Earn Your Degree While You Teach
The UMSL Teach in Residency Program is a two-year graduate-level program and apprentice pathway designed for those who wish to teach and earn their degree at the same time. Candidates earn a full teacher salary and benefits while simultaneously taking their required certification coursework at UMSL. Interested candidates must have previously completed a bachelor’s degree in any area with at least 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Before enrolling in the program, our advisors will assist you to:
- Complete eligibility screening with a program advisor
- Complete the process for becoming fully eligible, including:
- Scheduling and passing the Missouri Praxis Exam in the content area you want to teach
- Applying for and being hired as a Missouri teacher of record in your certification area at a DESE-approved school district
- Applying to the UMSL Graduate School for the UMSL Teach in Residency Program
- Applying for provisional certification from DESE
While in the program, candidates are required to:
- Remain employed with their district for two years
- Stay actively engaged in all courses and complete all certification requirements
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no course grades below a 'C'
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion, candidates will be recommended for Missouri initial teaching certification (IPC). Once granted, this certification allows you to teach in any school district in Missouri. Candidates will also receive a nationally recognized teacher apprentice certificate.
Optional Master's Degree
Many teacher candidates also complete four additional classes to earn a Master of Education with an emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies. Most school districts offer a salary increase for having your master's degree.
Contact Us to Learn More
Because this program requires coordination between the candidate, the hiring district, UMSL, and DESE, several steps are needed to become fully eligible (please see the Eligibility Checklist for details). Your advisor will guide you through the eligibility, hiring, and certification processes. Potential candidates are encouraged to reach out to one of our advisors early in the process to discuss their plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through our frequently asked questions for answers to common questions about the Teach in Residency program. Also, check out our program Eligibility Checklist for more details.
Certification Areas
Review sample degree plans and explore our teacher certification tracks below.
