Once you have completed all requirements for certification through one of our approved programs at Missouri State, the Teacher Certification Office will recommend you for certification in Missouri.  Initial certificates in Missouri are back-dated to one of the following dates:

Application Received by DESE	Date Certification  Effective
December 1 - April 30	January 1
May 1 - July 31	June 1
August 1 - November 30	August 15

It typically takes 3-4 weeks after you have completed your last requirement for the Teacher Certification Office to verify  final grades on transcripts, complete the certification paperwork and submit all materials to DESE.   The day your paperwork is sent to DESE, a confirmation letter will be sent to you verifying that you have been recommended for certification in Missouri.  This letter should be included with your application materials for teaching positions, and should be given to your hiring school district as confirmation that you have been recommended.  The school district will keep this letter in your human resources file as verification that you will be certified until your actual certificate arrives.