JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri State Board of Education has approved a new path for substitute certification to address a continued shortage of substitute teachers statewide.
Instead of the previous requirement of 60 hours of college credit, those interested in obtaining a substitute certification must 1) hold a high school diploma (or GED or HiSET); 2) pass a background check; and 3) complete a 20-hour state-approved online training course. The online training covers topics such as professionalism, honoring diversity, engaging students, foundational classroom management techniques, basic instructional strategies, supporting students with special needs, and working with at-risk youth.
This new option for certification was put into place as an emergency amendment in 2020 and is now permanent, following a review of the effectiveness of the online training for substitute teaching and based upon the early success of the program and positive feedback from school leaders and other stakeholders.
The option is still available to attain a substitute teacher certificate if an individual has 60 college credit hours. These individuals do not have to complete the 20-hour online training.
Those interested in applying for a substitute teacher certification should call the Ste. Genevieve County R-II District Office at 573-883-4500 ext. 2005 to get started.
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