What is it?

In response to the state-wide shortage of teachers trained to work with Visually Impaired students, Missouri State University has developed a state-wide alternative Visually Impaired Certification Program (VIP) which allows both currently certified teachers and candidates with a bachelor's degree but no certification to earn their initial certificate in Visually Impaired (Blind and Partially Sighted) Birth - Grade 12. This program has received full accreditation from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

In addition, candidates in states outside Missouri may enroll in the VIP program to earn certification in Missouri, and then work with their home state to transfer that certification to their state.  For more information on transferring certification from Missouri to your home state, click here.

 The VIP program allows students the option to teach on a Provisional Certificate in Missouri with Visually Impaired students while pursuing certification.  In order to offer the program throughout the state of Missouri, students complete 21 hours of masters level VI coursework online through Missouri State University and must complete both Praxis II exams for Cross Categorical Special Education*.  Those without a current teaching certificate also complete 12 hours of specific education coursework (and Praxis II #10280) at ANY College or University in Missouri with a teacher education program approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  Because this program is usually completed while working full-time, the program takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.  To view the list of courses required in this program, click here.

Additional coursework in Special Education and/or attendance at workshops may be needed to prepare you for successful completion of the Praxis II exams in Cross-Categorical Special Education (exam #20353 and #10542). 

Who is this program for?

The "VIP Alternative" was designed for candidates with a Bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.50 overall cumulative GPA to earn their initial teaching certificate in Visually Impaired in MISSOURI.  Both currently certified teachers and candidates with a bachelor's degree and no teaching certificate are eligible to apply for this program.  Missouri State Univeristy does not guarantee the transferability of this certificate to any other state.  Candidates who wish to transfer certification from Missouri to their home state should first contact the Department of Education in that state to determine the transferrability of this certificate.  Please click here to review the Post Baccaulaureate Teacher Certification admission criteria.

How do I apply for the VIP Program?

To begin the application process for the VIP program, click here to view the application process.

For more information on the Visually Impaired Certification Program (VIP), please contact the Coordinator of the VIP Program:

Scott Fiedler - Coordinator
Teacher Certification Office
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield MO  65897

Hill Hall, Room 203  417-836-8772
teachercertification@missouristate.edu