Lern how to become a substitute teacher in Missouri

Missouri has a few distinct qualities that can make it a great state for substitute teachers:

Substitute teaching in Missouri: Fast facts

The student-teacher ratio in Missouri can vary depending on the district, but on average, it tends to hover around 14:1 to 16:1 in many districts. However, larger cities like St. Louis or Kansas City might see a higher ratio (closer to 20:1), while more rural areas often have smaller ratios, sometimes as low as 12:1 or even fewer.

Missouri generally strives to maintain a healthy balance, but there are some challenges, particularly in urban districts where overcrowding can be a concern. That said, Missouri has a relatively average student-teacher ratio compared to the national average, which helps create a more manageable environment for both students and teachers. Smaller, rural schools can offer more intimate classroom settings, which many substitute teachers enjoy since it can lead to better classroom management.

If you’d like to explore substitute teaching opportunities in Missouri, here are some facts to consider:

• Number of substitute teachers in Missouri: 10,350, or almost four people per 1,000 who live in the state
• Metro area with highest concentration of jobs in the U.S.: Ranked #6 in the U.S. for the Cape Girardeau area
• Median substitute salary in Missouri: $32,890
• Area for highest employment: Kansas City metro area
• Most common grade level taught: Elementary and secondary schools
• Degree needed to substitute teach in Missouri: At least, a high school diploma or GED, plus a 20-hour training course approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 

Steps to become a substitute teacher in Missouri

Becoming a substitute teacher in Missouri has a specific process, and the state has different education tiers based on the type of substitute teaching you’d like to do. Here’s a streamlined four-step process:

Meet basic eligibility requirements

To work as a substitute teacher in Missouri, you need at least a high school diploma, HiSET or GED. You must also successfully “complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of DESE-approved substitute teacher training that includes professionalism, honoring diversity, engaging students, foundational classroom management techniques, basic instructional strategies, supporting students with special needs and working with at-risk youth,” said Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA). However, to be a substitute teacher for longer assignments or in more specialized roles (like teaching high school subjects), you’ll generally need to have a bachelor’s degree. Some districts may hire you with just an associate degree and experience hours, but a bachelor’s degree may expand your opportunities. Some school districts may offer optional or mandatory substitute teacher training. While it’s not required by the state, this training can help you understand the district’s policies, classroom management techniques and specific curriculum details.

Complete a background check

All substitute teacher candidates must undergo a criminal background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and you may also need to complete a child abuse/neglect check. These checks are required to ensure safety within schools and compliance with state laws.

Apply for substitute teaching certification

Depending on the district, you’ll need to apply for a substitute teacher certificate through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). There are two tiers of certification:

• Classroom aide: If you only have a high school diploma or equivalent, you can work as a classroom aide, but this typically limits you to lower-level subjects or assistance roles.
• Substitute teacher: If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for the full substitute teaching certificate, which allows you to fill in for any subject, including high school teaching assignments.

Apply to desired school districts

Once you’ve received your certification, you’ll need to apply directly to the school districts where you’d like to work. Many districts require substitutes to be on a list or have an agreement with them before you can start working. Some districts may also require substitutes to attend orientation or training sessions before beginning work in the classroom.

Earning certification

In Missouri, substitute teachers can earn certification and specialize in certain areas based on their educational background, the types of roles they want to pursue and the level of teaching they are interested in. Here’s how to earn certification or specialize:

Basic substitute teacher certification

• Education requirement: To earn a basic substitute teacher certificate, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED. However, for higher-level teaching roles (like secondary school), a bachelor’s degree is typically required.
• Apply for certification: Once you meet the education requirement, you need to apply for a substitute teacher certificate through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This involves submitting an application, providing transcripts and passing background checks.

Steps:

• Complete an online application for a Substitute Teacher Certificate with DESE.
• Submit proof of your educational background (diploma, transcript or degree).
• Provide your fingerprints and go through the criminal background check.
• Pay any necessary fees (there may be a fee for applying or renewing).

Specialization and additional certifications

Missouri offers the following types of substitute teaching certification based on the level of education and subject areas you wish to specialize in:

• Standard substitute teacher certificate (for those with a high school diploma or GED): This allows you to substitute teach in general education classes, usually in elementary or middle school. It doesn’t require a higher education degree, but it limits you to certain roles.
• Substitute teacher certificate for bachelor’s degree holders: If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for a broader, more versatile substitute teaching certificate that allows you to fill in for more specialized teaching roles, including high school subjects. This certification is required for substitutes teaching secondary school (grades 9–12) or specialized subjects such as math or science.
• Long-term substitute certification: For substitutes who are taking on longer-term assignments (typically more than 30 days in one class), there is an option for a long-term substitute certificate. This requires an application process through DESE and could involve additional training, depending on the district. Long-term substitutes may be expected to take on full-time teaching duties, including lesson planning and grading.
• Specialized fields: Some substitutes may choose to specialize in certain subjects, such as special education or ESL. This typically requires additional certifications and coursework. For example, if you want to teach special education, you would need to obtain a specialized endorsement or certificate in that area, which requires coursework and possibly student teaching or other practical experience.
• STEM or other subject areas: If you’re interested in teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects at the high school level or other specialized subjects, you might pursue a subject area certification in that field. This could require passing exams in the subject and completing additional coursework.

