program

The application deadlines are Fall – July 1 and Spring – December 1. Follow the exact application directions provided via email. Let your advisor know once you submit your application.

AFTER you pass the Praxis exam, you can move on to steps 5-6.

Step 5: Apply to school districts for teaching positions in your certification area

You must apply for a “Teacher of Record” position (NOT a sub, para, aid, interventionist, etc.). Attach your eligibility letter to your applications. See the district partner flyer. Let your advisor know when/where you apply.

Step 6: Get hired as a Teacher

Let your advisor know as soon as you get an offer and plan to accept

AFTER you secure a teaching position, we will move on to steps 7-11.

Step 7: Sign an academic contract between you, the hiring school district, and UMSL

DESE requires this as supporting documentation for provisional certification. It will be sent electronically. It outlines the responsibilities of each party, the coursework that must be taken for certification, and your course schedule. Your advisor will be automatically notified once you sign.

Step 8: Apply for Provisional Certification with DESE

This is a temporary certification that allows you to teach for two years. It is tied to your hiring district and it is not valid anywhere else. Remember, you must stay with your district for 2 years while you complete coursework toward your Initial Professional Certification. Your advisor will send you directions on how to correctly apply. Let your advisor know once you submit for certification so we can coordinate its approval. 

Step 9: Complete Pre-Service Training

There is a free mandatory pre-service training that must be completed so that you are prepared to start teaching. It is all online and you can work at your own pace so long as it is completed before the start of the semester. Your advisor will send you directions to complete the training. Once you finish the training, email your advisor the certificate.

Step 10: Your advisor will enroll in UMSL courses

Each semester, your advisor will send you an email requesting consent to enroll you in your scheduled coursework for the upcoming semester. You will never enroll yourself. You must complete the enrollment consent form using the link provided each semester.

Step 11: Begin teaching & taking coursework at UMSL

Your advisor will support you along the way throughout the program. Make sure that you are staying up to date in your coursework. You must remain in good academic standing, have no grades below a ‘C,’ and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.