How do I transfer my certification to Missouri from another state or country?

In order to transfer a valid certificate from another state or another country to Missouri, you need to contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Jefferson City at 573-751-0051.  You will be requesting an "out of state packet".  You can also get this information on the DESE website by clicking here. 

What if I haven't quite finished my program in another state, but am moving to Missouri?

It is always easier to transfer a valid certificate from another state than to transfer the coursework you took toward a certification program at another college or university to one of the approved programs in Missouri.  For example, if you are two classes away from certification in Ohio, you have two options:

1.  Finish the courses in Ohio and get certified in that state.  You can work with the college or university you have been attending to substitute courses from a college or university in Missouri for a course required in their approved program.  They may or may not allow substitutions.  Once you get your program in Ohio (or any other state) completed, you will then transfer your certificate from that state to Missouri.  This option works best for those who are almost finished with their program in another state.

2.  Apply for the post-bac teacher certification at Missouri State University, and allow us to do a course-by-course analysis of the coursework you took in another program.  We will accept what we can, but may or may not accept all of your education coursework.  You will then take courses to complete OUR approved program for certification and we will then submit you to DESE for certification in Missouri.  If you only have a few education courses from another state, this may be a good option. However, if you are only a course or two away, you will want to finish the program in your home state.   

What if I'm not sure which way to go?

Feel free to contact the Teacher Certification office at Missouri State University at 417-836-8772 and one of us will discuss your options with you and walk you through the process.