Many school districts in Missouri also offer optional substitute teacher training programs or district-specific orientations that can provide insights into classroom management, working with specific populations of students and understanding the local curriculum. While not strictly required by the state, completing these training programs may improve your qualifications and increase your chances of being hired.

Renewing certification and continuing education

• Certification renewal: Substitute teacher certificates in Missouri are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. This may require submitting an updated background check or verifying continuing education if applicable. For long-term substitutes or those with specialized certifications, renewal requirements may vary depending on the district and the type of certification.
• Continuing education: For some specialized areas (like special education or ESL), you may be required to complete continuing education or professional development courses to maintain your certification. This can be done through DESE-approved programs or district-sponsored workshops.

Key steps for specialization:

• Renew your certification annually and pursue professional development to maintain and expand your qualifications.
• Obtain the standard substitute teacher certificate by meeting the basic education and certification requirements.
• Consider further certification or endorsements if you wish to specialize in fields like special education, ESL or specific high school subjects.
• Complete district-specific training (if available) to increase your qualifications and improve your classroom management skills.

Key points about Missouri reciprocity for substitute teachers

Missouri does offer reciprocity for substitute teachers from out of state, but there are some specific requirements that need to be met in order to transfer or recognize out-of-state credentials. Each district also sets its own pay scale, which could vary depending upon experience, certification and whether you’re teaching long-term or short-term assignments.

Substitute teacher certification reciprocity:

Missouri recognizes substitute teacher certifications from other states under certain conditions. However, out-of-state applicants are still required to go through a process with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to get approval to work as a substitute in Missouri.

If you have a valid substitute teaching certificate from another state, you may be eligible to receive a Missouri substitute certificate without needing to repeat some of the standard certification steps (like completing specific Missouri coursework or exams). Instead, you would generally need to provide proof of your current out-of-state certification.

Application process for out-of-state substitutes:

You’ll need to apply for a Missouri Substitute Teacher Certificate through the DESE, even if you’re coming from another state. The steps are similar to those for in-state applicants, but you’ll need to submit proof of your out-of-state certification or teaching credentials.

• Transcripts: You may need to provide transcripts or verification of your credentials from your previous state.
• Background check: Like in-state applicants, out-of-state applicants must undergo a criminal background check (including fingerprinting) and a child Abuse/neglect check. The process for background checks typically includes submitting fingerprints to Missouri’s Department of Public Safety or an approved vendor.
• Application fee: There may also be an application fee when submitting the necessary documents for certification.

District-specific requirements:

Even if Missouri recognizes your out-of-state certification, it’s important to note that some school districts may have additional requirements for hiring substitute teachers. For example, some districts may have their own orientation or training programs for substitutes that you’ll need to complete before you can start working.

Substitute teacher salaries in Missouri

Substitute teacher salaries in Missouri typically range from $80 to $150 per day, depending on the district, with larger urban areas like St. Louis or Kansas City offering slightly higher pay. The salary can also increase for long-term substitute positions, often reaching up to $180–$200 per day, said the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and school district websites. When considering the cost of living in Missouri—which is relatively lower than the national average—substitute teacher pay generally offers a decent standard of living, especially in smaller towns or rural areas where housing and general expenses tend to be more affordable. However, the salary may not go as far in more expensive urban areas.

Here’s how the BLS breaks down median salaries for substitute teachers in Missouri:

Job growth

The job growth outlook for substitute teachers in Missouri mirrors broader national trends, though there are a few specific factors that influence the state’s situation. According to the BLS, substitute teacher employment across the U.S. is projected to grow at an average rate of 1.6% through 2032, and Missouri is in line with the average growth rate for all occupations. Here are some factors that apply to Missouri’s jpb outlook for substitutes:

Teacher shortages: Missouri has been experiencing a teacher shortage in recent years, which has also impacted the availability of substitute teachers. Many districts, particularly in rural areas, face difficulties in filling teacher vacancies, leading to a greater reliance on substitutes. This shortage is expected to continue, contributing to a higher demand for substitutes.

Demand for substitutes:

• Increasing need: The demand for substitute teachers has risen as more districts face challenges with teacher retention and recruitment. During times of higher absenteeism (such as flu season or during professional development days, districts rely heavily on substitutes.
• Long-term substitutes: As the teacher shortage persists, there is an increasing demand for long-term substitutes who can take over classes for extended periods, sometimes even for an entire semester or school year. This creates additional job opportunities for substitutes willing to take on longer assignments.

Impact of COVID-19: While the pandemic has impacted teacher employment in various ways, the demand for substitutes remained high throughout the crisis, particularly when schools adopted hybrid or remote learning models that required additional teachers or aides. While the situation has stabilized, some districts may still experience staffing challenges, leading to continued demand for substitutes.

Substitute teacher groups to join in Missouri

While there isn’t a single, statewide organization exclusively for substitute teachers, there are professional organizations and affiliates that offer advocacy, resources and continuing education opportunities for substitutes. Here are a few you can consider: